On October 10, 2024, the White House recognized several young Indian Americans among the 10 honorees on the “Girls Leading Change” list, commemorating International Day of the Girl. First Lady Jill Biden made the announcement, highlighting the achievements of these young leaders who are shaping a brighter future for their communities. Selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, the honorees were celebrated for their innovative contributions to fields like education, healthcare, and digital safety.
Among the Indian American honorees, 16-year-old Sreenidi Bala from Connecticut was honored for her work in making STEM education accessible to students of all abilities. She created ASPIRE Adaptive STEM, an elective course for neurodivergent students, and founded Code for All Minds, a free platform offering tailored lessons in coding and technology skills.
Pragathi Kasani-Akula, 17, from Georgia, was recognized for her healthcare innovations. After her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, she developed a low-cost test for triple negative breast cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pragathi taught epidemiology online, educating students on public health advancements.
Additionally, sisters Meghna and Siona Pramoda from Puerto Rico were honored for their work in promoting digital safety. As co-founders of SafeTeensOnline, they have educated over 5 million teens and expanded their initiative to include parents, teachers, and grandparents, creating safer digital spaces for all.
These young women are paving the way for future leaders, demonstrating courage, innovation, and a commitment to positive change.
