Throughout history, women have pushed boundaries, led revolutions, and built industries. But let’s be real – starting something new can be scary. Many young women hesitate to take the first step, wondering if they have what it takes.
Empowered women empower the world.
This Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on 8 incredible young female founders who prove that you don’t need to wait to make an impact. From climate activism to med-tech breakthroughs, these young women turned their ideas into action – and so can you.
1. Sophia Kianni – Making Climate Science Accessible to All
Sophia founded Climate Cardinals, one of the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofits, with 10,000 volunteers in 80+ countries, translating climate research into over 100 languages to make environmental science accessible worldwide. She also became one of the youngest members of the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change – ensuring young voices are heard in global policy.
2. Melati Wijsen – Banning Plastic in Bali
Melati co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags at age 12, rallying an entire island to cut plastic waste. Thanks to her movement, Bali officially banned single-use plastics in 2019. Today, she runs YOUTHTOPIA, a global network empowering young changemakers to drive real-world impact. She also recently published her book “Change Starts Now”.
3. Valkyrie Holmes – Predicting Climate Disasters with AI
Valkyrie founded Faura, an insurtech startup using climate risk analytics to help homeowners and insurers prepare for natural disasters. She began her work as a data analyst and engineering intern at SpaceX and NASA before being awarded the 776 Fellowship to work in sustainability. She’s launched disaster assessments to add climate resilience data to the insurance market and is now operational across the USA.
4. Anoushka Sinha – Fighting for Educational Equality
Founder of The Anupam Foundation, Anoushka has been advocating for gender equality and education since she was 10. She’s worked with the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO, impacting over 1 million people through her grassroots initiatives, recently earning her spot on Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 for her work in education.
5. Anagha Rajesh – Making Mental Health Resources Accessible
Anagha Rajesh is the founder of Yours Mindfully, a youth-led organization working to make mental health support accessible to one million young people by 2030. With this for-youth-by-youth initiative, she is breaking the stigma around mental health and providing real solutions for those in need. Now, she shifted her focus and founded BioCompute, building the future of computation powered by DNA, enabling data centers to become more sustainable and efficient.
6. Nysa Singhi – Innovating in Med-Tech
Nysa is developing a biosensor that modifies the skin microbiome for early organ dysfunction detection – a breakthrough in non-invasive diagnostics. She’s also working with a biosensor startup for epilepsy management, proving that biotech innovation isn’t just for big corporations!
7. Amber Yang – Tackling Space Debris with AI
Amber Yang is an American computer scientist and physicist renowned for her innovative work in space debris tracking. While still in high school, she developed an artificial neural network capable of predicting the orbits of space debris with remarkable accuracy. This breakthrough led to her being honored with the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. She founded Seer Tracking, a company making satellite operations safer, and was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for her pioneering work in space safety.
8. Vanessa Nakate – Fighting for Climate Justice in Africa
As the founder of the Rise Up Movement, Vanessa has been a powerful voice for climate justice, advocating for Africa’s inclusion in global climate talks. She’s spoken at the United Nations and World Economic Forum and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, pushing for real solutions to the climate crisis.
You Could Be Next – The World Needs Your Ideas!
If these women had waited until they “felt ready,” we wouldn’t have climate activists changing policies, med-tech breakthroughs saving lives, or AI protecting space exploration.
💡 Your idea matters.
💡 You don’t need permission to start.
💡 The world needs more women leading innovation.
So whether it’s a community project, a startup, or a simple idea that won’t leave your mind – start today.
Your future self will thank you. 🚀
