Rubbish

I’m honored to be considered for the Future Minds Under 35 list. For nearly a decade, I’ve been working to prevent sexual violence and improve systems of support for survivors—work that began after I shared my own story publicly in middle school and continued through college, where I focused on turning personal experience into collective change.

At Temple University, I founded Student Activists Against Sexual Assault (SAASA), which grew to over 500 members in just two years. We worked to make prevention more visible and resources more accessible—offering peer-led training, partnering with administrators, and pushing for policy reform. One of the initiatives I led resulted in securing $350,000 in free Uber rides for students in vulnerable situations. I also raised $20,000 in grant funding to support campus prevention efforts and developed centralized digital resources so survivors could more easily find help.

Beyond campus, I’ve worked to co-author and introduce survivor-centered legislation as Pennsylvania State Director for the Every Voice Coalition, where I helped secure primary sponsorship for a bill that would require campus climate surveys, confidential resource advisors, and amnesty protections for students reporting harm. I’ve spoken to hundreds of students and advocates across the country and have been grateful to facilitate training and strategy sessions across multiple states at conferences, including keynoting the PA Department of Education's It's On Us Convening.

I spend my free time volunteering with other anti-sexual violence organizations, like Our Wave, No More, and Callisto.

In other roles, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as Student Body President at Temple, where I led a 30-person team and worked with administrators to expand survivor resources, improve campus safety measures, and institutionalize prevention programming. I also served three terms on the national leadership team for It’s On Us, where I chaired the inaugural LGBTQ+ Caucus and helped develop programming that better represents queer survivors. As a Callisto Ambassador, I’ve advocated for expanding access to encrypted, trauma-informed reporting tools on campuses. My research—exploring how credibility bias in the legal system affects survivors—has been recognized with multiple academic awards, and I’ve presented it at statewide and national conferences. These experiences have given me a broader lens on the policy and cultural shifts needed to better support survivors—not just reactively, but proactively.

I’m proud of what these efforts have meant for the people I’ve worked with—especially the survivors who’ve told me they finally felt seen, supported, or safe. While there’s always more to be done, I hope this work reflects the kind of change that can happen when young people are trusted to lead.

In much of Central Asia, Olympiad math has long been the guarded domain of elite boys from capital cities — silent classrooms where girls often sit at the back, if at all. I used to be one of them, watching from the sidelines, too curious to quit and too invisible to be called on. That memory became the seed of something much larger.

At 17, I decided to change the equation — literally. I wrote and self-published an open-source EGMO (European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad) preparation book tailored specifically for girls like me: young, ambitious, often self-taught, and too frequently underestimated. It wasn’t just a problem-solving manual. It was a declaration: you belong here.

The book reached over 120 girls in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan — many from rural towns where Olympiad resources were scarce, and math confidence even scarcer. Designed with empathy and strategy, the book broke down abstract problems with intuitive visuals, offered guided solutions, and embedded mentorship through a chapter called “Girls Who Solve” — where I interviewed former EGMO medalists from Central Asia. Their stories showed that math wasn’t a closed-door system. It was a ladder — and someone just needed to build the first rung.

But I didn’t stop there. I hosted biweekly workshops and launched a Telegram support community, which soon grew to over 500 students. We solved problems together at 10 p.m., we cried over inequalities, and we celebrated breakthroughs like they were gold medals. Many of these girls had never attended a math circle, let alone had a female mentor. Now, they were surrounded by a sisterhood of solvers.

With $1,200 in funding — part from a Women in STEM microgrant, part from community donations — I printed physical books for girls without digital access, covered internet stipends for students in villages, and built a digital archive of lecture recordings.

The results? Five girls qualified for national EGMO training camps. Two were selected to represent their countries at EGMO 2025 — one from a single-parent household in Shymkent who told me: “I never thought girls like me belonged in math olympiads. Your book didn’t just teach me math — it taught me to be brave.”

But perhaps the most powerful transformation was invisible: self-doubt turned into self-belief. For every proof they mastered, there was a deeper theorem unfolding — that they mattered.

In the end, this wasn’t about math. It was about rewriting a future where girls in Central Asia stop asking, “Can I solve this?” and start saying, “Watch me.”

Growing up in Iseyin, an underserved community in Nigeria, I became aware of the challenges faced by the youth in my country. Research revealed that 13.8% of Nigeria's youth population were not in education, employment, or training (NEET), leaving many vulnerable to unemployment and underemployment despite earning degrees. I delved deeper, engaging human resource professionals to understand the root causes, and discovered gaps in Nigerian higher education curricula. These deficits left students ill-equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks essential for the future of work. Motivated to bridge this gap, I organized my first mentorship program in May 2021, connecting 1,276 students and young professionals from over 50 Nigerian higher institutions with industry experts. During an 8-month industrial strike in public universities across Nigeria, I further expanded my impact by hosting an in person 7-day leadership and public speaking training for 75 students at my university. These experiences culminated in the creation of The Leverage Project, a non-profit initiative aimed at reducing employment inequalities among young people in Nigeria. Since its inception, the initiative has supported over 1,270 beneficiaries through mentorship, training, and resources, enabling more than 150 individuals to secure jobs, internships, and global opportunities.

Among my other initiatives are The Exemplars Magazine, a compendium of inspiring stories from global changemakers with over 1,864 readers across 15 countries, and The Innovation Workshop, which equips young changemakers to address social problems using design-thinking. Despite limited funding and the demands of medical school, I have facilitated more than 75 workshops, raised and managed over $5,000, partnered with 35 organizations, and inspired transformative action in underserved communities. My efforts have earned significant recognition, including The Diana Award in 2024, the highest honor for young people making social impact, supported by HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. I am the first and only medical student in my institution to receive this award, accompanied by a congratulatory letter from the Prince of Wales. My work has also been featured in The Nation Newspaper, Nigerian Tribune, The Vanguard, and The Guardian.

I have served as a 2021 United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Fellow, doubling as Campus Director, and as an Associate at the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network. As Co-licensee of TEDxLAUTECH, I have successfully co-organized two TEDx events and served as Director of Fundraising and Partnerships. This event is the first and only TEDx event in my school, and just last year, I was opportune to attend a sponsored global TEDx event that happened in Nigeria. The 3-day event brought together other TEDx organizers from all over the world including the United States, South Africa, Belgium, The United Kingdom and others. My contributions to leadership and youth development earned me recognition as one of the Top 10 Undergraduate Students in Africa by Ubuntu Magazine and the first medical student in my school to receive the Voluntary Leadership Award from Junior Chambers International (JCI).

Sahana belongs on the Future Minds Under 35 list for her exceptional leadership in education, public health, and advocacy outreach. At just 13 years old, Sahana initiated the Young Learners Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit organization advancing children's literacy internationally. As Executive Director, she has donated over 4,200 books to children across four continents, directly impacting 2,000+ youth and saving $40,000 for underserved communities. She leads an executive board of 13 youth who conduct book drives and develop literacy resources to support the Foundation’s programs.

Her work has specifically targeted regions historically affected by low literacy rates, including Corpus Christi (Texas), Stockton (California), and Sedalia (Missouri). She has partnered with 30+ local and international organizations, impacting countries such as India, Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria, and Kenya. Sahana has received global recognition for her work—honored with a letter of commendation from Biche Secondary School in Trinidad & Tobago and appointed as a Global Literacy Champion by the African Library Project. She is a Congressional Gold Medal Honoree (Congress' highest honor for American youth), having dedicated 600+ hours to literacy service over the span of two years. She is also a 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee Finalist (Top 10 in the USA), a Contribution Project Awardee, and a Hershey's Heartwarming Action Grant Recipient.

Sahana additionally serves as Deputy Director of Equality in Forensics, a nonprofit dedicated to closing resource gaps in Speech & Debate. Leading the Extemporaneous Speaking Coaching Program, she helped create a year-long, free mentorship initiative for approximately 135 youth across the U.S., saving $20,000 in educational expenses for debaters nationwide. Sahana is ranked as a Top 10 Extemporaneous Speaker in the USA, a 7X National Finalist, a 6X National Semifinalist, and an Academic All-American with the National Speech & Debate Association.

Furthermore, Sahana is a recipient of the Carson Scholarship, a $1,000 recognition for her leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to public service. She is a 4X Elected Class Officer for the 12th grade at Mason High School, where she oversees leadership programs and outreach service projects for 1,000+ students. She directed an annual leadership workshop with over 180 attendees across her district and contributed to fundraisers that raised over $15,000 to support underfunded clubs and organizations in Mason, Ohio. Sahana has been recognized by her school’s faculty with the Humanitarian Award, an invitation to the Board of Educators Meeting, and the opportunity to speak at the Opening Day Ceremony of Mason High School.

Additionally, Sahana is a trailblazing youth leader redefining the intersection of health policy, public service, and youth education on a global scale. As a Health Policy Advocate and State Campaign Captain with Harvard’s STRIPED program, she has met with over 50 legislators nationwide to advocate for legislation preventing youth eating disorder onset in the U.S. She has worked with various teams to advance legislation in 10+ states and co-led a voter outreach initiative empowering 200+ individuals from underrepresented communities in Alabama to engage in civics and democracy. Her efforts were recognized with a $900 honorarium by Harvard faculty and researchers, and she was selected as 1 of 10 out of 200 STRIPED members to join the STRIPED Youth Advisory Board for long-term health policy research. Her advocacy reflects a rare blend of technical acumen and civic purpose, and she consistently demonstrates resilience in pushing for healthcare equity through policy.

Sahana’s interdisciplinary passions make her not just a future mind—but a current force of transformation. Her record in service, bridging financial disparities, and uplifting underrepresented communities demonstrates the depth of leadership, impact, and vision that defines the Future Minds Under 35 list.

As a COP30 delegate for the Future Leaders Network, I have consistently championed the inclusion of young people in climate negotiations, with a particular emphasis on gender equality and social justice. My academic journey, which includes an MA in Global Public Policy at the University of Birmingham, supported by both the Birmingham Masters Scholarship and the University Graduate School Scholarship, has provided me with a great understanding of EU and UK social policy, international relations, and public policy analysis. My undergraduate studies at Aston University, where I graduated with First Class Honours in History and International Relations and received the School Award in History, further strengthened my research and analytical skills, especially in the areas of international policy and social change.

Professionally, I have focused on amplifying youth voices in decision-making processes. As an External Relations Assistant at ThinkYoung, a Belgian NGO, I played a pivotal role in developing youth policy recommendations for the European Parliament and contributed to EU-funded projects such as the Active Citizenship initiative. One of my most impactful experiences was collaborating with the ThinkYoung team in Nairobi to deliver the ThinkYoung Coding Summer School. This initiative engaged 55 students, all of whom went on to enrol in STEM extracurricular activities following the programme. By equipping these young people with digital skills and confidence, we created a pathway for their continued engagement in technology and innovation, demonstrating the tangible, long-term impact of targeted youth empowerment.

Across my work, I have directly engaged more than 1,200 young people from 15 countries, including marginalised and underrepresented groups, through focus groups, workshops, and digital platforms. These efforts have provided young people with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to participate meaningfully in climate and social policy debates. My experience as an Environmental Policy Intern at International Environmental Law Consulting and as a Climate Change and Energy Intern at the Environment Agency has further developed my expertise in environmental policy, sustainability, and advocacy, allowing me to contribute to research and strategic planning on issues such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and carbon reduction technologies.

My commitment to advancing gender equality and social justice is also reflected in my academic publications. Notably, I authored a paper titled “A Comparative Analysis of the Policy Responses to Honour Killings in the UK and Sweden”, published in the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. This work critically examines how policy can address deeply rooted gender-based violence, bringing attention to the intersection of cultural, legal, and social factors in shaping effective responses.

In addition, I wrote “A Critical Analysis of the Impact of Climate Emergency in Africa on Pregnant Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health”, published in The Graduate Inequality Review. This paper explores the intersection of climate change, health, and gender, highlighting how climate emergencies disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and underscoring the urgent need for inclusive, intersectional policy solutions.

In summary, my analytical mindset, practical experience, and dedication to building inclusive, youth-led movements make me an ideal candidate for the Future Minds Under 35 list. This recognition would not only validate my efforts but also help inspire and empower the next generation of young leaders to drive equitable and sustainable change in their communities and beyond.

Dr. Irene Udebuana is the founder of Kids in LET, a non-profit that focuses on empowering children, aged 6-17, living in rural communities/slums in Nigeria with Leadership and STEM skills, that can be used to fight against plastic pollution and climate change in their local communities and the world at large (SDG 4& 13).

- HOW MANY PEOPLE IMPACTED AND WHO WERE THEY?

We have impacted over 1000 children, particularly those living in rural communities in Lagos(Ijanikin and Yaba communities) and Enugu state(Obeagu community). These children come from low-income families and were introduced to STEM education, leadership development, and environmental sustainability skills, giving them the tools to transform their communities.

- HOW WERE THEY SUPPORTED?

The children participated in online advocacy and hands-on STEM Workshops at their schools/communities, where we sensitized them on the importance of environmental protection, the adverse effects of plastic pollution in their environment and most important, we teach them practical sustainable ways to recycle plastic waste found in their homes and community, instilling values of environmental consciousness in them at a young age. They were also introduced to robotics, and ways to use technology to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals as a young leader.

I have also secured local partnerships that provided resources, educational materials, and mentorship opportunities for these students.

- HOW MUCH MONEY DID YOU RAISE?

Till date, I've raised #2,160,000 million naira ($1,440) through donations, partnerships, and grants, which were used to fund these workshops and support sustainable mentoring initiatves to continue empowering children in these vulnerable communities.

- WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH?

For the children and youth involved in Kids in LET, my work has created life-changing opportunities. Many children, who would have otherwise had limited exposure to technlogy and leadership opportunities, have gained both academic and practical knowledge that significatly improves their future career prospects. These children are now better equipped to pursue careers in STEM fields, take on leadership roles, and contribute to tackling environmental challenges in their own communities.

- CASE STUDY:

An experience that deeply resonated with me is that of Favour, a young girl who participated one of our STEM workshops in Credence schools, Lagos state. She came from a home where the general belief was that girls should focus on household chores instead of academic achievements. Favour started out very shy and unsure of her abilities, particularly when it came to subjects like coding and robotics. But after just a few sessions of mentorship and hands-on learning, her confidence grew. She not only started mastering basic robotics concepts, and even learnt to built functional reading lamp from recyclable plastic bottles.

Favour transformed from a quiet girl uncertain of her worth to one of the brightest champions of our program. Now, she actively inspires other younger girls in her community, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in their own potential.