Samrithi Balaa Saravanan
Lead Volunteer
Girls Leadership Academy Meetup
I work for GLAM as the lead volunteer, a role that allows me to blend my passion for helping others with my leadership skills. GLAM's mission is to empower young girls to dream big and achieve their goals by providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive community. We strive to inspire confidence, foster creativity, and nurture the potential within each girl, helping them to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. In my position, I lead various initiatives and events that support these objectives, ensuring that our programs run smoothly and effectively. I also mentor young girls, sharing my experiences and knowledge to guide them on their paths to success. My work with GLAM is deeply fulfilling, as I witness firsthand the positive impact we have on the lives of these aspiring young women.
What I love about the work I do with GLAM is the opportunity to empower young girls to achieve their dreams and break down barriers. Throughout history, girls have often been looked down upon and not given the same opportunities as boys, facing systemic challenges and biases that limit their potential. This inequality fuels my passion to make a difference. By leading and mentoring through GLAM, I aim to provide these young girls with the confidence, resources, and support they need to pursue their goals fearlessly. I want to change the narrative, ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to succeed in all areas of life. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and achievements is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue advocating for gender equality and empowering the next generation of strong, confident women.
In a typical day at work, I assist the GLAM team with event setups, ensuring everything is organized and ready to go. I also participate in volunteer training sessions to support the team's initiatives. As I've recently started, I'm eager to learn and contribute more to our mission, actively seeking opportunities to integrate myself into the team's goals and activities. Each day brings new learning experiences, and I'm committed to giving my best effort in every task assigned to me.
My journey to the work I do now is rooted in my passion for STEM and my involvement in various STEM clubs in high school. From an early age, I was fascinated by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which led me to participate in numerous clubs and competitions, honing my skills and deepening my knowledge. Inspired by my love for technology, I tutored children at The Coder School, where I enjoyed helping young minds grasp the basics of coding and problem-solving. I also started my own coding classes within my neighborhood. Growing up with a younger sister, I developed a keen understanding of how kids feel and how best to support them, which has been invaluable in my tutoring efforts. Additionally, I am passionate about giving back to the community. I aspire to start my own non-profit organization dedicated to providing wigs for families with low incomes and children suffering from hair loss. These wigs, which are often expensive and hard to access, can significantly impact a child's self-esteem and confidence. Through my non-profit, I hope to make these wigs more accessible and affordable, ensuring that every child in need can feel confident and beautiful. Combining my love for STEM with my desire to help others, I am committed to making a positive difference in the lives of children and my community.
My future is bright as I prepare to study business and computer engineering in college. I am eager to dive into these fields, gaining knowledge and honing my skills in technology and entrepreneurship. With this expertise, I will return to my community, using innovative solutions to solve local problems and create new opportunities. By combining my understanding of business strategies and technological advancements, I will support local businesses, mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, and develop projects that enhance the quality of life for everyone. My goal is to drive economic growth and technological progress, making a lasting, positive impact on the community I care about deeply.
I enjoy a variety of activities that keep me entertained and engaged. Listening to music is a favorite pastime of mine, as it allows me to unwind and explore different genres. Playing table tennis and swimming are my go-to sports for staying active and having fun. Spending time with my sister brings joy and laughter into my day, creating lasting memories together. When I want to relax indoors, I often find myself watching TV or trying out new recipes in the kitchen through cooking. Additionally, I have a passion for art, whether it's creating my own pieces or appreciating the work of others. These activities not only entertain me but also enrich my life with creativity, physical activity, and meaningful connections with loved ones.
"I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard." – Malala Yousafzai