"Where there is a will, there is a way."

Hi, my name is Khushi, and growing up as a Hindu woman in Pakistan, I’ve had to find that "way" more often than most. I have lived at the crossroads of religion, minority status and patriotism, where peacebuilding has been a necessity for me, not a choice. My background has been the primary force that taught me the significance of being visible in a place where it is easier to be invisible.

In 2023, out of 4,500 global applicants, I was selected as one of 60 exchange students to represent my country in the U.S. That year proved that when given the platform, I don’t just participate; I lead. I turned my identity into my greatest strength and presented my country to over 500 American students and teachers. I left with a 4.0 GPA, the Seal of Biliteracy, 100+ hours of U.S. Department of State-certified community service, and much more.

But my journey is far from over. I am thrilled to share that I have now been accepted into the 2-week Genesis Academy Summer Institute, an elite leadership and peacebuilding institute hosted by Genesis at the Crossroads. This year's institute will be held in Mauritius and is a highly competitive, prestigious program that selects only 12–18 students from 37 countries, specifically targeting areas of conflict. We live and learn together in four curricular areas: Heroes and Human Rights, Music and Peacebuilding, Environmental

Sustainability and Peace Journalism. These four programmatic areas will grow into peacebuilding and leadership training. Through experiential learning, field studies, and mentorship from world-renowned activists, artists, and thought leaders, I will have the opportunity to explore my individual voice while developing the leadership skills necessary to address the daunting challenges we face as a global community.

While the institute is scholarship-based, there is a mandatory tuition fee of $1,500. Through hard work and advocacy, I have already secured $200 from the program and $250 from an external scholarship. I am now looking to raise the remaining $1,050 to secure my spot.

Your contribution is not just a donation toward a tuition fee; it is an investment in a future leader. By helping me attend the Genesis Academy, you are supporting a young woman from a marginalized background who is committed to using her education to foster peace, empathy, and change. The deadline to pay this fee is April 1st, 2026. Every dollar brings me closer to this classroom and the global impact I am determined to make. Thank you for believing in my potential and for being a part of my story.