Vital Voices is proud to announce the 10 awardees of the Grassroots Voices program grants, funded by the Sarva Rajendra Foundation. These funds will drive and sustain projects implementing grassroots initiatives in participants’ communities, where they will apply what they learned from the program.
Grassroots Voices participants are young women, ages 18-25 and based in the U.S., who are already engaged in community focused work including increasing education and mentorship opportunities, supporting women & girls in STEM, providing access to reproductive and hygiene care products, and more. Click the link to learn more about the Grassroots Voices program.
Congratulations to the grant winners:
- Bekah Sargent, Founder and Executive Director of NextGen Cancer Advocates, a student-led nonprofit focused on cancer awareness, education, and community support, connects cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors with essential resources. The NextGen Care kit will deliver curated care packages tailored to different stages of the cancer journey to amplify young voices, and support those with additional healthcare needs.
- Harlie Williams, leads the Black Girls Govern Ambassador Program, a free nine-month leadership initiative that addresses the underrepresentation of Black girls and young women in civic leadership and public service. Through monthly virtual workshops, participants will build skills in advocacy, public speaking, civic engagement, and professional development.
- Makaila Davis, Angels Protection Inc. Health Equity Project works to reduce healthcare disparities affecting underserved women, mothers, and families, particularly women of color and low-income populations. By partnering with local organizations and civic leaders, the initiative provides education, advocacy, and supportive services that empower vulnerable communities.
- Haley Campbell, Founder of the Black Archives Project addresses the erasure of Black history in public education by providing engaging learning opportunities about Black leaders, civil rights movements, and African American contributions. The project promotes cultural pride, leadership development, and awareness of higher education opportunities among students in underserved communities.
- Victoria Rodríguez Villarreal, Ecofeminist Climate Circles advances inclusive climate action in Mexico by addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities. Through education, advocacy, and collective learning, the initiative empowers young women and gender-diverse individuals to engage in climate justice efforts.
- Rachel Aluko, Founder of For Every Child, promotes climate literacy among elementary students, particularly in underfunded schools with limited resources. The program offers free, interactive lessons and games that make complex climate concepts engaging and accessible for young learners.
- Titilope Olotu, Padi for You is a mobile wellness booth initiative serving students in underserved public high schools across Sacramento and Los Angeles. The project addresses menstrual equity, mental health support, and financial literacy by providing essential resources and peer-led education.
- Srihitha Dasari & Anjani Sharma, HerRise Delhi supports adolescent girls in underserved communities through Girls’ Dignity Circles focused on menstrual dignity, emotional well-being, confidence, and peer support. The initiative works with local educators, women leaders, and youth mentors to deliver culturally relevant and community-centered programming.
- Anshi Bhatt, Frontlines Digital Safety Speaker Academy prepares high school and college-aged students to lead digital safety presentations in their communities. Through a six- to ten-week training program, participants gain communication skills, practical knowledge, and mentorship from experts in the field.
Congratulations again to all the grant recipients. Vital Voices would like to thank Sarva Rajendra and Sarah Johnson for their commitment and funding to make this program possible. We look forward to the success of these inspiring grassroots projects.
