Meet the new generation of Diana Award recipients
This year’s Diana Award recipients represent some of the most inspirational young people from across the UK and around the world. These exceptional young people have demonstrated their ability to inspire and mobilise new generations to serve their communities and create long-lasting change on a global scale
This roll of honour was empowered through a British Airways Crowdfunder by: Milan Paul Kumar BCyA; Dimitrios Varsamis; Hannah Walton; Cassandra Johnson, and Charles Combes
Ghalia Aamer is the founder of 'TalkMaze', an organisation that provides debate training and self-confidence opportunities to students globally. She has led a team of over 30 to train thousands of youth and reach over 3.5 million people through video content. Ghalia is also a professional speaker, inspiring thousands at talks internationally, including at four TEDx events. As the youngest Canadian delegate to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Summit, Ghalia presented 21 policy recommendations to the Canadian G20 Sherpa. Ghalia is a champion for young and underrepresented entrepreneurs and has had a significant impact on education policy and youth empowerment.
Favour, from Southern Nigeria, has created 'The Girl Up Project' to address the issue of teenage pregnancy and girls dropping out of school in Africa. Through support programs, advocacy and mentorship initiatives, Favour has reached over 5,000 teenage girls and helped over 3,600 teen mums to lead a better life – She has provided second chance education for 27 teen mothers. Favour has raised over $3,000 in funding and implemented programmes such as the food bank project, skill development and strategic town hall meetings for teen mums. She leads a team of over 30 volunteers to create impact.
Ahnaf and their friends founded 'Bhoroshasthol', a nonprofit organisation aimed at helping the underprivileged in Bangladesh. They have assisted over 30,000 people across 10 districts, providing meals, tube wells, vans, and sewing machines. 'Bhoroshasthol' has made a significant social impact, raising donations and providing aid during COVID-19, floods, and cold winters. Ahnaf's vision shifted from short-term fixes to long-term solutions, and they initiated the idea to establish the 'DRMC Social Service Club' to encourage student participation in community service. Despite facing challenges due to their young age, them and their team members are extremely devoted to their only objective of lessening the amount of suffering in the world.
Oyindamola is a fourth year medical student, social entrepreneur, mentor, and co-founder of the 'Black Excellence Network'. Despite facing personal challenges, they have demonstrated initiative, determination, and perseverance in achieving her goals and guiding others towards success. Through the network, Oyinda has worked tirelessly to close the black educational attainment gap, providing mentorship and consultations to others who are building social enterprises. They have had a significant impact in education and career development, empowering individuals to achieve their goals and make a difference. Oyinda has taken ownership of their activities, working with various organisations to create positive change and inspire others to do the same. Their work has been recognised by different organisations, and they have been named one of the Top 5 Black Students in the UK.
Fikayo is an inspiring community leader who has made a significant impact in Toronto through their organisation, ‘Project Impacting Lives’ (PIL). They have provided care packages, awarded scholarships, distributed toys and bicycles, and created a funfair to help homeless individuals and low-income families. Fikayo's work has also helped reduce youth homelessness in Toronto, and they have inspired young people to create change in their communities. Through 'PIL', they have' raised over $12,000 to purchase warm clothing, toothbrushes, and emergency blankets for those in need, as well as dedicating their time to mentoring students and helped them secure internship opportunities.
Amey Agarwal, who battled nephrotic syndrome for 15 years, has dedicated themself to raising awareness and providing assistance for those affected by the condition. Through their non-profit organisation, 'Nephrohelp', they raised funds and sponsorships, enabling successful kidney transplants for two children. Amey has helped over 300 families with medicine and necessities, donated masks to hospitals, and organised awareness campaigns and health check-up camps. Their inspiring actions have earned recognition from prestigious sources and motivated others to get involved and they've even co-authored a book raising awareness about nephrotic syndrome.
Aryan is a dedicated and passionate student who has made a significant impact on their community through innovative ideas. He is the co-founder of 'Parivarthan Foundation', which provides meals to those in need and works towards sustainable initiatives. Aryan has also served as the 'Sustainability Ambassador of CHS', started the 'CHS Eco-Club', and launched various campaigns to reduce waste. They have inspired others through ther leadership and have learned valuable skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Aryan's commitment to serving their community has been rewarding and has led to character development and personal growth.
Abdullah is a social worker, youth trainer, and human rights advocate who has dedicated their life to empowering and supporting marginalised communities in Bangladesh. As Managing Director and a founding member of the 'Pathchola Foundation', Abdullah challenges discriminatory social norms and strives to create an equal and discrimination-free world that is safe for everyone. Abdullah has organised wellbeing summits, advocated for health services for marginalised communities during COVID-19, and facilitated skill development workshops for minority youth. Abdullah’s tireless efforts have helped to reach more than 3,500 of the most marginalised people in their community.
Through their 'Edu Mission' project, Adithya has supported the education of over 400 tribal students in India for the past four years. They aim to create a peaceful and resilient society by improving the living conditions of these students and providing them with essential resources. Adithya's eco-friendly initiatives, charity events, and environmental activities have had a positive social impact, benefiting various communities. They have also raised funds to distribute 500 food kits to blue-collar workers, providing 800 meals to the homeless and hospitalised patients, as well as actively participating in breast cancer awareness walkathons and white cane walks to raise public awareness.
Amaleehah Aslam-Forrester is a UK-based gender equality activist, youth leader and digital change-maker. Amaleehah has led projects tackling gender-based violence with 'Integrate UK’, developed educational films and designed and delivered workshops for students and professionals promoting gender and racial equality. Amaleehah uses digital platforms to empower women and girls and raise awareness of gender based-violence, aspiring to create a fair society. Amaleehah supports young activists with ‘UK Youth’ to lead social change through the national #iwill movement. Amaleehah’s passion for social justice and ability to inspire others through sharing her lived experience, has a profound impact on individuals and communities, making them an excellent role model.
Gunisha is a passionate advocate for educational equality and climate action. During the COVID pandemic, they founded the 'HELP Chennai initiative', which has helped over 600 underprivileged students access online education by providing digital devices. Gunisha believes in empowering young people through education and has led outreach programmes for marginalised children. Gunisha advocated for increasing climate change awareness and female representation in climate action as a consultant for She Changes Climate. Gunisha's commitment and resourcefulness have enabled them to make a positive difference in her community and become a role model for their peers.
Joy is a passionate and ambitious student with a strong vision for positive social impact. He has founded 'Project Gyan', an initiative to provide explorative/experiential STEM & tribal entrepreneurship education to underprivileged students, which has now reached over 3,000 people, demonstrating excellent leadership skills and has inspired others through TEDx talks and recognition at national events. He has also developed a unique application for finding eye prescriptions and plans to focus on optimising it for remote India. Through his journey, Joy has learned the importance of effective communication, gained valuable soft skills, and developed a deeper understanding of social issues.
Oladotun, a 21-year-old Nursing student co-founded Students on LinkedIn and its focus is on reaching out to university students worldwide. He has over 2 million impressions on LinkedIn and through his work with 'Students on LinkedIn', he has increased the number of students maximising the platform for career opportunities by 65 percent. He has organised programmes that reached students in Africa to fill the knowledge gap about the platform and has used his network to help marginalised communities access global opportunities. Oladotun's impact has changed the narrative and his inspired his peers to maximize the platform for Career development.
Olalekan is a resilient and determined hero who, despite losing their father at the age of 9 and lacking resources, strove to get the best education possible. They are now a lawyer in equity and have positively impacted over 10,000 Africans with their works and stories. Olalekan founded 'Project Africa Now' (PAN) to help poor struggling students attain better education and useful life skills. 'PAN' has trained 3,500 young Africans across 18 African countries and impacted 2,000 young school children in rural communities. Olalekan is a model of influential leadership and a rare breed deserving of recognition.
Haya Al-Kubati is a dedicated young leader promoting good health and well-being, currently a medical student and one of the most active Fellows of 'Awareness 360'. They have selflessly volunteered over 6000 hours in multiple organisations in order to benefit their community in Yemen, focusing on helping girls and women access health services and awareness. Haya's volunteering efforts have impacted over 20,000 people, including organizing and volunteering in multiple projects such as breast cancer awareness, drug abuse, gender norms, reproductive health and rights, psychological support, recycling clothes bank, diabetic camp, tree planting campaigns, and more. They have received recognition as the '2022 Fellow of the Year' and have developed strong leadership, communication, and storytelling skills through their service journey.
Rafsi Albar is a student with a passion for education that has earned them recognition as an inspiring figure in Indonesia. While still in college, Rafsi and a team of their peers created 'FlashCampus', an opportunity and mentoring platform which, today, connects over 2,500 students with 100 high-achieving mentors and partners with more than 10 student organisations. The platform offers free peer mentoring, levelling the playing field for students without the privilege of connections in high places. Through this and other initiatives, like Aspiratif.id, a platform that facilitates the exchange of perspectives, they have impacted thousands of students across Indonesia. And it’s just the beginning; Rafsi's dream is to become a prominent leader in education and inspire youth empowerment.
Vania is a youth leader who has been representing youth globally. Vania advocates for quality education and vulnerable people’s rights as she has overcome personal and structural challenges. Vania has been advocating mentoring 450 young people in Lima, Peru; and as a UNICEF Peer Mentor internationally. Currently, she is the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Officer at MYCP. Vania has impacted over 10,000 low-income youth, constructing schools, caring for vulnerable individuals during COVID-19, and raising awareness of climate change's impact on indigenous communities. Motivated by her own educational background barriers and cultural underrepresentation, Vania passionately advocates for indigenous, young migrant rights, and justice for all. Vania’s motto is, ‘‘the opposite of love isn't hate, it is apathy.’’
Ali is a compassionate and empathetic individual who works towards creating unity and understanding between different groups of people and society and nature. He initiated community service activities and raised awareness of environmental issues at a young age and is now instrumental in the development of the entrepreneurial community at their university and locality. Ali has a wide-ranging intellect, passion, and creativity that allows him to see the links between different ecosystems and he motivates others to open themselves up to new perspectives and take risks. Ali has made a significant social impact through charity and entrepreneurial activities and is an inspiration to his peers.
Tanatswa is a mental health advocate in Zimbabwe. Before completing their psychology degree, they volunteered and engaged in panels, earning recognition in the field. They founded the 'Ndinewe Foundation', providing mental health education to marginalised urban areas. Their work reached over 7,200 people through social media, while 200 young people have received support and workshops. Tanatswa's advocacy has led to collaborations with the Ministry of Youth, the police, and professional psychologists. They also influenced national policies, contributing to the National Sexual Harassment Policy. Tanatswa's inspiring journey has motivated their peers, and they have become a role model through their determination and pursuit of their goals.
Kyra started the initiative 'Girls Do Code' when she was just 10 years old. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kyra learned Scratch and Python online and recognising the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry, Kyra created 'Girls Do Code' to inspire more girls to explore coding and technology. She started teaching girls in her community and then at an NGO in India. She is very passionate and approached her teachers to start a session during lunch breaks at school and after school. She also created an offshoot project called 'Code to Care' to reach more students through volunteers. She believes that coding is a life skill which develops logical, structured thinking that can help everyone, and her impact extends beyond coding through her 'G.I.V.E. initiative', raising funds for charities and organising community activities throughout the year.
Daniyaal is a passionate advocate for education and social mobility. Through their educational social media brand, ‘GCSEPotential’, they inspire thousands of students to achieve academic excellence, regardless of their socio-economic background. Daniyaal's impact is evident through their initiatives. They founded 'The Potential Project', providing free academic mentoring to 40 Year 11 students. They also created free Crash Courses for GCSE Exams and helped write a free GCSE Chemistry textbook for exam preparation. With over 100,000 followers and 40 million views on social media, Daniyaal has made a significant splash. As Student Advisor to AQA and Senior Head Prefect at Islington Collegiate Sixth Form, they actively work to inspire and help others.
Sophia is the Founder and Executive Director of 'Ngoma Kenya', an organisation focusing on Arts Education, Girls Rights, and Youth Empowerment in Kenya. Sophia started this work as a sophomore in high school and has completed a degree in international relations with a concentration in Peace, Global Security, and Conflict Resolution. Through their organisation, they are empowering youth through the arts and has launched programmes like 'Stand By Her', which provides pads and education about health and hygiene to marginalised girls in Kenya. Sophia is leading a movement across Kenya, challenging young people to find their passion and make a positive impact in the world.
Regina’s projects have contributed to alleviating poverty, improving the quality of education, and reducing the stigma and burden of poor menstrual hygiene in Southern Nigeria. Despite growing up in poverty, Regina has shown that anyone can make a difference. Their consistent efforts have touched thousands of lives and brought people together to create positive change. They have raised funds, provided relief materials, and organised campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Regina's commitment to improving lives made them a role model; through their work and leadership roles, they inspire countless others, as well as being the Campus Director for ‘Millennium Fellowship’, setting a template for future events and earning admiration from their peers.
Abdulhammed is a young leader and change-maker with a passion for improving the quality of health and well-being of Africans through innovation, research, and community-based initiatives. He co-founded 'MyBelle Digital Maternal and Child Health Organisation' in 2021, with a vision to eliminate preventable causes of maternal and childhood mortality in Nigeria and beyond. 'MyBelle' provides free maternal and child information and services through digital technology (MyBelle Pregnancy App) and community outreach to pregnant women and children in remote areas in Oyo and Anambra States, Nigeria. Through 'MyBelle's' digital technologies, Abdulhammed aims to save 8,000 women yearly by 2025 from preventable pregnancy-related deaths. He is a recipient of several scholarships and international fellowships.
Yusuf is a passionate and driven fifth-year pharmacy student from Nigeria. His focus is on addressing AMR in Africa, inspired by his upbringing in Nigeria's populous city of Ibadan, where he witnessed poor sanitation and unhygienic practices contributing to the spread of resistant bacteria. He has actively participated in many AMR-related initiatives, collaborated with communities and policymakers, and established his own initiative called 'Alliance Against Antimicrobial Resistance'. His aim is to raise awareness through fundraising, empowering children, designing educational courses, and advocating for policy change. Through his work, Yusuf has built a wide network and contributed to the fight against AMR on a global scale.
Litisha is the founder of the 'Ayika Foundation', a non-profit focused on climate action and animal care. Litisha has organised campaigns, including beach clean-ups and flower recycling during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, benefiting underprivileged communities and clearing a literal tonne of waste in three months. Litisha has raised funds for underprivileged women and tribal communities, engaged over 500 volunteers, and developed a strong social media presence with a digital footprint of 600,000 on Ayika Foundation social media handles. They have been featured in newspapers, empowered disabled students, mentored peers, and led their school's contingent in a global climate action challenge.
Chinmayi is the founder of 'Simply Neuroscience', a non-profit organisation that aims to expand student involvement in the neuroscience and psychology fields through interdisciplinary education, outreach, and awareness initiatives. Through their leadership, 'Simply Neuroscience' has become a student-run neuroscience learning community that positively impacts over 35,000 middle school through graduate students from across 119 countries by providing free online resources, events, mentorship, and more. Balusu's passion for neuroscience education stems from their own experience as a young student, and they actively work to eliminate jargon, pay walls, and other barriers to information and mentors in the field.
Christelle is a selfless individual who is dedicated to giving back to her community. They have inspired hundreds of youth in Lebanon and beyond to achieve sustainable peace and implement the Sustainable Development Goals. Christelle voluntarily organises events and teaches conflict resolution, sustainability, and diplomacy to middle and high school students. They mentor youth to unlock their passions, build their self-confidence, and find opportunities to help their communities. Through 'Success&Co_.', they have reached over 80 youth, providing them with guidance and mentorship on leadership, setting SMART goals, and finding their passion.
Isaac is the Director of 'Blak Label Music', a music label that uses a unique approach to support emerging First Nations artists. Isaac draws on contemporary Indigenous knowledge to ensure artists maintain ownership of their music and control their artistic vision. They have established a community approach to management, emphasising mentorship and collaboration within a space that welcomes all Indigenous people to share their stories through music. 'Blak Label' gives Indigenous Australian artists a platform to share their art globally while empowering them to succeed in the music industry. Isaac's leadership and passionate approach to their work have all contributed to the success of 'Blak Label' and its impact on the music industry.
Okezue is a Nigerian-American student who has achieved international levels of accomplishment and impact through their scientific research, social enterprises, and community engagement. They have organised global STEM workshops that have reached over 75,000 students, collaborating with on-ground organisations across the world to teach educationally or financially underserved and demographically marginalised students about recent social and technological developments across STEM fields. Okezue's workshops combat the disparity in STEM education for BIPOC students, especially Black boys and girls. They are a role model and teacher to thousands of students and adults globally, inspiring them to harness their mind potential and giving back to their communities.
Yusuf, a medical student at Oxford, founded 'The Aspiring Medics' (TAM) to help students from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in medicine. TAM offers digital courses, work experience, and interview preparation, reaching over 350,000 views on their website and YouTube. Yusuf's mission is to democratise the application process and tackle educational inequity, and TAM has provided free access to courses for over 500 state school students, and empowers aspiring medics through role models, webinars, and diverse student stories. Growing up on a council estate, Yusuf understood that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, and is determined to help provide it where they can.
Samriddhi is being nominated for her work in promoting youth mental wellness. Her initiative, 'Mushy Allie', has transformed the lives of over 27,000 young people in India by raising awareness around mental health and creating a supportive community. Samriddhi's vision was born from the ridicule she faced at school from her peers because of her background living in a slum colony. Through her seminars and workshops, she has provided young people with welcoming and non-judgmental environments to express themselves. Samriddhi's work has had a profound positive impact on young people's lives, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering them to become advocates for themselves and their communities.
Uday is a 17-year-old student from India who has ingeniously tackled the country's power crisis with his ground-breaking invention, the Outage Guard bulb. This low-cost solution is designed to provide uninterrupted lighting for up to 10 hours during power cuts. His brand ‘Uday Electric’, has already illuminated over 950 households in rural India across 5 states and sold over 3000 units. Uday, a visionary individual, is currently dedicating his efforts to securing a patent for his innovative creation. Uday is passionately committed to bringing light to rural areas across Asia and actively engaged in conducting research on the power crisis to explore additional potential solutions.
Rituraj Bhowmick, also known as "Baap Ka Beta," is a 10-year-old boy with an unwavering commitment to helping underprivileged children in Bangladesh. Through their volunteer work and charitable efforts, Rituraj has made a significant impact on the lives of these children. They have organised donation drives and fundraising events to provide school supplies and educational materials to 2,000 underprivileged children. Rituraj has also written two books that focus on moral tales, and all the earnings from their books are dedicated to the education of these children. Their actions have raised awareness about the issues facing underprivileged children and inspired others to get involved.
Sunint is a Social Impact Scholar and student at Dartmouth College studying computer science and economics. They are deeply passionate about leveraging emerging technologies as a tool for disability advocacy, non-profit transformation, and sustainable energy practices. Their work has led them to represent their nation as a Youth Delegate at the United Nations and as a Youth Advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, receiving global recognition for their work. Sunint is the Founding Chief Financial Officer of Develop for Good, a social venture accelerating the digital transformation of non-profit organizations. Through their activism, they hope to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked and work towards creating a more equitable society for all.
Despite facing personal hardships and growing up without resources or knowledge, Tiegan is passionate about helping disadvantaged youth reach their potential and understand the power of their voices. They have actively engaged with social mobility organisations, government-related bodies, and voluntary work in Westminster to create a truly representative and inclusive UK government. Tiegan has made a significant social impact by providing mentorship, advocating for youth voice, drafting strategies, raising awareness and raising over £12,500 for charitable causes, supporting over 500 young people, and volunteering for seven key organisations. Their inspiring journey has motivated others to contribute to their mission and break barriers.
Natasha founded 'Future Frontline' in August 2020 to address the challenges faced by current and future healthcare professionals in the UK. The organisation offers free events and resources for aspiring and current students, and newly qualified healthcare workers. Over 5,400 people have benefited from their free events and resources. 'Future Frontline' aims to create a network of diverse healthcare students and professionals, challenging hierarchies and promoting a healthier NHS workforce. Natasha is also a mental health advocate and through their social media posts have raised awareness and challenged the stigma associated with mental ill health amongst millions of people.
Hijaz is a visionary and determined to ensure the practice of the 17 Global Goals (SDGs) worldwide. They started 'KIKAO CULTURES' to teach peers aged 7-17 about the SDGs through learner-centered education. Hijaz believes this approach can address the disconnect among citizens and meet Global Goal 4, Quality Education. They dedicate themself to kikaocultures.com, creating an engaging website for children worldwide. Hijaz strives to safeguard children's rights and works to involve the Government of Kenya in the conversation. Through 'Kikao Cultures', they have sparked interest and social impact among children, inspiring others and building a global network. Hijaz's efforts exemplify youth leadership and a service journey towards a better world.
Melissa has quadriplegic cerebral palsy affecting her speech and movement. Through her blog and magazine column, she shares her experiences as a disabled person. At 16, she published a children’s book teaching the value of equality. Despite barriers, she participates in school, sporting and community activities and is a role-model, encouraging conversations on accessibility and inclusion. She aims to pursue a writing career, becoming an advocate for disability. Melissa's determination and achievements prompt reflection on ableist attitudes, paving the way for others. Promoting unconditional acceptance allows her to leave an indelible mark on the world as a courageous and resilient young person.
Pravneet has created 'Project Smile AZ', a youth-led movement that spreads smiles through simple acts of kindness. During the pandemic lockdown, Pravneet was struck deeply and wanted to do something to help. They started writing handmade motivational messages to isolated Covid patients across the world. The movement caught on, inspiring thousands of people globally to join and share over 70,000 smiles in less than three years, while also raising funds and resources for those in need. Their vision, social impact, ability to inspire others, and dedication to youth-led initiatives have made them a positive role model and earned them recognition as a philanthropist and innovator.
Nathan leads the Law Association for Crimes Across History (LACAH.net), a project that engages teenagers globally through mock trials and workshops, educating them about mass atrocities. 'LACAH' has grown internationally with over 650 participants in 40 countries, and plans for regional and national tournaments. Nathan's vision is to foster empathy and critical thinking in participants through education addressing crimes against humanity. 'LACAH’ is self-funded, and donates all profits to various scholarship programs, including the 'United World College Costa Rica'. Nathan's leadership has earned them recognition, alongside invitations to speak at major events, and awards. Their dedication to social justice is evident in 'LACAH' and their podcast, History4Two.
Melody is an advocate for public health access and education. She started 'Let's Learn About Public Health!', a community initiative that advocates for public health education for elementary school students and creates accessible public health educational opportunities for under-resourced students. She wrote and published a public health book for children, translated it into Spanish and Chinese, and wrote and delivered a public health curriculum. Melody also developed the first public health patch programme for Girl Scouts and is currently drafting a bill to amend California health education standards. She is pursuing an undergraduate major in human biology with a focus on digital health.
Following the sudden loss of a family member and the prevailing healthcare injustices in his community, Ethan created their school's first Red Cross club, raising funds for COVID-19 relief and promoting access to protective equipment. They chaired the 'Greater New York Region Red Cross Youth Executive Board', organising events and discussions on diversity and inclusion. As a member of the 'National Youth Council', Ethan empowered over 125,0000 youth volunteers and led youth humanitarian relief efforts, and Ethan's non-profit, 'Next Generation Diplomacy', celebrates racial, gender, and youth diversity through Sustainable Development Goals. Their leadership, vision, and inspiring actions make them a natural leader. Despite personal hardships, Ethan remains resilient and committed to community service.
Rhea, founder of 'MyBody,' is dedicated to raising awareness and recognition for eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Through their organisation, they conduct workshops, provides peer counselling, and have created a support group for individuals struggling with these issues. Rhea's personal experience of being body-shamed and bullied inspired them to make a difference, and they have successfully reached over 500 children through interactive workshops, while also collaborating with other organisations and expanding their scope. Their leadership skills, passion, and commitment have driven them to create a lasting impact and inspire others in their own journeys of recovery and self-acceptance.
At just 19, Alejandra founded ETHOS, a new social media platform focused on creating a positive space for young people to connect with the causes they care about. Having witnessed the impact that social media can have on young people first hand, she wanted ETHOS to become a place for real people to have real conversations. Despite facing a number of challenges on account of both age and gender, in 2022, Alejandra became the youngest female tech entrepreneur to raise £1.8M seed funding. She inspires others through hands-on leadership, public speaking engagements, and support for fellow entrepreneurs, all while dedicating herself full-time to ETHOS’s development and success.
Inaya is a 12-year-old student at 'The Winchester School'. She is a gifted and compassionate child who runs the 'WINgrows initiative', aimed at growing crops and sharing them with those in need. Inaya has reached out to over 200 gardeners in different schools across UAE, KSA, India, and UK. She is passionate about gardening and believes that everyone deserves good, nutritious food. Inaya has also raised money for charity and hosted gardening workshops for children. She has been recognised for her work with awards and accolades, and have gained skills in entrepreneurship and leadership. Inaya is a self-taught gardener and an active environmentalist.
Nova strives to approach the SDGs with a vision. Nova founded 'WISE' (We in Science and Engineering) in 2017 to empower children/youths with education from rural and disadvantaged communities in breaking down their barriers to access quality education and use technology to make positive changes in society. Nova's tireless efforts have facilitated education for vulnerable and severely disadvantaged children affected by the pandemic. She also worked as a volunteer lead to set up four classrooms in the world's largest refugee camp, providing daily access to meaningful education, play, health inputs, nutritional support, and creative opportunities for Rohingya refugee children.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shuvam collaborated with the Embassy of Switzerland and the Leadership Academy, as well as personally reaching out to more than 250 institutions for funding, to provide relief to flood victims and marginalised students in Nepal. They have also launched a programme to help 300 students in an impoverished district, established a fruit orchard of 400 trees at Budhanilkantha School for 1,300 students, and actively participated in waste management, climate change awareness, and volunteer work. Shuvam is a passionate campaigner and a skilled diplomat, using their talents to address systemic oppression and promoting compassion wherever they can.
Saanvi founded the non-profit organisation 'Cinderella's Got Wings' in June 2021 to empower underprivileged girls by providing them with financial education and teaching them basic skills like sewing. They also launched a campaign to teach underprivileged women how to make reusable sanitary napkins. Saanvi has chapters of the organisation located globally, and the organisation has sold over 5000 products and distributed more than 30,000 reusable sanitary napkins. They are heavily involved in community service, have authored a book, and is the Deputy Secretary General of their school's Model United Nations. Saanvi has instilled a responsible attitude and developed managerial, administrative, and negotiating skills.
Etasha is an 18-year-old visionary and a passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM. They are the founder of 'She The Change', a podcast and learning programme empowering young girls to explore male-dominated fields. Etasha's entrepreneurial spirit also led her to develop 'Livity', a novel AI solution for suicide prevention that detects suicidal ideation in social posts and connects individuals with free mental health resources. Their work has reached several countries and has been recognised by various news outlets and organisations, including the United Nations and Forbes. Etasha's dedication to making a positive impact in the world has made them a true role model to their peers and aspiring leaders across the globe.
Giving back to his community, has been a part of Bradley‘s heritage since he was a child. His effective and creative approach to problem-solving and compassion has driven him to help lots of people across the globe. Bradley is a dynamic leader who has made a significant impact on STEM and ICT awareness in Guyana and across the Caribbean. He co-founded a passion project with his mother at a young age, which later became an NGO that provides resources for underprivileged youth. Bradley has educated and impacted over 100 youths locally and around 300 youths through awareness efforts. He has also mentored and coached young people and launched a podcast aimed at educating youths. He has collaborated with various influential youths and organizations to provide resources and facilitate various tech and digital skills sessions and workshops which benefitted about 600 youth.
Blossom is a Partnerships Associate at 'Global Citizen', an international advocacy organisation, who is passionate about education and community service. They have spearheaded fundraising drives and developed various educational projects to benefit their community, teaching and training millions of people on topics such as computer literacy and voter education. Blossom has also trained teachers across Lagos State on digital skills and modern teaching pedagogies and educated over three million Nigerians on voting and electoral processes. They have become an excellent project manager and have recently managed a $200,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to carry out a year-long campaign calling for the nationwide domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.
Sunmin is the co-founder of the 'Student-led International Learning and Volunteering Educational Resource' (SILVER), which provides one-on-one English, global citizenship, and STEM classes online to underserved students around the world, empowering them to become changemakers. Sumin is the co-vice president of 'Seeds of Empowerment', a non-profit that supports education for impoverished youth and Syrian refugees in Lebanon. As the only female student at her school to have received a top 5 percent score from the American Mathematics Competition three times, Sunmin has been creating opportunities for groups underrepresented in math through various means, including SILVER’s math program.
Sunwoo is the co-founder of 'Student-led International Learning and Volunteering Educational Resource' (SILVER). Her organisation provides one-on-one online English, global citizenship, and STEM classes to students around the world. 'SILVER' has fundraised $45,000 and provided $12,000 worth of scholarships to provide education in underdeveloped countries, and facilitated 10,000 volunteer hours. Sunwoo has served as the co-vice president of an education non-profit 'Seeds of Empowerment', empowering impoverished youth, including Syrian refugees. As a poet, she has fostered empathy and social justice with her voice. She is also an avid biomedical researcher, contributing to scientific advancement and healthcare equity.
During the first phase of the pandemic Farhan realised the need for swift action to help daily wage earners survive both the virus and the lockdowns. Despite being a full-time engineering student, Farhan rallied a passionate team from around the world to take action under the banner of 'Porikolpona Foundation'. They conducted ten impactful campaigns, reaching out to over 10,000 individuals across Bangladesh. Their monumental impact provided essential aid, education, and support, raising over $14,000 through campaigns like "Project Hashimukh" and the "Amphan Relief Project," benefiting over 20,000 individuals with food, shelter, and medical access.
Muskan is a compassionate humanitarian and critical thinker. She launched 'Your Islamic Guide,' an Instagram page educating people on social topics from an Islamic perspective. She also runs the 'Ataraxia' well-being blog, empowering students to find peace amidst academic pressures. Muskan actively contributes to various charitable activities, including clothing donations and charity drives, and leads fundraising events. As the Head of Website and Media at ‘The Smile Guild’, she contributes to spreading awareness about mental health. Muskan's goal is to instil hope and offer a platform for the next generation to turn their dreams of making a difference into reality.
Noor is a social activist from Pakistan who started working towards raising awareness about child abuse at the age of 17. She founded her own organisation, 'Quwat e Uraan', and has since expanded her work to include promoting education for young girls and implementing the "Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment in Workplace Law." Noor has reached out to over 50,000 parents and children and helped 20 females finish their education. She has also conducted cloth and food drives, delivered safety suits to healthcare workers during COVID-19, and mentored girls to raise their voices on social issues. Noor was recently awarded the "Haramay Heroes" award for her work.
Kudakwashe co-founded 'The LA Initiative' to advocate for global education, working to make it accessible to all. With experience as a researcher, mentor, and teacher, they have helped over 3,000 young people by democratising education through conferences, mentorship hubs, and STEM classes. Kudakwashe's inspiring work has gained recognition, and they uses their platform to empower and uplift youth, advocating for inclusive education and contributing to platforms like the Centre for Digital Learning. Their work and philosophy are rooted in the concept of global citizenship, where they identity as a human drives them to solve problems faced by humanity, regardless of geographical location.
Starting as a volunteer, Samantha worked with students with developmental disabilities. This passion led her to establish 'Music for Every Child', a youth-run charity that raises awareness and funds to bring music therapy to special needs classrooms. Samantha's vision is to create a more interconnected world through music, while encouraging youths to become leaders and future Changemakers. They have funded and operated weekly programmes, serving over 150 special needs students every week, across 4 cities, prioritizing the marginalized in inner-city communities. Samantha’s inspiring leadership has attracted over 100 youth volunteers and earned them prestigious awards, demonstrating her commitment to service.
Anshul is a 17-year-old social entrepreneur who co-founded 'AUesome', a social enterprise that aims to make autism therapy more accessible. Anshul's personal experiences with neurodiversity led them to recognise the financial and geographical barriers present in autism treatment, and they sought to bridge this gap with affordable therapy kits accompanied by a digital guidance platform and app. To date, Anshul and their team have designed and distributed 17,500 therapy resources across 550 kit requests globally. Anshul's compassionate nature extends beyond their organisation, as they frequently lead in their school community and advocates for inclusion and accessibility.
Sara is a young citizen committed to social change. She is studying Health Sciences on a President's National Scholarship at Western University. Sara is actively involved in their community and co-founded 'Race to a Cure' (R2AC) with the mission of spreading positivity and disseminating reliable and accurate news targeted to the teenage audience. Sara is passionate about advancing 'R2AC' because it is where they can provide an environment that fosters free-thinking and innovation within like-minded youth. As a director of 'R2AC', Sara ensures their team of over 100 international volunteers achieve their mission by diligently leading a diverse range of initiatives that engage youth interests.
Shikha Gianchandani is a co-founder of Pardesi, a platform dedicated to empowering South Asian women and femmes worldwide. Drawing from her own upbringing as a South Asian in Poland, she has leveraged her personal experiences to lead Pardesi for the past three years, propelling its growth from 1,000 to over 11,000 members. Through the platform, she has collaboratively worked on digital campaigns, workshops, and mentorship programmes to foster an inclusive space for the community. As a Biomedical Sciences graduate from the University of Warwick, Shikha is also a pharma professional who strives to drive innovation in healthcare while serving as a role model for other women of colour in the industry.
Taarush is a 16-year-old student-entrepreneur from India who founded not-for-profit organisation 'Volanity'. Through community-based learning models, Taarush aims to provide holistic development to underprivileged high school students across India. They conducted extensive research to identify obstacles that hindered students' growth and development and created an interface that enables potential volunteers to choose volunteering slots within approximately 54 seconds. They have facilitated workshops on critical thinking and provided financial support to five NGO schools, enabling them to develop extracurricular facilities for their students. 'Volanity' now has 156 student volunteers, and their volunteer conversion rate has risen from 14 percent to 78 percent.
As an activist, author, journalist, poet, researcher, and violinist, Sabrina connects with and empowers others to build a more equitable society. Through her legislative activism, research, and humanitarian work, she advocates for marginalised groups globally. Inspired by the sacrifices of frontline workers during the pandemic, Sabrina donated her savings and college fund of $40,000 to purchase life-saving PPE. Her organisations, 'Girl Pride International' (GPI) and 'Long Island Laboring Against COVID-19' (LILAC), have a significant impact on marginalised girls and hundreds of communities. With over 500 members, they have volunteered over 15,000 hours and raised $175,500, benefiting 70,000 individuals in the US and beyond.
Manasi is the founder of 'Huesofthemind Foundation', a non-profit organisation that focuses on advocating mental wellbeing and making mental health services accessible and affordable. Through the foundation, Gupta has impacted over 50,000 lives through innovative campaigns, projects, and events held globally. They are an empathetic leader, empowering lives and making a monumental difference with her work. Gupta has been recognised for her work during the pandemic and has received numerous awards. They are a role model for personifying empathy, inspiring others, and creating measurable impact in collaboration with over 200 stakeholders. Their growth mindset approach has helped the team learn from setbacks while maintaining an excellent work-life balance.
Shreya is a remarkable young leader and philanthropist. She raises money for charities in Canada and India, focusing on education and anti-bullying initiatives. Her dedication and passion has made a significant social impact. Through the sale of her books, she has raised over $12,000 CAD for a charity supporting girls' education in India and over $1,000 CAD for Kids Help Phone in Canada. Shreya has also given school presentations on anti-bullying and motivated others to create change. She has inspired their peers and the community through her speeches, and involvement in events like the TCCSA RBC Future Launch. Despite facing personal challenges, Shreya's journey has transformed her into a confident role model, inspiring others to give back.
Max is a co-founder of the nonprofit ‘Youths United for Earth’ (YUFE) at the age of 19. YUFE mobilizes Malaysians nationwide for environmental action through storytelling, grassroots projects, and policy advocacy. Living in regions affected by climate change, they aim to highlight Southeast Asian environmentalism internationally. Max has led over 70 youths in spearheading campaigns that have reached 30,000 Malaysians. Max also launched Malaysia’s largest sustainability mentorship programme that connects undergraduates with environmental leaders globally, resulting in internships, jobs, and eco-startups. He has also advocated for environmental justice and environmental defenders' rights in Southeast Asia through ASEAN and the UN.
During their third year at university, Alaya founded 'FirstGens' to address the challenges faced by first-generation undergraduates from less advantaged backgrounds. Over four years, they developed the award-winning social enterprise to break socioeconomic barriers and provide equal opportunities. Alaya leads a team of volunteers to deliver the 'First-Generation Programme', partnering with universities and graduate employers, striving to bolster students' sense of belonging, confidence, motivation, and professional networks. The programme includes mentoring workshops, career coaching, bursaries, industry mentors, and unique opportunities. Alaya’s track record of advocacy and democratising education has also led them to being invited to the House of Lords to discuss socioeconomic inclusion.
Penelope is an exceptional advocate for disability rights, serving as the chair of the 'Whizz-Kidz' board of young trustees and co-chair of the Learners’ Council at 'The Foundation for Educational Development'. As a law student, they balance advocacy work with studying. Penelope’s dedication has made a significant social impact, influencing countless wheelchair users, and advocating for a 10-year education plan. They have been involved in various projects, such as campaigning for better NICE guidelines for wheelchairs, and disability-friendly housing initiatives. Penelope’s leadership and support galvanises others, and they are admired by the 'Kidz' board and many within the disability community. Their personal experiences with 'Whizz-Kidz' and education drive their commitment to positive change.
Rehman has founded an international public health nonprofit called 'iCure Health International'. Their organisation provides preventative care services to underrepresented and minority groups across 19 countries and partners with World Health Organisation and United Nations entities. Rehman has also worked at the international level to champion equity and has delivered statements at the United Nations and consulted for various international organisations and governments. Additionally, Rehman has developed a patent-pending device that can use chemical exothermic reactions to cook food, eliminating the environmental and health consequences of open-fire cooking. Rehman's work has impacted them personally, shaping their perspective and developing their public speaking and writing skills.
Charlotte's unwavering commitment to supporting victims of cybercrime through 'The Cyber Helpline' has made them a leader, trainer, and influential advocate in the field. Their personal experience as a cybercrime victim and their belief in empowering victims of crime led them to identify significant support gaps. Instead of joining the police force, Charlotte chose to fill these gaps herself, with advice, guidance, and support, while raising awareness and delivering training globally. Their dedicated efforts have empowered countless victims, made a tangible impact on their lives, and contributed to the growth of 'The Cyber Helpline', ensuring better support for thousands of victims.
Ethelyn is a 17-year-old social entrepreneur who founded 'Embracing ThisAbility', a social enterprise that produces and sells weighted lap pads to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) gain more control over their emotions and support their education. 'Embracing ThisAbility' also donates lap pads to children with developmental disabilities in Indonesia and supports disabled workers employed in the production of the lap pads. Ethelyn's work has sold over 100 weighted lap pads, successfully donated 50 lap pads, and supports more than 25 workers, most of whom are hearing impaired.They have gained skills in negotiation, web design, and marketing, along with a deeper understanding of ASD.
Christiana Igbokwe is a music activist, philanthropist, and advocate for human rights and the girl child. Through her music, she raises awareness about societal issues, inspire participation, and foster a sense of community. Christiana donates her savings to 'Santa In A Box', a Christmas outreach programme that brings joy to orphans in Nigeria by providing financial support, material resources, and fun activities. She has donated funds for school fees and volunteered her time to support orphanages, organised music concerts and dance challenges to raise funds for girls' education, and campaigned for reforms and change through her songs.
Sabariesh is Deputy President (Student Engagements) at 'Advisory Singapore', a registered charity that empowers young Singaporeans from all walks of life to make informed career choices. Sabariesh and his team organise industry panels and on-campus career mentorship programmes for students in schools, and work with industry partners to design capacity-building sessions for teachers to better understand industry and deliver more effective career guidance to students. Together, they have engaged nearly 4000 students, and over 100 educators across 50 schools. Passionate about issues of social mobility and inequality, Sabariesh believes that Advisory's mission of bridging the gap between students and the working world helps to level the playing field.
Imranah is a passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. Through her 'PALS PROGRAMME', she has impacted the lives of over 250 school support staff members by helping them improve their English language skills, opening up greater opportunities for them and their families; as the Social and Welfare Captain at her school, Imranah fosters a healthy and safe environment for students. Imranah is also a passionate volunteer, including organising food donation drives during Ramadan, benefiting immigrant workers in labour camps. Imranah's leadership and empathetic approach inspire others, as she believes a life spent helping, is one that is truly enjoyable.
Riddhi Javali is a 17-year-old student from Bangalore, India who founded 'Project Repeat', a non-profit that provides girls in rural areas with sustainable menstrual hygiene products. Riddhi's aim is to improve health, cost, and the environment by distributing reusable cloth pad kits and educating students on menstrual hygiene. ‘Project Repeat’ impacted over 400 government schoolgirls in Karnataka through their visits to schools and awareness sessions. Riddhi has also demonstrated excellent leadership skills and inspires their peers to work towards a social cause. Despite facing challenges in funding and age bias, Riddhi has persevered and continues to make a positive impact.
Anika's app, 'cHHange - It's Normal,' tackles the knowledge gap in puberty by providing reliable, personalised information to adolescents. Motivated by observing their older friends' emotional “teenage” behaviour and their parents' silence on the subject, Anika devoted four months to ideation, problem-solving, design, and coding to develop the app. It features a chatbot, an information library, an emotion-based game, and a platform for connecting with peers facing similar issues, offering inspiration, expert advice, and more. With users across more than 40 countries, the app has received positive reviews and accolades, including the Grand Prize in the Technovation Girls competition, highlighting its impact and success.
Tanay co-founded 'UAE RoboClub' in 2020, offering free robotics and emerging technology education to students worldwide, and partnering with NGOs to teach underprivileged children. Tanay inspires others through mentoring campaigns and discussion forums. Apart from robotics, Tanay is passionate about coming up with solutions to address global warming through research and innovation, including projects like 'RedPoll' (using drones to capture carbon dioxide) and 'SOLIS' (saving energy in urban buildings). Tanay's initiatives have achieved significant social impact, garnered industry support, and inspired peers, showcasing his leadership, innovation, and commitment to positive change.
Rithvik is a social entrepreneur and recipient of the Global Child Prodigy award. He is dedicated to making a positive impact on society through his work in social causes and technology. Rithvik's most notable project, the 'Immersive Game-based Learning for Special Needs' platform, aims to address issues affecting special education students and IDD adults. He also created an online platform for artists to showcase their talents during the COVID-19 pandemic and has volunteered his time to various non-profit organisations. Rithvik's passion for music and science has inspired younger students to pursue their dreams and push beyond their limits.
Pola is the Global Head of Projects in the Global Awareness Movement. Leading a team of 12 individuals, they has coordinated 30 global events involving 57 speakers from 25 countries. Pola's recent achievements include a campaign on the war in Ukraine and the humanitarian situation of refugees in Poland, as well as initiatives to support Afghan women, raise awareness of critical issues, and address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They are an inspiring role model, demonstrating persistence, creativity, and a passion for making a difference. Pola's dedication to education and their work with Ukrainian refugees showcase their leadership skills and selflessness. They have been recognised with a Global Humanitarian Award for their outstanding contributions.
Jawid is an Afghan national who has dedicated his efforts to address social and human rights issues in Afghanistan. He established the 'Change Makers of the World' volunteer community to create positive change in the society. He has provided education and supplies to dozens of war-affected students and has led educational and cultural programmes to improve people's lives. In 2021, he worked for youth-engagement in the Intra-Afghan Peace Process through the NYCP initiative. Despite facing numerous challenges, including personal threats by the terrorist groups, Jawid's commitment to change has brought positive impact to the lives of many people in Afghanistan.
Ryan is a hardworking young leader who has founded both 'The Green Plate Community' and 'EMBRACE Youth International', attracting over 100 young people to participate alongside them. They are committed to environmental activism, founding projects such as 'Plastic Scholastics' and 'The Blue Water Project'. Ryan's efforts have assisted local communities such as orphanages and nursing homes through donations and activities such as educating children and painting with them. They have also launched projects focusing on SDGs one, four and ten. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Ryan continues to inspire others with their dedication and ambition.
Het’s youth-powered non-profit, the 'Adira Foundation', focuses on menstrual equity, providing sanitary products and education in remote areas of India. Their work addresses the root cause of girls dropping out of school by introducing conventional pads and sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups and cloth pads. Through collaborations, awareness campaigns, and camps, the organisation distributed over 107,500 sanitary products, helped over 25,000 menstruators, and conducted 75 camps across 16 states. Het's work has made a significant impact, as evidenced by media coverage, online platforms, and the gratitude of mothers and daughters. Their journey has taught them invaluable life skills, fostering patience, maturity and compassion.
Chiamaka is making a significant positive impact on girls' education in Nigeria. They are the founder of the Jully Foundation, which aims to provide menstrual hygiene management training and reusable pads to girls in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Juliet has trained over 9,000 girls in four states in Nigeria and has helped to improve their academic performance and prevent gender-based violence. They have also been recognised by the Lagos State Government for her efforts. Juliet's inspiring work has made them a role model to others and has encouraged them to take action towards positive change.
Aayushi, an award-winning youth and health advocate, founded 'Body Buddies' amidst the COVID-19 pandemic – a social enterprise selling educational toys shaped like body organs to raise health awareness. In just two years, Aayushi and their team raised over $20,000 AUD for charity, ran online health campaigns reaching 36,000 people, and donated toys to over 200 vulnerable children overseas. 'Body Buddies' is available in Australian pharmacies and hospitals, supporting patients. Aayushi's is also a youth advisor, speaker, and leader, inspiring others and empowering young people, and their work has earned them numerous awards and recognition. On top of all this, Aayushi continues to pursue their medical degree and dreams of becoming a doctor.
Swetha founded 'The Lalitha Foundation' in 2019 to improve the psychological wellbeing of cancer patients in India, transforming numerous lives through their dedication and compassion. Swetha's vision was shaped by their personal experiences as a primary caregiver and, under their inspiring leadership, the foundation has educated, screened and provided psychotherapy to several thousand cancer patients and caregivers. They have also mobilised emergency psychological support services during COVID, trained healthcare providers and partnered with schools to deliver mental health education programmes. They have received numerous honours for their work and continue to collaborate globally to make psychological care an equitable resource.
Renée is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering underprivileged individuals through education, entrepreneurship, and community building. With personal experiences as a Black Woman and multi-scholarship recipient, she advocates for gender equity, access to education, and digital literacy. Co-founding 'To My Sisters and the Phoenix Programme', Renée has raised funds for women's homelessness and girls' education, while providing personal development support. She has impacted thousands through workshops, podcasts, mentoring, and large-scale events, inspiring positive change in areas like finance, education, and confidence-building. Renée's commitment to uplifting others, sharing resources, and breaking down barriers exemplifies their vision and determination to create opportunities for all.
Raihan supports disadvantaged youth in achieving their potential by helping them secure offers from top universities, jobs, or starting impact projects. As co-founder and CEO of 'The Legacy Project' (TLP), they annually assist over 1,000 students from low socio-economic backgrounds through tailored workshops. Their grassroots approach has led to a 70 percent offer rate for Oxbridge applicants in TLP's pilot year. They also offer free consultancy to grassroots initiatives, serving as a role model. Raihan's journey from a low socio-economic background has fuelled their passion for breaking barriers and has made them a proactive and pragmatic leader in social mobility.
Haniya is the co-founder of the non-profit organisation, 'Ladki Padhao', which aims to promote educational rights for women. Haniya is passionate about educating underprivileged communities and has organised financial literacy sessions, self-defense classes, and menstrual hygiene initiatives for women. They have also worked to combat human trafficking in India and promote mental health awareness in government schools. Haniya has inspired their peers and created a global leadership team for 'Ladki Padhao', recruiting high-school students from all over the world. Their service journey with 'Ladki Padhao' has helped them build confidence and leadership skills, and has motivated them to pursue a career as a doctor.
Navjit founded 'Strike Out Stress' to combat the stigmas and discrimination attached to mental health and grief after losing her grandfather and experiencing a lack of support for her own mental health. Tirelessly campaigning for better mental health services across her local community, Navjit delivers talks, blogs personal experiences and raised £4000 to help disabled children enjoy leisure activities. She reached out to over 90,000 people, empowering them to be change-makers and normalising conversations about mental health. Navjit is an exceptional role model as she aspires to use her advocacy, public speaking, and leadership skills to fight even greater injustices.
Fatima Khawaja, a 16-year-old from California, has been nominated for her impactful contribution to her community's wellbeing. As a tobacco control policy and community organising intern, Fatima has worked tirelessly to address the rise in youth nicotine-dependence in their community. She has collaborated with local leaders to research and advocate for policy changes which have put Union City residents in better positions to engage their elected officials about the issue. She is now working at the national level as an ambassador with Tobacco-Free Kids and are writing a book on the insidious harms of tobacco. Her work has already had a significant impact, inspiring others to join the cause and supporting ongoing advocacy efforts for their city council to update their tobacco retail ordinance.
Shreyas, a 14-year-old student from the UAE, founded the initiative 'Ignite-Young-Minds’ in 2019 to enhance the quality of education for underprivileged children in India. They have tutored over 1,500 children from different parts of India with handmade self-learning aids and online learning sessions. Shreyas designed an online platform called 'BookBank' to provide free-of-cost educational books to poor children, benefiting around 20,000 children. They raised funds through his ‘Dabs-and-Drops’ project to provide devices to underprivileged children during the COVID-19 crisis. Shreyas had been awarded the prestigious Hamdan and Sharjah Awards in 2020 and 2021 respectively by the UAE Government for their outstanding contributions.
Tinatin is a 25-year-old medical doctor who is the President of the 'Students' and Young Scientists' Scientific Association (SYSSA) of Georgia'. Since it’s establishment, the Association has experienced growth and currently comprises a community of 200 students, both from Georgia and international backgrounds. Tinatin's vision is to create a networking, advocacy, mentorship, and peer-to-peer education platform that unites students from different levels of education and provides free career development opportunities in science and science-based medicine. The 'SYSSA' has organised two scientific conferences yearly and is involved in awareness campaigns, including those for Hepatitis C and epilepsy.
Jivya's 'WeCycle' campaign has had a significant social impact by providing bicycles with GPS trackers to teenage girls in rural communities, enabling them to continue their education safely. The campaign has reduced high school dropout rates among girls and increased their participation in their studies. Jivya was inspired by their interactions with girls in a local village during the pandemic, where they discovered the challenges they faced, such as unsafe travel routes and societal barriers. They also addressed the lack of awareness about menstrual health and PCOS by creating an educational handbook, forming support groups, and actively engaging with families and community leaders to promote education and overcome barriers.
Mark is a visionary student filmmaker who has created the 'Student World Impact Film Festival' (SWIFF), the largest student film festival in the world. 'SWIFF' has provided a platform for 10,000 young filmmakers from 120 countries to showcase their work and explore their creativity. Mark's inclusive approach has created a powerful space for students to express their perspectives and share stories, breaking down barriers and fostering empathy. Their commitment to advancing racial equity in storytelling has made them a tireless advocate for young filmmakers from diverse backgrounds. Their leadership skills are truly remarkable, and their ability to bring together people from all walks of life to create a platform for positive change is inspiring.
Lorraine is a passionate advocate for youth change and founded the ‘Loriane's’ platform to empower high school students to pursue their passions. Their project has connected over 930 students with more than 400 student clubs, reaching over 3,000 students from more than 50 countries. Lorraine's vision stems from their own experiences in a French school system that lacks support for extracurricular interests. They also raised funds to improve educational facilities in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Despite logistical challenges, Lorraine's initiatives have succeeded and inspired their peers to take action – they live by the maxim, ‘actions speak louder than words’.
Caleb was always a high-achieving student, and so the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on both their education and mental health came as a shock – but they quickly realised that the impact on students in developing countries must have been even greater. In response, they co-founded ‘Global Bound Education’, a non-profit partnering with schools in Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda, to improve educational access, resources, and teacher-student connection for over 500 students in developing countries. Caleb advocates for policy changes, represents student concerns, and increases mental health funding to complement their education work, and spreads awareness through TEDx talks and national news features.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Tarini's fundraising and advocacy efforts for Parivartan Special School led to the creation of their social startup, 'Nai Subah Foundation', and its first initiative, Project Nishant, providing much-needed support to the school and its students during a financial crisis. Over the past two years, they have worked tirelessly to create employment opportunities for India's neurodivergent population, especially those with autism spectrum disorders and other neurological conditions. Tarini's vision is to ensure that no one is left behind, and they have successfully partnered with companies to generate meaningful work, raise funds, develop innovative models, and create awareness about neuro-diversity.
Ananya is a highly proactive and responsible student who is dedicated to social and environmental causes and a member of various organisations such as ‘EEG’, 'Aster Volunteers', 'Water Alliance UAE', 'Yes4us (Ecobee)', and many more. Ananya is multi-talented and using skills in singing, dancing, drawing, playing guitar, theatricals, short film making, public speaking, multilinguistic and creative writing, raises awareness on social and environmental issues. Ananya has undertaken various projects, such as ‘MindUrMind’ mental health awareness campaign and app development, organizing neighbourhood recycling and clean-up drives, collecting and donating clothes, and helping the underprivileged. Ananya has won numerous awards and accolades for their work, which is truly inspiring to others.
At just 17, Lexy embarked on a mission to create a safe online space through the 'HerHelp' app, driven by their own experiences with bullying and feeling alone in their struggles. Through their work – which is self-taught and self-funded – they have helped tens of thousands of people, employed numerous professionals, and even saved lives. Their vision tackles the fear of seeking help, the toxicity of social media, and the lack of connection in mental health, by providing resources and connecting users with experts and peers. Lexy's inspiring presence extends beyond the digital realm through volunteering, speaking engagements, and empowering women. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that no one ever feels alone.
Anjali, a fourth-year student in UBC's Bio Medical Engineering Program, founded the 'MEDIC Foundation' to innovate and advocate for chronic diseases while empowering undergraduate students to participate in research. Their passion stems from personal experiences caring for their grandmother and mother and, since 2020, the organisation has grown rapidly to over 60 undergraduate researchers, 80 percent of whom are women, and four projects in Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, Depression and Diabetes. Anjali also promotes environmental causes, incorporating sustainability into medical device innovation. They aspire to empower women, especially women of colour, worldwide and envisions a future where they hold leadership roles.
Nine-year-old Kanshika is a responsible global citizen who is devoted to making the world a better place. They have been actively involved in multiple causes such as recycling campaigns, clean-up drives, tree planting drives, and raising awareness about environmental conservation and water pollution. They have also made a positive impact on society through various initiatives such as donating their hair to cancer patients, creating breast cancer detection posters, distributing Iftar food packets to labourers, and planting Ghaf trees in the UAE, India, and Pakistan.
Celina has led global campaigns, fundraised nearly $10,000 for various causes, and inspired change in hundreds of people worldwide. Through their non-profit organisation, 'Youth Social Impact', and social enterprise app, 'Etherea', they tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, animal cruelty and human rights. They are a role model and innovator who spoke at schools/ organizations across Canada and is revolutionizing the Canadian education system through their cruelty-free campaign in partnership with Ivy League professors, activists and big organisations. Celina has empowered the next generation of changemakers through their dual focus on personal growth and global citizenship.
Tanya is a young mental health advocate who pioneered youth mental health awareness during the pandemic through the youth-led peer community, 'Championing Youth Minds'. Despite living with Fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Tanya works tirelessly to use her struggles to make a positive impact. She has created a safe space for young people, by young people, providing free resources and workshops, to support the mental wellbeing to a community of over 800 young people globally. She continues to inspire others to care for their mental health and now works with the Baton of Hope UK to spearhead their Education Charter and suicide awareness.
Mihajlo is a youth worker and advocate for non-formal education, structured dialogue, and revitalizing pluralistic democracy. They have worked at all levels of youth engagement, from local to global, and have campaigned and advocated for change on a variety of issues. Mihajlo is currently involved in the CoE Training of Trainers in Human Rights Education and has volunteered on projects related to gender equality, EU integration, and peace-building. They are an empathetic and inspiring leader who is recognised for their extraordinary organisational and time-management skills. Mihajlo has overcome personal obstacles to become a confident and impactful individual who is committed to changing the world for the better.
Eisha is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and mental health awareness in Pakistan. Coming from a poverty-stricken home and having faced harassment growing up, she co-founded ‘The Mirror’ at the age of 17, providing a platform for women to speak up confidently. Eisha has initiated and contributed to many significant projects, including self-defence, harassment and consent education programmes in schools, mental health support, documentaries, short-films and campaigns to raise funds and awareness for various causes. Her work has impacted over 400 school children over 6 successful years, getting her recognized as the ‘National 25 under 25 Women’ in Pakistan.
Tiffany is a 20-year-old student at University College of London, majoring in Global Humanitarian Studies. They have been supporting young refugees in Indonesia since the age of 15 by donating their pocket money and organising small fundraisers. In May 2021, she started 'RHome', which empowers young refugees through painting and transforms their artwork into high-quality scarves. The profits from the sale of scarves go towards supporting young refugees globally through UK for UNHCR. Tiffany's efforts have inspired others to contribute to the cause, and they have been recognised for their leadership in youth service with the 'United Nation Women 2022 Indonesia Award'.
Mohammed, a 17-year-old student from Dubai, is the visionary founder of 'Whiteboard Schools'. This inspiring initiative aims to promote educational equity in rural areas of Bihar, India. Starting as an after-school tutorial centre, it has evolved into STEM learning centres for underprivileged children, in partnership with the KCS Foundation India. Guided by Mohammed's leadership, over 790 students have benefitted from the program. Their enthusiasm has motivated students to volunteer and become peer educators, igniting a contagious passion for the cause. Mohammed's vision is to expand the Whiteboard School programme nationwide, making a transformative impact on society.
Prachi is a 22-year-old founder of 'Project Nilay', a youth-led not-for-profit initiative that focuses on serving socially-deprived, poverty-stricken, and at-risk children in Odisha. Through their projects, which incorporate vital skills and values such as the understanding of rights and responsibilities, sustainable development goals, 21st-century skills, and socio-emotional learning, they have positively impacted the lives of more than 500 children from marginalised communities. They also focus their work on Social Inclusion and Gender Rights. Prachi's commitment to social development has inspired many, and they have been recognised as a Global Changemaker by several organisations. Their work serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of one person to make a difference in the lives of many.
Sumedha a 16-year-old from the US, has been nominated for a Diana Award for their work in improving the living conditions of women and children in rural Indian villages. They collaborated with 'Mission Shakti', a government organisation focused on women’s welfare and empowerment, to organise a workshop to inform women about business opportunities globally. Sumedha’s efforts have provided many women with access to international business opportunities, which has empowered them to better take care of their families. They have become a role model for many members of 'Mission Shakti' and have inspired teenagers to participate in similar programmes.
Livia is the 20-year-old CEO of 'BantuYuk Foundation', a non-profit organisation that supports underprivileged women and children in Indonesia. Since 2019, the foundation has raised $35,000 for various projects such as providing loans for microentrepreneurs, building public toilet facilities with clean water supply, and educating locals on the dangers of contaminated water. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 'BantuYuk' distributed hazmat suits, medical supplies, and food packages to those in need. Monika also works to inspire others and create a domino effect of positive change. They aim to build trust with donors, make 'BantuYuk' an official foundation, and collaborate with government officials for more impactful initiatives.
Joel is an inspirational advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. They organised Nigeria's first all-inclusive LGBT+ protest and sought safety in the UK after facing threats. Joel survived a life-threatening attack, resulting in homelessness, but continues to volunteer and advocate for change. Despite adversity, they founded the 'Mordi Ibe Foundation' (MIF) – Nigeria's only Charity catering for LGBTQ+ and other vulnerable students, including young girls experiencing period poverty, to keep them in school. The foundation has so far impacted over 100,000 young people. Joel has been invited to speak at prestigious events, including parliament and universities, and their impactful speeches have gone viral. Joel's resilience and dedication to creating change inspire others globally.
Sinairie, a 16-year-old community activist, is an exceptional leader dedicated to improving girls' and women's rights. She co-founded ‘AIM’, a student group that successfully challenged her school's unfair uniform policy, and continues to advocate for a safer environment for girls. Sinairie's impact extends beyond her school, as she co-organised events on black mental health and contributed to resources on racist bullying. She serves as a Youth Trustee for Integrate and on the Bristol city youth council, advocating for youth rights and inclusivity. Sinairie's leadership style inspires others, and she actively empowers her peers to become activists themselves.
Over the past decade, Mirriam has been actively involved in mentorship, education support, and environmental initiatives. Their passion for education stems from their own background and the support she received, which led them to become a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Mirriam has mentored numerous students, both in-person and virtually, and has made a significant impact on their mentee at Starehe Girls Centre. Mirriam has mentored over 500 students in both high schools and primary schools in Kenya and contributed approximately £1500 towards school fees for high school students in their village – King’utheni.
Anh established 'The Nguyen Memorial Cancer Relief Foundation' in 2020, inspired by the loss of a loved one to cancer. This registered nonprofit charity focuses on bringing joy, comfort, and support to adults and children battling cancer. Anh has delivered over 400 cancer care packages, donated over $3000 to three families of paediatric cancer patients in need, and launched an awareness campaign advocating for paediatric cancer research. Anh’s charity has also launched a scholarship program for cancer survivors seeking higher education. Anh's inspiring journey from being a low-income first-generation immigrant to a USC Trustee Scholar motivates many to pursue their dreams.
Nehemiah Aaron Nathan co-founded ‘The EduLab’, a social enterprise aiming to improve English proficiency among Malaysian students, especially in the B40 community. They developed the 'Zing! English Card Game', using a game-based learning approach to help children stay engaged with learning English. The impact is tanglible, with over 850 children from 15 government primary schools – including Chinese schools, Tamil schools, and six tuition centres within the Klang Valley – area benefiting from the programme and experiencing great gains in their English literacy. The initiative has garnered recognition from esteemed organisations like McKinsey and Co and the U.S. Department of State.
H.E Dao Manh Nghia is a young leader from Quang Tri province, Vietnam, who has established an initiative for young people with international elements to enhance their voice towards political and social issues. They understand the value of peace for human life and want to contribute their voice to the world to see that international law is not just a paper. With their 'DMN Initiative', they promote and educate people in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Vietnamese Law, International Law, peace, sustainability and development. They have helped call more than $20,000 for social activities, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, their initiative has directly impacted over 100,000 people.
Ayesha is nominated for her exceptional work in promoting women's empowerment in Pakistan. She has organised national-level campaigns to educate women on their constitutional rights to protection against gender-based violence (GBV), developed Pakistan's first-ever citizens' guide to counter GBV, and raised funds for underprivileged women. She is a staunch supporter of gender equality and an advocate for women's rights. Her initiatives have had a profound impact, empowering women to speak out against GBV and paving the way for a more equitable society. Ayesha is a role model for young women and a change-maker inspiring youth to join the movement for social change.
Eduek is the founder of 'Nsentip Twins Foundation'. Hailing from the Ibibio tribe in Nigeria, a community rich in culture and history, Eduek is still nevertheless acutely aware of the challenges faced by girls and young women in her community. Focusing on girls' education, gender-based violence, and period poverty, she launched the 'Girls Community for Change Project', mentoring nearly 10,000 girls and providing self-defense skills. She has collaborated with leaders and the Nigerian government to implement policies. Eduek envisions being a documentarian to amplify marginalised women's voices, and her achievements have earned national and international recognition, including awards for her impactful work.
Uforo is a youth change-maker who founded the 'Nsentip Twins Foundation', which aims at serving humanity and nature through various activities such as health, education, gender equality, and climate action. She has successfully impacted 23,000 people through her 'Rekindled World' project, which focuses on creating awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and fostering education for social change. Uforo is a role model to many and is known for her ability to influence the thoughts and actions of people positively. She is also a self-driven individual who possesses leadership skills, critical thinking, and project management skills.
Covenant, a 19-year-old medical student at the University of Ibadan, founded the social enterprise 'Students on LinkedIn' in response to a knowledge deficit about the platform among his peers. The organisation aims to bridge the gap by providing resources on professional networking, employability readiness, and LinkedIn optimisation for university students. Through 'Students on LinkedIn', Odedele has made over 50,000 impressions in more than 15 countries, encouraged students to join LinkedIn and secure internships, and helped establish avant-garde partnerships with tech organisations. Odedele's leadership has inspired his peers to take responsibility for societal challenges in their campus communities.
Joy is from an underserved community. She is passionate about promoting women's rights and using S.T.E.M. for social good. She founded the ‘Shenovate’ initiative, which bridges the gender gap in technology. Joy has also volunteered her skills to impact over 2,000 girls in her community, created a mobile app to solve education problems, and served as a Global Technovation Student ambassador to Nigeria. She is a strong leader, critical thinker and has developed technical skills to facilitate innovative ideas that solve real-world problems. Joy's poetry advocating for girls' rights has also been recognised on national and international platforms.
Melody is a fourth-year pharmacy student at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria and founder of the 'Nigerian Industrial Pharmacy Undergraduate Fellowship' (NIPUF). Melody has been recognised globally for his impact, advocacy efforts, and accomplishments in the field of Industrial Pharmacy, including receiving the prestigious 'Mike How Award' from the 'Industrial Pharmacy Section of the International Pharmaceutical Federation'. His dedication to enhancing the career and professional development of pharmacy students in Nigeria through capacity building programs has left a lasting impression. His commitment to creating positive change amongst his professional peers has made him an exceptional change-maker.
Iyiola is a microbiologist and Erasmus Scholar who is dedicated to promoting the One Health approach to address global health issues. After the loss of his father to an infectious disease caused by drug-resistant pneumonia, Iyiola redoubled his commitment to microbiology, even in the face of the increased hardship this bereavement brought, securing multiple scholarships including the Leading International Vaccinology Education programme. At just 25, Iyiola has have co-authored over 30 scientific publications and made significant contributions to science communication and engagement in Nigeria. Iyiola has raised over funds for leading impactful projects, conducted research on drug-resistant microbes, organised educational programmes, mentored numerous students, and advocated for policy changes.
Oluwatomi is a dedicated and passionate leader who has made significant contributions to the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria. She led the successful implementation of the 'StopCut' project in FGM high-prevalence states and built the capacity of stakeholders to advocate against the practice. Her advocacy and campaign efforts have yielded positive results, and she has developed a referral pathway and reporting template for FGM cases. Oluwatomi is also a role model to her peers and other young leaders in the public health and development space, and she founded the 'Careers in Public Health' initiative. She is committed to empowering and supporting young professionals.
Onyinye founded 'Lawsanaid' to provide inclusive and quality education for law and aspiring law students with disabilities in Africa. Onyinye's vision stems from her personal experience with a relative who had a learning disability. She advocates for equitable education and has organised various projects and programmes for law students, including those with disabilities, and has created opportunities for students to participate in seminars, training, and competitions. Onyinye's work has inspired others, and she has become a role model for young people in the legal industry. She is also involved in mentoring, creativity promotion, and advocating for youth-led initiatives.
From humble beginnings in Manyatta neighborhood, Kisumu, Kenya to Starehe Girls’ Centre and the University of Nairobi, Mercy has faced her share of adversity in accessing a good education. Her educational career has been supported by well-wishers and mentors. Mercy now wants to see children from underprivileged families gain access to the same opportunities and even better. She believes that it only takes one person believing in a child to transform their lives. Through her ‘Lead With Mercy Initiative’, she has supported over 100 children and girls in informal settlements and rural communities through literacy and reproductive health education initiatives.
Akhila is the president of the 'UK Youth Parliament for Water' and has a place on UNESCO's Groundwater Youth Network. They have dedicated themselves to increasing youth participation in the UK water sector and decision-making processes. Akhila has collaborated with Water UK, Global Citizen, and Xylem to produce videos on various water issues, and has had work featured at COP26. Akhila has also recently founded the organisation ‘Rights for Rivers UK’ which seeks to protect vulnerable rivers in the UK from harmful chemicals and sewage dumping via environmental personhood which allows local communities to sue the polluters of their rivers.
Tri Mairah Pangestuti also known as Maira, is a young Indonesian woman with a passion for disaster education. She founded 'Dise Academy Indonesia' with the goal of creating a culture of disaster resilience in her country. Through her innovative VR simulation training, Maira has successfully increased the disaster preparedness index of the participants. She have also launched 'Dise Young Leaders', a disaster leadership scholarship programme for young people. Maira's leadership qualities and commitment have led them to overcome challenges, and she are a role model for inspiring others
Saket is the founder of 'Learning Quest', a non-profit initiative that focuses on distributing books and other learning supplies to underprivileged children in various parts of the world. Saket was inspired to start this cause after a family trip to India where they witnessed the lack of resources for proper education and learning tools in underprivileged schools. Since then, Saket has been actively collecting funds and books from donors all around the world, donating over 8,000 books to 20,000 children in the USA, India and Africa. Saket's efforts have earned Learning Quest recognition in the media and various grants, and have inspired many others to join the cause.
Pawan is a passionate social innovator who has made a measurable impact in rural and tribal villages, focusing on sanitation and education. They founded the non-profit organisation 'Tubelight Foundation for Social Innovations' with the vision to bring technological innovations to solve rural community problems. Their notable initiative called "Pakhi" addresses the lack of access to sanitary pads in rural areas. Through subscription-based pads and menstrual cups, their team provides affordable and hygienic options for just £3 per year, reaching thousands of women. Pawan's work has impacted over 10,000 lives, and they have inspired others through their dedication, problem-solving skills, and breaking the silence surrounding menstruation.
Hanna is dedicated to creating a world where no one dies from preventable diseases. At just 17-years-old, they embarked on their medical training, and spent their summers volunteering at a remote clinic in Guatemala with the NGO 'Health&Help'. Now as Director of the very same clinic, Hanna leads a team serving a community of 25,000 indigenous people. As a clinician, they are reaching people with some of the most limited access to healthcare on Earth, and as a leader, mentor, fundraiser, and innovator, they're improving the quality of that care every day and inspiring others to join them.
Using funds from playing table tennis, Vaisuruthi has donated around 500 plants and trees, recycled 800kg of paper and plastics, and planted 40 Ghaf trees through the ‘Give a Ghaf’ charity. They have joined campaigns and contributed to articles to raise awareness, as well as participating in eco-friendly projects: they have hosted a free green fitness programme at their home to teach local children about fitness and inspire them to grow plants, and they created an algae biofuel as a substitute for fossil energy as part of a science fair competition. Their efforts have inspired others, with many of their peers motivated to plant seedlings and adopt eco-friendly practices.
Arissa is a youth activist, children's book author, and documentary maker. She founded 'Project Power Global', an international organisation that advocates for global education equity. She leads a team of youth working on grassroots, policy and community impact. Arissa has worked with several organisations, including 'Plan International Canada', 'Unsinkable', the 'Canadian Partnership for Women and Children Health', and “Fridays for Future” to champion social justice, mental health, and climate action. Her work has impacted over 50,000 people worldwide, and Arissa's innovative and collaborative approach to problem-solving has made them a young leader in the United Nations SDG 4 space.
At just eight years old, Aalia began supporting breast cancer patients, orphans, people with disabilities, and underprivileged students. Aalia has successfully balanced her charity work with her studies, receiving local recognition for their academic achievements. Aalia's vision was shaped by personal experiences with cancer in their family, motivating them to raise awareness and support cancer patients. Aalia serves as a Brand Ambassador for the 'Protect Your Mom' organisation, organising campaigns and fundraisers, including helping five women overcome breast cancer through early detection. Aalia's inspiring efforts have motivated others to get involved; they have shown exceptional leadership skills as a youth advocate.
Sk Shoaibur Rahaman is the founder and CEO of 'AgSS', an organisation dedicated to making farming smart, innovative, and sustainable in Bangladesh. He started this changemaking journey at the age of 20, inspired by the challenges faced by farmers in his village. Through 'AgSS', he along with his team educate farmers on sustainable and smart agriculture, consults with them on farming problems, and conducts various programmes and projects. Shoaibur has established himself as an inspiration to others, leading a team of 40 youths who are contributing to the farming sector. He is also engaged in environmental activities and have been featured in various media outlets for his outstanding contribution to agriculture through AgSS.
Farah is a young woman who has made a significant impact on the marginalised members of their community through their work in education and food security. They co-founded the 'Canadian Zalmi Society', a charitable organisation committed to providing essential services such as education, recreation, and mental health support to those in need. Farah's digital literacy programme has equipped over 500 participants with essential digital skills like resume and cover letter writing, while their food insecurity programme has saved and donated over 82,500 pounds of food and household items.
Starting at age ten, Tarini has worked consistently to make a positive difference in the lives of waste pickers in India. She has created awareness regarding waste management, recycled waste, and raised funds for waste pickers' children's education. She organizes waste collection drives, conducts awareness campaigns, and develops sustainable personal hygiene products, as well as conducting ‘red dot’ campaigns to protect waste pickers by clearly marking menstrual waste. Her efforts have diverted over 9,000 kg of waste from landfills, funded scholarships, and sensitised communities. Tarini's work inspires others, earning recognition from school authorities, the municipal commissioner, and media coverage.
Ramdani created their youth leadership platform, 'Ucoolwecool', in 2021. In just 25 months, they reached 120 cities and collaborated with 50 organisations, spreading leadership skills, empowering underprivileged youth , and reaching a lot of young people across Indonesia. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they transformed setbacks into opportunities, leading with resilience and strategic planning. Their youth-led approach fostered a community of 400 volunteers and more than 1,500 members. Through their dedication, over 500 young leaders emerged, creating positive change in 30 provinces. Ramdani's impact goes beyond numbers, and is founded in a true belief that youth empowerment can change the world.
Yousef is an exceptional young leader who has made a significant impact through their involvement in the 'Model African Union'. As the High School Model for the Egyptian Delegating Team, Yousef raised awareness about African issues through talks and lectures, benefiting over 650 young people in more than five cities. They discussed the problems with high poverty, inequality, and government debt, and the effects of climate change, and proposed innovative solutions like using water vapor to produce electricity. Yousef's leadership, passion, and sense of social justice have inspired others and made them a role model in their community. Through 'MAU', Yousef has grown as a leader, honed their skills, and built valuable connections with young leaders from across Africa.
Jahir is a 24-year-old youth activist and gender advocate from Bangladesh. They have been working for the past ten years to end child marriage and gender-based violence and have reached thousands of young people through their training programmes. Jahir co-founded 'Youth For Change Bangladesh' to change gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. They have partnered with civil society organisations and advocated for government policies on child marriage. Jahir's dedication to enhancing people's quality of life through various projects has been remarkable, and their passion for the cause is evident in their actions and dedication to creating positive change.
Hailey is the founder of 'KidCaregivers', a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young caregivers dealing with loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s. Hailey created an online support group and global Zoom sessions for kids to connect, share experiences, and feel they’re not alone. They also launched the 'Puzzle Time Programmer', pairing young volunteers with people with Alzheimer's for puzzle-solving sessions. Through this Hailey has mobilised more than 2,000 students and Girl Scouts – including Troop 6000, a homeless Girl Scout Troop. Together, they have distributed more than 136,000 jigsaw puzzles to over 5,000 memory care homes, reaching upwards of 500,000 people with Alzheimer’s, and raised over $60,000 dollars for Alzheimer’s research.
Chiara is a 17-year-old Founder and Head of Operations of 'Cases 4 Care Indonesia', a youth-led non-profit focused on achieving UN SDG 4: Quality Education. She began the organisation at age 11, after learning about the human rights violations at "Bantar Gebang," Southeast Asia's biggest landfill site: 200 acres wide, and home to 100,000 trash collectors. Cases 4 Care has provided the 1,000 landfill children with informal education by furnishing five libraries with 1,500 books, by selling custom-designed products, hosting book drives, and lobbying for donations with multinational corporations. As of 2023, they hope to expand to refugee communities. Through her passion for public speaking, Ted Talks, and Symposiums, Chiara believes that advocacy is key to "Encouraging the youth of today to become the changemakers of tomorrow", especially in solving poverty in Indonesia.
Joana, the Director of Mentorship at 'In2MedSchool', has played a pivotal role in expanding the charity's mentorship programme across the UK, connecting over 2,600 disadvantaged students with medical student mentors and achieving a 92 percent success rate in students going on to study medicine-and health-care related degrees at university. Their dedication, guidance, and fundraising efforts have made 'In2MedSchool' a trusted and recognised widening participation initiative, while their support for volunteers and personal involvement in outreach activities inspire others and contribute to the program's success. Joana's journey with 'In2MedSchool' showcases their growth, leadership, and commitment to levelling the playing field in accessing higher education, specifically, medicine.
Bhanvi, a young leader and activist, has made a significant impact on her community through her dedication to raising awareness of issues faced by marginalised youth. Despite facing adversity in their personal life, she remains committed to empowering others through their passion for social work, volunteerism, and community. Bhanvi's work includes sending over 1000 girls to school in India, fundraising over $30,000 for girls' education, providing over 10,000 menstrual products for domestic violence victims, and raising awareness of the challenges faced by marginalised youth through Articulate, a non-profit she founded. She has also been named one of Canada’s youngest Top 100 Most Powerful Women and Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30.
Sabera founded the 'TAIB Education Foundation' in Afghanistan to provide free and voluntary educational services for girls. Despite the difficult political situation, they were determined to ensure that no girl would be left behind. Sabera works tirelessly, managing all the classes themself and offering various subjects, including languages, computers, and school subjects. Their work has had a profound social impact, with over 10,000 girls benefiting from these classes. Serving as a role model and motivating others to join their cause and share their knowledge, Sabera's efforts have helped decrease forced and underage marriages and challenged cultural barriers to girls' education.
Ahaan, a 16-year-old Mumbai student, has taken on multiple roles as a student council member, peer mentor, and social entrepreneur. Inspired by the challenges faced by the hearing and speech impaired community, Ahaan developed 'SignKraft', a handheld device for real-time translation of sign language. The device translates gestures into words and spoken words into text, making it possible for those with and without hearing impairments communicate across the barrier. They distributed 20 prototypes to special schools, benefiting over 200 students. Ahaan conducts presentations and workshops raising awareness about the community's communication barriers and the potential of this technology to overcome them.
Shivani has been an environmental activist since the age of four and has made a significant impact on the environment through their work. Now nine, they have created a movement that promotes sustainable practices and has encouraged countless others to join their cause. Shivani has reduced waste, planted trees, and led nationwide clean-up campaigns, improving the quality of life for many. They use their artistic and persuasive talents to raise awareness of environmental issues and transform entrenched mindsets, and the impact can even be weighed and measured: 3,646kg of paper recycled, 30kg of plastic diverted, 284kg of scrap metal repurposed, and 2,735 discarded mobile phones given new life.
Agastya's platform, 'The Cloud Canvas', is an inclusive learning and employability platform that empowers micro-entrepreneurs in the creator economy. The platform provides skilling and livelihood opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and members of the transgender community, and has reached over 100 teachers and 8,500 learners across seven countries. The platform uniquely combines creation, community, growth, and monetisation to empower creator microentrepreneurs. Agastya, as a digital creative himself, understands the challenges faced by young creatives and founded 'The Cloud Canvas' to provide a solution. The platform is endorsed by 'Adobe' and has partnerships with 'Knorish', 'CENTA', and 'Nabet'.
Nishat Chy, a faculty member at East Delta University, is nominated for the Diana Award for her outstanding community development work in Bangladesh. She co-founded the Ek Takay Shikkha Foundation in 2017, which has since helped over 5,000 underprivileged students with scholarships, mentoring support, and free educational material. The foundation has also introduced Bangladesh's first automated donation system and has inspired several nonprofits to adopt the micro-donation collection system. Chy's leadership and problem-solving abilities have enabled the foundation to overcome several hurdles. She was awarded the 'Joy Bangla Youth Award 2020' for empowering vulnerable people and has gained good networking skills.
Amarnath is an inspiring youth volunteer who tirelessly serves the less privileged. During the pandemic, they provided high-speed internet modems, ensuring uninterrupted education. They are a dedicated volunteer, actively participating in numerous causes, including the 'Feed a Labour Campaign' in Dubai, distributing essential items to labourers; environmental campaigns collected 13,650kg of waste, advocating for a plastic-free world; aiding earthquake relief efforts by collecting food and blankets and providing vital logistics support; and raising breast cancer awareness in his community. Amarnath's inspiring actions have motivated others to join their initiatives, and they have shown exceptional leadership skills by leading by example.
Sofia is the founder of Romania’s the first youth-led gender equality organisation, with over 150 members across 50 cities. Their advocacy led to legislative achievements, including comprehensive sexual education, banning virginity testing, and improved measures against gender-based violence. Sofia’s organization has led advocacy efforts to change the National Education Law, to define sexual violence in schools and provide resources for students who have been victims. They have spoken at UN events, featured in renowned publications like Vogue, and become a symbol of feminist progress to millions. In response to the Ukraine war, they have formed a solidarity network to aid refugees affected by sexual violence and is now leading ground-breaking research at Stanford University, proposing new methods for understanding and prosecuting wartime sexual violence.
Dev Shah, a child prodigy in chess, has achieved remarkable success both personally and as an ambassador for the sport. He founded the ‘Nirmaan Charitable Trust’ with his sister to bring the joy and rigor of chess to underprivileged students in India. Through ‘Nirmaan’, Dev provides free coaching to students from municipal schools, aiming to create youth champions in both chess and life, as well as addressing the gender disparity in the sport. They have secured funding to expand the programme to multiple schools, and organise online tournaments, and gained widespread recognition for his efforts, including the "National Child Excellence Award" from the President of India.
Fahad is the founder of the 'Youth General Assembly', advocating for youth empowerment and recommending policies to the government in Pakistan. They have trained hundreds of students and young people to become future ambassadors, democrats, and leaders; through 'YGA', they have presented policy recommendations and successfully advocated for the formation of a 'National Youth Council'. Fahad also advocates for transgender rights, contributing to the passing of the 'Transgender Rights Act' in Pakistan, and inspires others through initiatives such as the 'Fahad Shahbaz Foundation', which focuses on police reforms and environmental conservation. Fahad envisions Pakistan as a truly democratic country and empowering Pakistani youth to play a positive role as responsible global citizens.
Sanya is a 21-year-old activist and founder of 'Scarlet Udaan', a global youth organisation that raises awareness on female genital cutting (FGC) and empowers young people to take action. They have delivered over 70 presentations globally, raised awareness to over 150,000 individuals, and built a team of over 35 youth leaders from 10 countries. Sanya has been recognised by the UN for their efforts and is a Gender Equality leader with UN Women. They are passionate about ending gender-based violence and inspiring young people to use their voice to create change.
Himakshi is a 16-year-old global citizen who is making a difference in the world. They have been running their own hair donation campaign for cancer patients for over five years and have collected over 3,000 hair donations internationally. Himakshi is also a climate activist and has even started their own sustainable stationery startup, 'Sustainery Co'. They have inspired a diverse range of individuals through their campaigning, fundraising, and care work. Himakshi is a role model who brings optimism and enthusiasm to any role they take on, and they are an amazing human being who embodies empathy, persistence, involvement, and communication.
Shiuli, a compassionate and selfless individual, has made a significant impact through her various initiatives. Her project 'SuYog' aims to empower disadvantaged individuals, supporting 78 people and 23 achieving self-reliance within one year. She also raised 78,000 INR to provide aid to victims of catastrophes. Shiuli's environmental conservation efforts include the 'KitchenToFuel' drive, converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, and the 'Green Call 2021' recycling campaign. She actively encourages her peers to take part in initiatives like 'Children for Children,' 'Read & Lead,' and 'Team CARE,' fostering an inspiring and uplifting school environment, while her leadership in the school's Scout movement led over 300 students towards charitable endeavours.
Helena's leadership of the 'Aberdeen Law Project' has gained unprecedented acclaim and support from across the industry, including from Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court. They helped develop ground-breaking initiatives, such as the 'OutFit Like' scheme providing business attire for job interviews, and spearheaded community initiatives such as the 'Language Barrier Initiative’ increasinglanguage accessibility of pro bono services, and the 'Foodbank Partnership’ distributing items to local charities. As a leader of the platform 'Probonoskills.com' (PBS), Helena helps coordinate tailored training for law clinics. PBS aims to enhance the impact of law students in bridging the justice gap
S M Mobin Sikder is a young pioneer of online science education in Bangladesh. They founded 'Science Bee', the world's largest Bengali language science-based educational platform, to ensure quality education for all and make science education more accessible. Mobin has also created Bangladesh's largest science-based website, with 200,000 registered students and 40,000 daily learners. They have impacted more than 10 million Bengali-speaking students from over 30 countries and has received numerous awards for their contributions to community development and achieving sustainable development goals. Despite facing multiple barriers, Mobin has become a master in graphic designing, content making, and leadership, inspiring thousands of Bangladeshi students to contribute positively to the world.
Stephanie is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to youth development through STEM in Guyana. They have impacted the lives of over 100 students, represented her country at the 'First Global Robotics Competition', and provided mentorship and resources to underprivileged youths and girls. Stephanie co-founded the 'University of Guyana Robotics Club' and 'Computer Science Tech Ed Club', and teaches coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking to over 100 girls through the 'Guyanese Girls' Code'. Their passion for STEM education stems from their late father, and they co-founded the 'STEMMY Conversations Podcast' to expose youths to new STEM & ICT-based careers. Stephanie is deserving of the prestigious Diana Award for their exemplary leadership and management skills.
During a visit to a village school in Rajasthan, India, Aryaveer discovered that the children there lacked library books, and decided to raise funds for them. Aryaveer used his passion for painting to generate funds, selling his artwork at exhibitions and art fairs. Aryaveer donated the proceeds to the 'Avsar Foundation', which supported five rural schools in Rajasthan. Through these efforts, he raised $7,800, enabling the purchase of 200 books for a 'Library in a Box' programme that benefited over 3,000 students. They also provided 265 new sweaters and 90 new school bags to students in need.
Olivia Slatter created 'Olivia's Lockdown Choir' during the Covid-19 pandemic. She successfully gained national lottery funding and kept three businesses running during the pandemic at the age of 21. After her autism diagnosis, Olivia noticed a gap in the market for a support network for people with visible and invisible disabilities. She created 'It's Olivia's World,' a support network for people with disabilities and parents. Olivia has inspired people to talk about their disabilities through podcasts, blogs, and speaking engagements. She plans to educate companies globally and create a safe space for those with disabilities.
Israel, leading a team of 120 volunteers, has made a significant impact through 'One Child Africa', with a mission of reaching five million children by 2025. Their initiatives include promoting access to quality education and sexual reproductive health education. Their culturally sensitive and innovative board game has impacted 2,900 young girls. They have raised $35,000, providing educational resources and innovative solutions to underserved communities and granting scholarships, with 70 percent being girls. Israel's leadership has earned them international recognition as a U.N. mentor to young students, inspiring them to be disruptive leaders and create positive change in their communities.
Nirvaan’s ‘Project Jeans – Blue to Green’ repurposes old jeans into sleeping bags for people experiencing homelessness. With dual passions for the environment and helping those in need, they collect used denim to minimise waste and raise awareness about fast fashion's environmental impact. Their efforts have so far repurposed around 6,000 pairs of jeans, preventing pollution and supporting sustainability goals. Collaborating with local tailors, including 15 women seeking financial independence, they distributed 850 eco-friendly sleeping bags to homeless individuals. The project has received worldwide attention, and Nirvaan uses the opportunity to scale the project globally, creating eco-friendly sleeping bags wherever needed.
Dhanu Sree started 'The Harbingers of Amity' during the pandemic to support those suffering from loneliness, and later extended this beyond the pandemic to anyone experiencing loneliness through age, disease, or marginalisation. The ‘Harbingers of Amity’ initiative has positively impacted over 50 families within the UAE and India. Dhanu has also focused on other initiatives, including bridging the education gap by providing resources to underprivileged students and promoting STEAM, which has resulted in an inspiring 200 percent increase in girls’ engagement in STEAM within their section at school. In the face of personal and systemic barriers, Dhanu Sree is breaking barriers and empowering young girls to embrace their full potential, shattering stereotypes along the way.
Nora Sun is a first-generation American who founded 'Talaria Summer Institute' at the age of 14. The programme provides underprivileged high school students with an opportunity to pursue their research ideas in a month-long program. The programme has worked with 396 students across three years and has had a significant impact on its participants. Nora has also inspired many students within 'Talaria Summer Institute' to become leaders within Talaria after graduating or begin their own initiatives to impact society. Nora is a clear-headed visionary and a bold leader with a passion for science education and mentorship.
Shyamli is a female roboticist from physics background, who has devoted countless hours to volunteering activities for the social cause of educating people of all ages. They have been involved in numerous activities that benefit others, including providing free education to over 300 elderly people, conducting interviews, master classes and online workshops to inspire over 500 people, mentoring more than 25 underprivileged school students, and conducting multiple school outreach events. Their initiative, 'Xplore Street', is a youth-led platform focusing on providing a launchpad for the unrecognised, through sharing their inspiring stories, supporting budding entrepreneurs to conduct their first-ever workshop, and enthusiasts to learn new skills through international exposure, inspiring to pursue one’s heart's passion.
D'arci is nominated for the Diana Award for her outstanding representation of 'Diabetes Canada' for over 13 years. She has been involved in various aspects of the community since she was young, and her commitment to helping others through her fundraising efforts, lab research, and volunteer work is inspiring. D'arci is a role model for other young people and has had a significant impact on those living with diabetes through her fundraising efforts, which have enabled countless children to attend Diabetes Camps and provided funding for diabetes research labs.
Lewis founded 'The Curious Times' during the pandemic to address the social isolation experienced by young people. Through the award-winning website, podcast, YouTube channel and social media, they provide a platform for young people to express themselves through art, poetry, games, and journalism. The website's content is entirely created by children aged 9-17 and the community now extends to over 80 countries and has positively impacted the mental health and personal development of the young participants. Lewis co-founded the ‘Global Young Entrepreneur Society’ to champion youth perspectives and empowerment in business. Lewis is a member of the Childnet Youth Advisory Board.
Mahnoor Syed, a 24-year-old social activist from Pakistan, has been dedicated to serving their community through their non-profit organisation since the age of 16. Their work includes advocacy, activism, and media presence, with a focus on women's well-being. Their projects include micro-finance for women, menstrual health, and education sponsorship for girls from low-income families. Mahnoor's impact has been felt by hundreds of women directly, empowering and inspiring many more. They have led by example, becoming a role model for her peers and demonstrating empathetic yet firm leadership. Mahnoor's personal qualities of passion, consistency, and strength have enabled them to overcome personal and social challenges and make a positive impact on their community.
Ampai Thammachack is the Founder and CEO of 'Step Above Stigma', a Canadian charity that empowers youth to eradicate the stigma around mental health and focus on the power of community. She has directly impacted more than 125,000 youth. Ampai is also the Co-Founder of the 'Glass Slipper Organisation', which has served more than 1,500 students in financial need. She has been honoured with several awards, including 'Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch', ‘L’Oréal Women to Watch’, and CSPN’s 'Entrepreneur of the Year'. Despite personal struggles, Ampai is an inspiring leader who fosters inclusion and empathy within her teams.
Sriya's non-profit, 'GirlsWhoSTEAM', tackles the gender gap in STEM by empowering girls. With over 70 events, 12,000 community members, and more than 4,000 children impacted, the organisation promotes inclusivity and creativity in STEAM education. Their pitch competition and workshops provide real-world skills and inspiration. Sriya's dedication during the pandemic, spending over 40 hours a week, led to global outreach and local events. 'GirlsWhoSTEAM' creates a sense of community, offering mentorship and support through an online platform. As a youth-led initiative, Sriya ensures participants feel safe and confident. Despite rapid growth, the programmes remain free, reflecting their commitment to making a lasting impact.
Nihal, who began their mission at the age of 10, has made significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of batteries through recycling. Over the course of three years, Nihal has spent over 2,000 hours pursuing their vision, including collecting batteries, organising recycling bins, leading educational events, and rallying volunteers. Their efforts have resulted in recycling over 265,000 batteries and reaching approximately 12.5 million people through educational campaigns. Nihal's inspiring dedication has motivated over 350 young volunteers, and their work has transformed them personally, improving their social skills, confidence, and leadership abilities. As Nihal continues their journey, their positive impact on the environment and society will only grow with them.
Shiven’s 'Corsi-Rosenthal Box Initiative', which involved creating homemade air filters for homes and schools, helped keep vulnerable people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through their partnerships with local businesses, social media advocacy, and hard work, they have made over 140 air filters, while also engaging and educating the community. Shiven found ways to widen the scope of their project by creating a step-by-step assembly guide to share with libraries and on Twitter, which they translated into French and Spanish, and worked with local engineers to adapt it for Germany and the UK. To date, it has been accessed over 35,000 times.
Christos is a young medical doctor from Greece who is currently working as a clinician and researcher in Switzerland. In parallel, they are involved in health bodies and civil society organisations advocating for cancer prevention and promoting a healthy lifestyle with and for young people in Europe. Christos has integrated their advocacy work into their academic and professional activities, presenting evidence-based guidelines and creative health promotion initiatives at medical conferences, organising training events and webinars, coordinating youth led working groups and writing for peer - reviewed and popular outlets. This work has culminated in a remarkable number of contributions to cancer prevention in Europe, including organising over 10 physical events and conference talks, as well as more than 30 virtual events and publishing several relevant papers. Christos's commitment to their vision speaks of their desire to reintroduce the roles of citizen and intellectual to the standard responsibilities of a physician.
Dolma, driven by personal observations and reflections as a daughter, founded 'Flutter Care' to improve maternal healthcare. Their digital health company's technology has been used in over 100 countries and garnered the support of global health organisations. Dolma co-founded the 'Canadian Collaborative for Stillbirth Prevention', advocating for a national strategy to reduce stillbirths and improve bereavement care. Their efforts led them to meet with top politicians including the Federal Minister of Health and collaborate with key organisations such as the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Dolma's remarkable initiative as a founder of impact-focused organisations drives them to turn their myriad ideas into tangible action.
Vinisha is the innovator of the ‘Solar Ironing Cart’, which aims to end the Victorian practice of using charcoal-powered cast iron boxes for pressing clothes in developing countries. By harnessing solar energy, it eliminates the harmful effects of charcoal on the environment, humans, and animals. With an estimated 10 million traditional ironing carts in India alone, Vinisha's innovation has the potential to save millions of trees, improve air quality, and enhance the livelihoods of ironing vendors. Vinisha is a role model for environmentally conscious innovators and spoke at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) along with Prince William of Wales.
Divaa, a 14-year-old student from Bangalore, India, is a passionate young leader making a difference in the world. They started 'Project Surya', which aims to brighten the lives of children from lower socioeconomic strata by helping them manage their type-one diabetes effectively. Divaa has raised over $6,800, providing life-saving insulin to less fortunate diabetic patients, conducted in-depth sessions with diabetic children, and educated over 10,000 people about Type One and Type Two diabetes. They have petitioned the Government of India to make insulin accessible and affordable. Project Surya has a three-pronged plan of action: Awareness, Advocacy and Funding.
Addvika drives change through their community work. She teaches classical dance to underprivileged girls and serves as a teaching assistant, supporting English, Science, and Hindi classes. At just 16 years old, they founded the non-profit organisation 'JustBookIt', which has established open libraries and provided free educational resources to over 500 underprivileged children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they created and sold a collection of oil paintings to fund monthly data packs to support twelve students’ online education; she also founded 'Sahayya', which provided employment to immigrant workers throughout the pandemic. They have dedicated over 800 teaching hours, choreographed dance performances, and organised fundraisers to support online education and other initiatives.
Sreepadmanabhan is a charismatic leader and influencer who actively uplifts underprivileged people, promotes health education, and conserves the environment. At just 14, Sreepadmanabhan has raised INR 20,000 for a child's myelodysplastic syndrome treatment and INR 65,000 for kidney transplantation. They have provided 100,000 Iftar meals to labourers, donated oxygen cylinders during the pandemic, and supported flood victims through donating their own pocket money to distress relief funds. Additionally, they collect recyclables, donated mobile phones for recycling, and distributes plants. Their impactful efforts have saved two lives, fed thousands, and, as a member of their student council, they have inspired countless students by motivating and enthusing people around them.
Cooper is a 20-year-old university student from Toronto, Canada who co-founded 'Balls 4 Eyeballs', a youth-led non-profit that collects used tennis balls from local clubs and sells them to fund eye research in Canada. The organisation has diverted over 150,000 tennis balls from landfills and received numerous awards for its impact on the environment and community. Cooper is an inspiration to others, especially youth, and volunteers extensively in his community to advocate for environmental and social justice issues. Cooper has developed important leadership skills and is expected to continue making a great impact on their community.
Christina is a highly accomplished student advocate from Jamaica who has transformed the education sector in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Their achievements include successfully lobbying for student access to health insurance island-wide, reducing deregistration by 99%, and achieving zero-rating of online platforms for inclusive online learning during the pandemic. They have curated concessionary policies implemented across the Caribbean region and is currently the lead youth contributor to multiple landmark education legislations. Their work has been recognised by the European Union, United Nations, and Commonwealth Secretariat, who have engaged them to present and implement best practices worldwide. Williams has a passion for people and policy, which they leverage to drive positive change and engagement.
Raised in a low-income household in Chicago, Tabitha faced learning challenges and discrimination in STEM. Despite this, they dedicated themseleves to supporting underrepresented students in STEM, teaching thousands of hours and creating opportunities through organisations like 'Amplify Chicago'. They made a social impact by increasing access to mental health resources, supporting HIV patients, and addressing environmental issues. Tabitha's leadership and advocacy earned them recognition from prestigious organisations and allowed them to motivate others worldwide, especially youth, to create positive change. Despite personal hardships, they remain resilient and was even able to set a record for most leadership awards earned from their university.
Gabrielle is nominated for their outstanding work in supporting SDG 4: Quality Education. They founded the 'Discimus Foundation' to provide computer labs and technology classes to children in rural communities worldwide. They have led a team of over 30 volunteer teachers, who have run hundreds of lessons for over 6000 students in computer courses. Gabrielle has also established partnerships between 'Discimus Foundation' and six local charities. They have created personalised lesson modules ranging from the evolution of computers to coding and have received accreditation for those who have completed the courses. Gabrielle is a young leader with a passion for promoting quality education worldwide.
After witnessing the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and their hostility towards women's education, Bree founded an English teaching and resettlement programme focused on Afghan women and children. Her programme offers ESL classes, cultural assimilation support, and tutoring services for refugee students. She inspires others to get involved in humanitarian work and serves as a youth leader in her community. Despite her academic commitments, Bree manages her time effectively and continues to learn and adapt to maximise her impact. She aspires to become a women's rights lawyer and is grateful for the opportunity to help and learn from the resilient women she supports.
Yaseen’s journey began after scoring a B in maths and realising that, although he had 'studied' (memorised key points) he had not truly understood. Recognising the need to make learning more engaging and intuitive, Yaseen has begun delivering free high-quality maths lessons, founded a senior maths club, and curated an advanced biology course. Yaseen has organised competitions, mentored tutors, and volunteered for various causes, making education accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. He leads by example and his transformative journey serves as an inspiration to others, solidifying his role as a role model for his peers.
David Zhu is a 21-year-old advocate for social justice and health equity. They have dedicated themselves to volunteering in homeless shelters and children's hospitals, accumulating nearly 5,000 volunteer hours and positively impacting the lives of nearly 2,000 homeless individuals. David is the CEO of '5-ing COVID-19', an international nonprofit that advocates for vulnerable communities by providing essential resources to mitigate the pandemic's impact. Their nonprofit has donated over 100,000 essential supplies to homeless shelters and raised over $10,000 for SickKids Hospital during the pandemic. David's selfless and equity-focused leadership makes them a trailblazer in community-based grassroots initiatives.
Suha is an 18-year-old from India who developed the 'Strabi-cure' Therapy with App to detect and provide rehabilitation exercises for children with early-onset strabismus. Their initiative was inspired by their brother's rare form of strabismus, which took doctors four months to diagnose and had a risk of causing blindness. Suha's dedication has helped over 50 children in her community receive appropriate treatment and raised awareness for the risks of late detection. They have won several awards, including the 'Gore Innovation award' in the Diamond Challenge. Suha's work has inspired their peers to become changemakers and they are leading the "everyone a changemaker" movement in their community.
Rania is a passionate advocate for ending book deserts – regions where millions of disadvantaged children lack access to books. Through her non-profit organisation,The LiTEArary Society, Rania has donated over $192,000 worth of brand-new books to more than 18,000 preschool children globally. She has personally travelled across the United States, holding engaging read-aloud events and distributing books to children in need. She inspires others through her youth-led initiative, with over 200 active members. Her commitment to service and remarkable leadership has been featured in national media and her organisation has sponsorships with Scholastic, Pilot Pens, Hershey’s, and others.
