Having spent my last 8 weeks absorbing everything that India has to offer, I wanted to use my birthday as an opportunity to give back to the country.

This fundraiser will support a women’s empowerment charity as I have struggled with the reality of gender inequality in India. Systemically, women here are taught to believe that they can’t. They are victims of violence and oppression across all layers of society.

The money from this fundraiser will be donated to the Azad Foundation (www.azadfoundation.com). Azad’s vision is a world where women have equal access to education, healthcare, finances, and leadership roles, and are empowered to break down barriers and achieve their full potential. It envisions a society where women’s voices are heard, their rights are respected, and they have the opportunity to thrive in all spheres of life.