Netra Venkatesh, a 17-year-old expat living in Dubai, has been recognized for her outstanding efforts in empowering young women through her online community, SpunkGo. Founded at the age of 14, SpunkGo has grown to reach over 5,000 girls from more than 20 countries, providing valuable resources and mentorship opportunities.

Focused on bridging the gap between academic education and practical life skills, SpunkGo offers programs covering mental health, communication, career guidance, and more. With a diverse range of speakers, Netra aims to inspire and empower girls aged 16 to 25 to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.

Despite facing initial challenges and skepticism due to her age, Netra persisted in her mission, gradually expanding SpunkGo’s reach and attracting support from volunteers and speakers alike. The organization has already made a significant impact, with success stories like a girl from Kazakhstan landing a job at Hilton Hotels after participating in SpunkGo sessions.

However, Netra recognizes the digital divide some girls face, lacking easy access to the internet. She aims to address this issue by providing infrastructure and resources to bridge the gap.

Receiving the Diana Legacy Award was a dream come true for Netra, who expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continuing Princess Diana’s legacy of empowering young people.

Looking ahead, Netra plans to pursue higher education while working part-time as a marketing professional, with a vision to expand SpunkGo’s reach and impact even further.