I am very passionate about empowering women and girls on a global scale. Women are often treated very differently than men, but by working together, we can shift patriarchal mindsets and abolish stigmas that impact the perceived role of women in society. I have been inspired to support the empowerment of women and advocate for others to do the same. My main inspiration has come from things that I have read and learned about the problems that women around the world face. Also, my home country is India, and so I have heard stories about the rights of women being overlooked in society. While that has not directly affected me in Canada, the stories have motivated me to take action. I contribute to local and international communities by supporting regional movements that aid female survivors of domestic violence and initiatives that provide resources and build schools to provide access to education for girls around the world.

Youth participation is critical for social causes. Young people are the future and have the potential to accomplish so much; however, young people often do not get the chance to spearhead impactful initiatives. Work 2 Unify is a youth-led non-profit I founded where I can fulfill my goal to work with like-minded youth and encourage their participation in important movements to benefit those with less privilege.

I work within my local and international communities to take action for the Sustainable Development Goals. In middle school, I recognized all that my community has provided, including a variety of opportunities to grow, enjoy life, and drive sustainable change. I founded Work 2 Unify, an international non-profit that aids those in need by organizing youth volunteers and fundraising ventures for causes such as Plan International Canada’s “Because I Am A Girl” movement, the International Rescue Committee, and YW Calgary’s “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” event. Work 2 Unify’s mission, and the actions its volunteers take to fulfill it, all contribute to giving back to the community.

While volunteering at the hospital and Canadian Blood Services, I am able to interact with different members of the local community. The variety of perspectives I encounter, from elderly patients to individuals at blood donation events, teach me a great deal about the world and inspire my actions. My community’s support and cooperation are what motivate me to continue the work that I do.

Collaboration is the basis of my work and everyday life. I strongly believe that without collaboration, the SDGs cannot be achieved. The impact made possible with a team full of diverse perspectives is invaluable—a collaborative approach will progress the world towards a state of true equality and sustainability.