Draft:Rochelle Prasad

Rochelle Prasad, a Fiji - Canadian Education Rights and Youth Engagement Activist, ​ has garnered recognition for her contributions from various institutions including the Diana Award, Globe and Mail, Government of Canada Prasad holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Education in K-12 Education, and a Masters of Education in Social Justice Education.

Career
Born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia, Rochelle developed a passion for education advocacy during her formative years. She initiated workshops on empowerment for youth and leadership training programs in her community at the age of 13. Subsequently, she founded the SPARK Foundation, a Non-Profit organization, in 2014, which conducts life skills workshops and camps for youth aged 12-22 across Canada. Impacting half a million young people worldwide, SPARK Foundation has received national and international recognition, including being named Canada's "Most Empowering Life Education Programs" by Acquisition Internationa l.

In addition to her work with the SPARK Foundation, Prasad has engaged in philanthropic endeavours internationally. She has traveled to Kenya and Ecuador to participate in school-building projects and interact with students in these countries, reducing barriers to education for 5000 students in both countries.

Prasad authored her first book, "Because We Can" at the age of 21. She pursued her higher education at Trinity Western University and Simon Fraser University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Education in Education, respectively. Subsequently, she obtained her Master of Education in Social Justice from the University of Toronto.

After completing her Master's program, Prasad interned with the United Nations in New York under the Global Communications Department. Her responsibilities included curriculum development for educators, project management to promote tourism at the UN, and conducting educational workshops for journalists. Her contributions are now accessible to educators worldwide through the Visitor Service Sections website.

In 2022, Prasad ran for office in Surrey's Municipal Election, securing 23,106 votes, the highest number ever received by a youth candidate in the history of British Columbia's Municipal Elections. Although she narrowly missed a seat, finishing 10th out of 56 candidates, she continues her advocacy efforts for youth and education.

Currently, Prasad serves as an educator, teaching Social Sciences to grades 8-12 in the mornings and lecturing first to fourth-year university students in the evenings; all while leading the way in education rights and youth engagement activism with various United Nation entities; including as a youth ambassador with Thierworld, Higher Education For Good Foundation, and Youthtalks.

Awards and Recognition
Canada's Emerging Leader Award 2022 - awarded a lapel pin, a certificate signed by the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, a grant of $5000 for her Non Profit work with SPARK Foundation.

BBC World News 2020 - Recognized for her work in education advocacy on International Youth Day.

Diana Award 2020 - The highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts in the world.

Governor General’s Sovereign medal 2019 - Given a Canadian who is impacting the country with their humanitarian work.

Canada 150 Community Award 2017 - Recognizing community leaders in Canada.

Publications
- Prasad, Rochelle (2021). TellWell.