Our Story
Galvanized by the poverty and sexism she saw in India, at the age of thirteen, Tara Suri founded HOPE to provide all children with opportunities we often take for granted. She started out small - holding bakesales, making bracelets, and even recycling used soda cans - but her idea was big.
Now, the initiative has morphed into a greater movement to stimulate youth action: Turn Your World Around. Our initiatives have raised over $50,000 to make the world a better place and engaged hundreds in activism.
Tara, now seventeen, has received various awards for her work. In 2007, she was named a Nestle Very Best in Youth, a finalist in the Build-a-Bear Huggable Heroes Competition, and received the President's Call to Service Award. She also was selected out of 21,000 applicants as the CosmoGirl! of the Year. In 2008, she was named a We Are Family Foundation Three Dot Dash Global Teen Leader, a Bentley Tomorrow25, and was featured on CNN Young People Who Rock. Most recently, Tara was named the Grand Prize Winner of the MTV / Taco Bell Teen Hero Awards, received the New York State "Triple C" Award, and was featured as an ElleGirl Teen Hero, a WABC-7 / Intrepid Hometown Hero, and a Palisades "Honor Our Heroes" Recipient. She was also recognized as a Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition Finalist Winner, along with four other individuals from the US and France. Tara serves on Youth Service America's National Youth Council, as well as their National Board of Directors. Through YSA, Tara plans and implements conferences and grants. She is also a member of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, which distributes $5 million in grants, and a member of the Do Something Youth Advisory Council.
We're constantly expanding our movement- this is where you come in. It's your turn now - start turning your world around!
Want to have Tara speak at your event, or just have a question? Get in touch by emailing her at tara.suri@gmail.com.
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