Achiever's Success Story
“Ms. Maitri Shah, Founder & President, Work 2 Unify”
As it is rightly said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” These famous words by Mahatma Gandhi have been a guiding principle in Maitri Shah’s life. As a 16-year old social entrepreneur from Calgary, Canada,Maitri has always been drawn to the less fortunate, hoping to lend a helping hand in any way that she can. She recognized all that she has received from her community and thus, has dedicated much of her time to volunteering to give back.
Maitri channelized her efforts into constructive action and founded a non-profit organization,Work 2 Unify. Through this, she aims to spread her passion for humanitarianism and inspire other youth around the world to take similar steps.
Maitri’s initiative, Work 2 Unify, hosts fundraisers and provides volunteering activities to benefit others in the community. When asked about what led to the founding of Work 2 Unify, sheremarks, “I have always wanted to have a positive impact on the world around me but found that there were not many available opportunities for youth to do this. With faith in the power of unified youth, I founded Work 2 Unify to provide like-minded students with opportunities to change the world for the better.”
Talking about the recent times, Work 2 Unify has held numerous volunteering and fundraising activities that involve youth volunteers in aiding the society, both locally and internationally. For instance, the organization’s first event was a fundraiser in which volunteers gathered used books and sold them to the public; all funds raised were donated to Plan International’s Because I am a Girl Movement. Though starting locally, Work 2 Unify is gradually crossing the borders and expanding internationally.
After seeing the trouble that her younger peers were having with online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, Maitri co-founded a second organization, Learn 2 Excel Tutoring. With the help of high school volunteers, Learn 2 Excel Tutoring provides inexpensive, personalized tutoring services to students. Maitri also utilizes this organization as a method of virtual fundraising, donating all profits on behalf of Work 2 Unify.
Additionally, the young philanthropist dedicates a great deal of time to her local community.Even during the pandemic, she volunteers at the hospital, where she interacts with patients and provides valuable time to help alleviate their pain. Maitri is also one of the youngest members of the Canadian Blood Services Calgary Youth Committee, a local chapter of the national blood bank that promotes blood donation around the city.
As a young social entrepreneur, enthusiastic leader, and budding philanthropist, Maitri Shah strongly believes in the power of youth involvement in the community. She endeavours to unify the community through the joys of volunteering and such successes have fuelled her desire to achieve greater excellence.