Shreyaa & Esha Venkat

Shreyaa Venkat and Esha Venkat were inspired by their parents model of serving those in need, and founded the non-profit NEST4US, that is N.E.S.T Numeral 4 U.S., as a philanthropic platform built upon kindness, generosity, and social good. With the mission of making the world better through kindness by mobilizing volunteers worldwide to advance progress on societal issues and spark equitable solutions for the greater good. Their work has received significant recognition, including the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award in 2020, which was co-chaired by all four living former presidents. Their year-end 2023 numbers include 7,000 volunteers, 85,000 blessing bags, and over $4.2M of meals donated across 30 countries and six continents.

The stats are impressive; what makes this nearly insane is this sibling effort started when they were ages 13 and 10.

Shreyaa is now 22 years old, the CEO of NEST4US, and a Global Health accelerated master's student at Georgetown University. She is pursuing a career in health policy, combining her passions for health equity, climate advocacy, and volunteerism to aid marginalized communities worldwide.

Esha is 19 years old, the COO of NEST4US, and is at Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in Public Policy with a minor in Global Development. Over the past decade, she has contributed over 7000 hours of service, engaging people through a wide array of global service campaigns.

The sisters discuss the challenges they faced as young activists, the importance of asking questions, and their efforts to expand the nonprofit's impact both locally and globally. The conversation also touches on their personal development, the significance of self-care, and how community service has shaped their lives. Shreyaa and Esha emphasize the importance of involving young people in sustainable development and the power of simple acts of kindness. The episode encourages listeners to consider how they can make a difference in their communities and impact the world positively. Listen in for lots of questions!

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Keep questioning!

Episode Notes

[00:48] Meet Shreya and Isha Venkat

[03:27] The Power of Questions

[05:37] Travel and Cultural Awareness

[08:04] Adapting Service to Local Needs

[19:05] Early Beginnings of NEST4US

[23:42] Expanding Programs and Community Impact

[40:02] Creating a Bond Through Music

[41:26] Engaging Volunteers Beyond Service Hours

[42:55] Balancing Quantitative and Qualitative Impact

[47:35] Adapting to Virtual Platforms During COVID

[52:18] Expanding Internationally and Embracing Community

[53:55] Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals

[01:00:54] Challenges and Growth in Social Impact Work

[01:12:20] Reflecting and Adapting for Future Impact

[01:17:03] Navigating Challenges and Saying No

[01:18:29] Aligning with United Nations SDGs and Managing Programs

[01:19:47] Seizing Opportunities and Mentorship

[01:29:48] Current Questions and Future Plans

[01:34:22] The Role of Martial Arts in Leadership

[01:39:45] The Importance of Self-Care

[01:45:08] Encouraging Community Involvement

 

Resources Mentioned

NEST4US

NEST Buddies

NEST Inspires

NEST Nurtures

NEST Tutors

NEST Kares

Intact Tech

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