In a world that’s increasingly connected yet divided by opportunity, one Houston-area student is proving that leadership truly knows no borders. Meet Mihika, a bright and determined high school student from Cypress, Texas, who founded the Youth Executive Leadership Program (YELP) — an ambitious nonprofit that’s empowering young leaders across continents to rise, lead, and uplift others through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

A Vision Born from Purpose

At just a high school age, Mihika has already mentored more than 250 students across Ethiopia and Nepal through YELP’s international workshops in Coding, Entrepreneurship, and English. Locally, YELP has engaged over 110 Houston-area students as peer mentors — connecting local passion with global purpose.

“Through YELP, we’re proving that leadership and compassion can travel further than borders ever could,” Mihika shared. “Our mission is to educate youth and empower them to become the next generation of changemakers.”

Houston Students Leading the Global Stage

What began as a small leadership club in the Houston suburbs has evolved into a vibrant youth-led movement with a far-reaching global footprint. YELP’s student team — composed of motivated young leaders from high schools across Greater Houston — focuses on public speaking, leadership development, and entrepreneurship to prepare the next wave of innovators and problem-solvers.

Their belief is simple yet profound: When young people are given the tools to lead, they can change the world.

In a global landscape where 72 million children remain without access to education and over 3 billion people live below the poverty line, YELP’s mission resonates with urgency and optimism. “If we can empower even a fraction of those children with knowledge,” Mihika adds, “we can unlock an entire generation’s potential to rise out of poverty.”

Aligning with the United Nations’ Global Goals

YELP proudly aligns with Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education. The organization’s workshops and summits — held both in-person and virtually — focus on developing vocational skills, leadership confidence, and entrepreneurial thinking.

These young leaders don’t just dream of success; they design it. Through global mentorship programs, YELP participants learn how to apply real-world problem-solving skills to challenges facing their communities — from educational inequality to youth unemployment.

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Citizens

The YELP model emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the privileged — it’s cultivated through purpose and action. By nurturing self-confidence, communication skills, and global awareness, YELP equips young minds to lead not just in classrooms, but in communities and companies around the world.

The organization’s workshops, student-led summits, and international collaborations are paving pathways to a future where every child, regardless of zip code or country, has the opportunity to lead.

How Houston Can Help

YELP is calling on Houston’s philanthropic and business communities to support its global mission. Whether through partnerships, sponsorships, or student volunteers, Houston has an opportunity to amplify this youth-powered movement for change.

If your organization is passionate about education, youth empowerment, or global leadership, YELP invites you to connect and collaborate. Together, Houston can help expand access to education and leadership opportunities worldwide — one student at a time.

Get Involved

Visit www.youthexecutivelead.org or follow @yelp.cw and @youthexecutiveleadership on Instagram to learn more, volunteer, or become a YELP representative.

Houston Style Magazine celebrates Houston’s young visionaries like Mihika — the future voices of leadership who remind us that change doesn’t wait for age or permission. It begins with passion, purpose, and the courage to make a difference.