Miracle Foundation India’s Youth Ambassadors, drawn from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and local communities, play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of a family for every child and driving meaningful impact. This month, we celebrate Akshata Santosh Shenoy from Maharashtra who has been an active part of our Youth Ambassadors Program since 2019.

After losing her mother at the early age of 11, Akshata and her younger sister were placed in a CCI. Despite the initial challenges of adjustment, her determination fueled her academic success, leading her to earn a B.A. in Economics and subsequently pursue a Master’s in Social Work. Her own life experiences inspired her to mentor and uplift other care-experienced youth through the Youth Ambassadors Program.

Through this journey, Akshata has honed her leadership and soft skills, representing youth voices at national events and playing a key role in recruiting new Youth Ambassadors. She is also engaged as a Program Coordinator with Parivartan Mahila Sanstha. Besides, her passion has led her to join various networks, including the National Care Leavers Network where she serves as the Maharashtra representative, and the India Alternative Care Network where she contributes to strengthening aftercare support. Through these roles, Akshata is deeply committed to building a strong support network for care-experienced youth in Maharashtra, empowering them to navigate life after institutional care and achieve their potential.