At 17, most teens are navigating high school, planning for the future, and discovering who they are.
Well, at 17, I stepped onto a stage in New York City to speak to some of the most powerful women in the country, who had come not just to celebrate us, but to truly listen to the stories of me and my fellow honorees. And somewhere between their applause, the bright lights, and the buzzing energy of the room, the words “You’re worth it” finally sank in.
In 2019, I had the immense honor of being named one of the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth (one of only 10 women nationwide!) in recognition of my philanthropic work with NEST4US. Out of 200 honorees over the past 20 years, I stand as one of the the youngest women to ever receive this award in the program’s history.
That night felt like something out of a dream. I was presented my award by the incredible EGOT-winning actress and producer Viola Davis, whose presence alone radiated strength and grace. During the gala, we shared dinner and a heartfelt conversation, where we bonded over our shared passion for fighting hunger and supporting vulnerable communities. She also told me how excited she was to personally select me as the honoree she would be presenting the award to, which was surreal.
Moments later, I found myself in conversation with women I had admired for years: Camila Cabello, Helen Mirren, Witney Carson, Debby Ryan, Aja Naomi King, and so many more. Each one of them shared words of encouragement that I still carry with me today. They reminded me that age does not limit impact, and youth is not a barrier—it’s a superpower.
What struck me most was how deeply every woman in that room believed in the power of female leadership—especially young female leadership. The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth program didn’t just celebrate my work with NEST4US; it amplified the message that young women belong at decision-making tables, in boardrooms, on stages, and at the forefront of global change.
That evening actually broadened my understanding of leadership…not as a title or spotlight, but as a responsibility to uplift others. It helped me recognize the influence I held, even at 17, and the importance of using that influence to advocate for systemic solutions and drive sustainable change.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with extraordinary trailblazers—many twice my age, with decades of advocacy behind them—I felt an unexpected sense of belonging. I wasn’t the “young one”; I was a fellow leader. I realized that worthiness isn’t something you earn later in life. It’s something you embrace now. It’s woven through every act of service, every hour spent uplifting others, every moment of doubt you push through because the work matters too much to stop.
In the months leading up to the gala, the momentum soared. I was invited to Good Morning America, where I visited the studio in Times Square and got to meet Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan themselves—two anchors I’d grown up watching! My journey was also featured in Forbes, Reader’s Digest, and other national media outlets, each platform amplifying the message behind our work: that young people, especially young women, are powerful agents of change.
At a time when young women—especially young women of color—are often underestimated, this recognition strengthened my resolve to challenge limitations placed on us. It reinforced my belief that our voices are powerful, our ideas are valuable, and our leadership is necessary—resolve that continues to fuel the work I do with NEST4US each and every day.
Being part of the Women of Worth family has been one of the greatest honors of my journey. This community is fierce, compassionate, and endlessly inspiring. Together, we represent diverse causes—from hunger relief to human rights to health equity—but we share one truth: when women uplift women, entire communities rise.
And at the heart of it all is that unforgettable message: “You’re worth it.”
Those three words aren’t about glamour or beauty—they’re about value, voice, and visibility. They remind women and girls everywhere that their dreams deserve recognition, their leadership deserves space, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated.
In a world where young women are often underestimated, that recognition affirmed the strength of my voice and the weight of my contributions. It helped me step fully into my identity as a young female leader: one who belongs at the table, deserves to take up space, and has the responsibility to leave every space better than she found it.
Since that night, I’ve carried the “You’re worth it” message into every boardroom, classroom, and community event I’ve stepped into. It guided me through high-level conferences, global summits, and countless moments of doubt while building NEST4US initiatives. That affirmation helped me find my voice as a leader all those years ago, and to this day, continues to help me empower other young girls to find theirs.
As I continue my work with NEST4US, that message fuels me. It fuels every volunteer I meet, every young girl who asks how she can start creating change, every community member who wonders if their voice matters. To them, and to anyone reading this, I want to say:
“You’re worth it. Your ideas are worth it. Your dreams are worth it. Your impact is worth it. And your leadership is worth it. Keep going—you never know how far your worth will take you.”
I will forever be grateful to the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth family for believing in me at seventeen and for showing me what women can achieve when we step into our power.
Happy 20th Anniversary to the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth program—cheers to 20 more!
—Shreyaa Venkat, CEO of NEST4US, December 2019
