Sejal, 16, United States

Basic need(s):

Education

Project:

"Girls Helping Girls"

The mission of Sejal's nonprofit organization, "Girls Helping Girls," is to unite girls around the world to identify and confront universal issues, igniting a global revolution that changes the way girls are perceived and democratizing the quest for peace worldwide. To accomplish this mission, Sejal partners girls in the United States with those in developing countries, allowing them to discuss social issues and develop service projects. She believes that girl empowerment is vital to world peace because it ensures that a society is equal and emotionally healthy. "Girls Helping Girls" has served as a beneficial mentoring and scholarship program, pairing over 400 school-age children living in impoverished areas of India, Ghana and Turkey with California high school students. It has also provided school supplies, books and funds for higher education to these children. Sejal hopes that "Girls Helping Girls" will transform not only how society views girls, but also how girls view themselves. For more information, please visit www.empoweragirl.org.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto