It all started with a sleepover.

 

Hearing our moms talk about a fundraiser gala to support higher education for students and wanting to play our part, we planned on having a lemonade stand. At ten years old, we aimed to support one student by raising $500. After doing some calculations, it became clear that a lemonade stand wouldn't be enough. We decided to instead write a letter asking our community and beyond for all the support they could give us. We called ourselves Young Khalsa Girls. Khalsa means pure, detached, and free from worldly attachments.

 

4 girls started the group, which grew to 11 in its first year. The power of unity and the generous support of our community enabled us to accomplish a feat we never thought possible: we had raised $17,500-- enough to support 35 students in their pursuit of higher education. At that moment, we knew that our age couldn't define the impact we could make in the world. That persistence is the crux of how this group came together. Following this fundraiser, our group kept blossoming, fostering the guiding principles of:

Honesty, Courage, Unity, Humility, and Sewa (service)