My passion for child safety began in 2012 when a widely publicized abuse case made me realize that laws and punishment weren’t enough—real change had to come through education. I joined Teach for India to better understand the systemic challenges at the grassroots level. Teaching fifty 10-year-olds for two years was a deeply personal journey that made me more empathetic, curious, and resilient in my commitment to social issues. However, I quickly realized the need for a broader impact. To drive change on a larger scale, I worked with a school board to design and implement holistic initiatives in financial aid, teacher development, and student leadership. This experience deepened my conviction that for children to thrive truly, they need more than just academic support; they need a space where they feel safe to be themselves and express their thoughts and emotions freely.
In India, corporal punishment and emotional abuse are alarmingly common, especially in low-income schools. Determined to make a difference, I founded Safe Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safer learning environments. Over the past three years, we’ve partnered with 50+ schools across South India, developing strategies to reduce abuse and empower students to speak up. Safe Schools reflects my ongoing commitment to ensuring every child has a safe space to learn, grow, and thrive.
As I look ahead, Fuqua’s collaborative environment and focus on leadership will equip me with the business skills and networks needed to scale my vision for child safety across India, ultimately empowering me to drive lasting change and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a safe and nurturing learning environment.