Driven by passion and purpose, 16-year-old Pragna Nidumolu has already made waves across the globe through her innovative work empowering youth to advance sustainability. As the founder of EcoTeens, host of the podcast “Green Stories,” and CEO of the eco-conscious cosmetics line NetZeroBeauty, Pragna is leveraging her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the environment to catalyze systemic change.
Pragna’s deep commitment to sustainability began at a tender age during formative trips to India and Kenya. Witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of pollution and landfills overflowing with plastic waste left an indelible mark on Pragna’s young mind. “The sight of the polluted rivers and smog-filled skies left a permanent impact on my mind, and I felt a need to fix these issues,” she recalls. Back home in the United States, Pragna became increasingly aware of the environmental challenges around her locally. Fueled by her eye-opening experiences abroad, she felt an urgency to spring into action.
At just 14 years old, Pragna took the monumental step of launching EcoTeens, a nonprofit seeking to educate and empower youth to drive sustainability efforts in their communities. “I realized that despite the technological advancements and greater awareness in the United States, the issue of plastic pollution and environmental degradation persisted,” Pragna explains. Through EcoTeens’ initiatives like the podcast “Green Stories,” online Global Youth Sustainability Summits, and an Ambassador Program, Pragna has created an avenue for teens to exchange ideas, access sustainability resources, and launch community campaigns. “We believe that by providing young people with the knowledge and opportunities through our various initiatives, we can inspire a generation of environmental changemakers,” she says.
True to this mission, Pragna has spearheaded three sustainability summits featuring speakers from over 21 countries, enabling meaningful dialogue and international collaboration. “The key to enabling effective international collaboration on environmental issues lies in communication, cooperation, inclusivity and shared goals,” she explains. “By embracing these principles, countries can work together to address global challenges, protect the planet, and create a more sustainable future for all.”
Beyond her work with EcoTeens , Pragna has harnessed the power of storytelling to drive change through her podcast, “Green Stories.” As host of the show, she spotlights diverse voices and viewpoints related to sustainability, from grassroots activists to leading researchers. “We aim to create a platform for inspiration and education on environmental issues,” she states. “We seek out thought leaders, activists, scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers and everyday changemakers who are making a difference.”
Pragna has extended her commitment to sustainability into the business world with her eco-conscious cosmetics startup, NetZeroBeauty. Motivated by the heavy use of makeup as an Indian classical dancer, coupled with her passion for natural solutions, she launched a line specifically catering to young skin while minimizing environmental footprints.
“NetZero Beauty goes beyond skincare; it embodies a holistic commitment to environmental responsibility,” Pragna says. “A portion of our sales is dedicated to supporting environmental causes, reflecting our belief in giving back to the planet that inspires us.” She adds, “Ethical sourcing, fair trade practices, and responsible recycling are core principles of Green Beauty. We prioritize partnerships with suppliers who share our values of sustainability and ethicality, ensuring that every step of our production process upholds the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.”
An accomplished speaker and performer, Pragna has graced the stages of TEDx and National Leadership Conference hosted by Business Professionals of America to share her message about youth leadership in sustainability. “I aim to convey that young people possess a unique and powerful voice in the fight for sustainability,” she asserts. “I believe that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the leaders of today, and their contributions to sustainability are invaluable.”
She spotlights activism, advocacy and collaboration as key strategies for youth to drive change. “By harnessing their collective voices and working together toward common goals, youth can catalyze transformative action on environmental issues,” Pragna notes. “Lastly, I emphasize the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving sustainability goals. By forging partnerships across sectors, disciplines and generations, young people can leverage collective expertise, resources and networks to drive systemic change and create a more sustainable future for all.”
Most recently, Pragna presented on engaging Gen Z in corporate sustainability efforts at the Agile 2023 World Conference. Tailoring her message to resonate with her generation, she advises businesses to embrace authenticity, purpose-driven missions, digital engagement and education to effectively involve young people. “Gen Z values authenticity and transparency in corporate communications,” she explains. “Businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial success are more likely to attract and retain Gen Z consumers and employees.”
Pragna has already accomplished an incredible amount as a prominent voice on sustainability. However, she views her work as a lifelong commitment and continues to expand her impact. In addition to leading EcoTeens and NetZeroBeauty, she serves on the Board of Directors for Youth About Business, an organization focused on youth entrepreneurship education and empowerment.
At her high school, Pragna is spearheading sustainability efforts as President of the TEDx club to give students a platform to share ideas. She has also catalyzed change within her dance community by working to minimize the environmental impacts of costumes, sets and lighting.
As a youth leader and changemaker, Pragna Nidumolu has already made waves across the globe, demonstrating how young people can reshape the world for the better. Through her nonprofit, podcast series, eco-cosmetics line and advocacy across fields, she has empowered youth to advance sustainability locally and globally. However, she is just getting started on what is sure to be a long career of forward-thinking activism and social innovation. Pragna represents the future generation of leaders who will drive the fundamental changes we need today to create a just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
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