Biography of Simone Sharma: Founder of Youth Grow Youth (YGY) & HANDS4PAWS
Biography of Simone Sharma:
Simone Sharma, a dynamic 17-year-old from Karnataka, has
rapidly made a name for herself as an influential young leader. Her
entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, leading her to establish Youth Grow Youth
(YGY) during her high school years. This student-led organization aims to
bridge the gap between youth and opportunities, making extracurricular
activities and career resources more accessible globally.
The Birth of Youth Grow Youth
Simone’s journey into entrepreneurship began in grade 11
with the founding of YGY. Motivated by her own experiences and the challenges
she faced in finding opportunities, she envisioned YGY as a platform to provide
high school students with access to extracurricular activities, mentorship, and
internships. Her initiative was driven by a deep desire to empower young people
and create pathways for their success.
YGY’s Global Impact
Under Simone’s leadership, YGY has made a significant
impact, reaching over 60,000 students worldwide. The organization, recognized
by the United Nations Youth Council, has partnered with notable entities like
UN Women, Deloitte, and GMS. Through these collaborations, YGY has facilitated
the distribution of 30,000+ COVID kits and provided more than 100 care packages
to support youth mental health.
Expanding Horizons Through Education
Simone’s academic journey took her from Jain Heritage School
in India, where she excelled with a 96.8% aggregate, to the University of Bath.
At Bath, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business while actively
participating in various societies, including Bath Entrepreneurs and Women in
Business. Her involvement in these groups reflects her commitment to fostering
entrepreneurship and leadership.
Diverse Roles and Responsibilities
Simone’s involvement extends beyond her studies. She
currently holds several prominent positions, including Director of Strategy and
Sponsorships at Bath Women in Finance and Marketing & Product Launch
Manager at Mettricks. These roles allow her to apply her skills in strategic
planning and marketing, furthering her impact in the business world.
Biography of Simone Sharma: Founder of Youth Grow Youth (YGY) & HANDS4PAWS/Sntrepreneur/Startup/Age/Net worth/BF/Simone Sharma story/animal welfare
Leadership in University and Beyond
At the University of Bath, Simone serves as an Academic Representative
and School of Management Ambassador, roles that enable her to advocate for
student needs and represent her peers. Additionally, she has been selected as a
delegate for the National Union of Students’ Conference and as a Lead PAL
Mentor, showcasing her dedication to student advocacy and leadership.
Bridging Opportunities with YGY
Simone’s vision for YGY is rooted in addressing the
accessibility gap for students. She recognizes that many youth are unaware of
the opportunities available to them due to lack of resources and exposure. YGY
aims to bridge this gap by providing information on volunteering, internships,
and scholarships through social media platforms, helping students build
impressive profiles for college applications.
Advocating for Gender Equality
One of YGY’s core missions is to promote gender equality.
The organization encourages girls from low-income areas to participate in
opportunities and strives to create an inclusive environment where all students
can access resources and support. This focus on gender equality reflects
Simone’s broader commitment to social justice.
Youth Empowerment Through Poetry
Simone’s talents extend beyond her entrepreneurial ventures.
She is a passionate poet, using her writing to address issues like youth
empowerment and self-love. Her poetry has been published and contributes to her
advocacy work, illustrating her ability to blend artistic expression with
social impact.
Notable Achievements and Recognitions
Simone’s achievements have garnered significant recognition.
She was awarded Miss Teen India Karnataka 2022, highlighting her leadership and
grace. Additionally, her business acumen has been recognized by prestigious
programs such as the Harvard Innovative Fellowship and Stanford Social Startup
Select Program.
Contributions to Animal Welfare
In addition to her work with YGY, Simone co-founded
HANDS4PAWS, a high school business aimed at supporting animal welfare. The
initiative focuses on selling eco-friendly products and using 50% of the
profits to support dog feeding programs and old-age centers for animals. This
venture underscores her commitment to environmental sustainability and animal
rights.
Advocacy and Activism
Simone’s advocacy extends to various social causes,
including climate change and gender equality. She actively participates in
content creation for leading youth-led organizations on Instagram, addressing
intersectional issues and promoting awareness about pressing social challenges.
Strategic Roles at the World Economic Forum
Simone’s expertise has led her to serve as an Operations and
Marketing Consultant for the World Economic Forum. In this role, she provides
strategic planning and project management support, contributing to the Forum’s
initiatives and reinforcing her position as a young leader on the global stage.
Building Strategic Partnerships
As Head of Partnerships for acceler8, the University of
Bath’s startup accelerator, Simone is involved in developing business
strategies and negotiating contracts. This role allows her to leverage her
skills in partnership development and strategic networking to support emerging
startups.
Exploring New Frontiers in Business
Simone’s internship at Landmark Group in Dubai provided her
with hands-on experience in sales and marketing. This role involved market
research and analysis, marketing strategy development, and data analysis,
further enhancing her business acumen and global perspective.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Simone’s journey is a testament to her dedication to
empowering youth and bridging gaps in access to opportunities. Her work with
YGY and other initiatives reflects her commitment to making a positive impact
and inspiring others to pursue their passions and ambitions.
The Future Vision
Looking ahead, Simone Sharma’s plans include continuing her
work with YGY and expanding her influence in the business and social sectors.
Her dedication to providing opportunities for young people, coupled with her
strategic roles and advocacy efforts, positions her as a prominent figure in
shaping the future of youth empowerment and social change.
Timeline of Simone Sharma’s Journey
Grade 11 (2019): Founded Youth Grow Youth (YGY) to provide
global opportunities for youth.
Jain Heritage School, India: Excelled academically with a
96.8% aggregate.
University of Bath (2021): Began pursuing a Bachelor of
Science in Business; joined Bath Entrepreneurs and Women in Business societies.
2021: Awarded Miss Teen India Karnataka.
2021: Co-founded HANDS4PAWS to support animal welfare
through eco-friendly products.
2022: Participated in Harvard Innovative Fellowship and
Stanford Social Startup Select Program.
2023: Served as Operations and Marketing Consultant for the
World Economic Forum.
2023: Became Head of Partnerships for acceler8 at University
of Bath.
Internship at Landmark Group, Dubai (2023): Gained
experience in sales and marketing.