Ben Rattray
About Ben Rattray
Ben Rattray is the Founder and CEO of Change.org, where he has led efforts to enhance digital tools for global democracies. He has been recognized as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People and Fortune's 40 Under 40 for his contributions to social justice and activism.
Work at Change.org
Ben Rattray served as Founder and CEO of Change.org from 2005 to 2020, a period of 15 years. He led the organization’s strategic vision, focusing on enhancing digital tools to improve global democracies. After a brief tenure as Founder and Executive Chair from 2020 to 2023, he resumed the role of CEO in 2023. Under his leadership, Change.org has become a significant platform for social change, empowering individuals to advocate for various causes.
Education and Expertise
Ben Rattray holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Stanford University, where he studied from 1998 to 2002. He furthered his education at The London School of Economics and Political Science, earning a Master of Science degree in 2003. His academic background provides a foundation for his work in social change and technology, enabling him to understand the complexities of political and economic systems.
Background
Before founding Change.org, Ben Rattray initially pursued a career in finance. His transition to social activism was driven by a strong interest in social justice. This background has informed his approach to leveraging technology for social impact, allowing him to effectively advocate for various causes through digital platforms.
Achievements
Ben Rattray has been recognized as one of Fortune's 40 Under 40 rising young business leaders and has been named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. His contributions to social change and technology have been acknowledged through various accolades, reflecting his impact on the field. He frequently speaks at conferences and events, discussing the intersection of technology and social change.