Catalyst for Causes
Connecting ideas to impact, one catalyst at a time.
Founder & President, Catalyst for Causes (C4C)
Class of 2026, Oberoi International School, Mumbai
Creating Measurable Impact
To meaningful NGO opportunities through C4C platform and Service Fair
For educational materials and different community initiatives
Supporting low-income children's education
Conducted 10+ art and AI literacy workshops for underprivileged youth.
Collaborative relationship through C4C platform
Brought 3 schools from 2 cities onto C4C, expanding access to service opportunities
About Me
Beyond the traditional path
Founder & President, Catalyst for Causes (C4C)
As founder of Catalyst for Causes (C4C), I’ve connected peers with NGOs to design service projects that are creative, safe, and impactful. Drafting privacy policies, restructuring after a bot farm attack, and aligning projects with the UN SDGs taught me that systems matter as much as ideas, shaping my policy lens.
Being shortlisted at the John Locke Essay Competition deepened my love for the messy debates around fairness in economics. My projects span from researching digital financial inclusion across the U.S., India, and China, to building a teen-friendly financial literacy website. Through service leadership at C4C & Relay for Life, internship at 360 One Wealth, and seminars at Yale Young Global Scholars, I’ve grown as a systems-thinker dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable frameworks that make opportunity work for more people.
Academic Excellence
John Locke Essay Competition 2025 – Shortlisted
Top 18% out of 63,000+ entries for an essay exploring how profit incentives and ownership structures shape behaviour in economies.
Economics World Cup 2025 – Global Finalist (Top 15%)
Analyzed a case study on whether Brazil’s government should invest in graphite mining and logistics, weighing costs, returns, and long-term impact.
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) 2025 – Solving Global Challenges
Admitted to prestigious YYGS (~13% acceptance). Capstone on political disinformation in India ($31K mock grant) and symposium on constitution-building, plus seminars on AI, global health, and economics.
360 One Wealth Management - Business Strategy Intern (Jul 2025)
Analyzed client data to strengthen acquisition strategies and developed behavioral finance content for a “Psychology of Investing” workshop, helping 360 ONE Wealth engage prospective HNI clients with trust and insight.
Digital Financial Inclusion Research (Accepted, Curieux Journal, 2025)
Comparative study of how the U.S., India, and China expand access to digital finance. Blends economics, policy, and behavioral insights. Accepted by Curieux Journal (in press).
IB Distinction & Awards
Graduated MYP at Oberoi International School with Highest Honours (90%+ in all subjects) and received Creativity and Service Awards in 2023. Currently pursuing the IB Diploma with HL Economics, HL Math AA, and HL Physics.
Impact & Leadership
Building bridges between students and meaningful service opportunities.
Catalyst for Causes Platform
Founder & President
Catalyst for Causes began as my response to a gap I saw in my community: students eager to volunteer, but no centralised way to connect them with credible NGOs. What started as a simple online matchmaking tool has evolved into a policy-informed platform that fosters sustainable, development-oriented service.
Relay for Life
Project Co-Head
Relay For Life is a student-led cancer awareness and fundraising initiative by the American Cancer Society, run in India with the Indian Cancer Society to honor survivors and fund patient support and prevention. As Co-Head, the goal was to preserve a school legacy while scaling reach and sustainability through new engagement and operational efficiencies. We raised ₹5,00,000+ (~USD 6,000) via ticketing, food stalls, and a ₹3,00,000 crowdfunding drive, donating all proceeds to the Indian Cancer Society for treatment and awareness initiatives.
Angel Xpress Foundation
Workshop Conductor
The Angel Xpress Foundation provides free education and life skills to underprivileged children in Mumbai. I joined as a volunteer art instructor to teach creative expression, and quickly realised that this was more than an art class. It was an exercise in access, equity, and policy in action: understanding how education can empower, and how structured programs can break cycles of disadvantage.
Greensole Foundation
Campaign Leader
Partnered with Greensole Foundation as part of the Harvard Youth Leadership Conference to identify exactly what was needed – school kits that included notebooks, stationery, and basic learning materials. Raised ₹44,000 (~USD 530), surpassing the initial goal.
Funds directly provided dozens of school kits to 40+ children who otherwise would have started the school year empty-hande
Featured Research
Independent studies exploring the intersection of policy, economics, and social impact.
Comparative Policy Analysis: USA, China, and India
Interactive Educational Platform for Teenagers
John Locke Competition Essay
Economic Policy Analysis
Latest Blog's
Policy analysis and educational innovation
Testimonials
Policy analysis and educational innovation
This behaviour note celebrates your child’s contribution towards building a positive community spirit at school. We celebrated Maharashtra day today and Manishka played the perfect ambassador of the culture and traditions. We encourage your child to continue inspiring the school community. It takes high values and an open mind to participate in these celebrations. Kudos!
Kumar Sharma
I wanted to take a moment to appreciate your positive attitude towards receiving feedback. Your openness to suggestions reflects maturity and a genuine commitment to improvement. I look forward to witnessing your continued growth and success in the future.
Zarine Khan
I appreciate Manishka’s conduct in class. She paced herself well and delivered the tasks expected of her while upholding good quality as well.
Aastha Dalmia
Your focus and dedication in French class have been exceptional. You consistently apply your prior knowledge and logical thinking to grasp new vocabulary, making insightful connections. Your excellent organizational skills shine through, and your patience with your classmates is truly commendable. You have been a tremendous support in the classroom, both to your peers and to me as your teacher.
Keep up the fantastic work—your hard work and positive attitude are making a big difference in your learning and the classroom environment!
Priyadarshini Verma
I have known Manishka and Laavanya for a good 3 years now. I had the privilege of being their Homeroom teacher in grade 9. Ever since I have known them, it was clear that they are compassionate and caring human beings. Additionally, both are creative and have their hearts in the right place. Catalysts for Causes started with a small idea, but it now has fully grown into a platform that provides valuable information to anyone who wants to serve communities in need. As their supervisor I have engaged in productive discussions with them, varying from technical aspects of the website to engaging with active service projects out there. Watching their project evolve from crawling to sprinting, brings a sense of pride to me. I wish this wonderful platform continues to empower and encourage people worldwide in undertaking meaningful service projects.I wish C4C the very best. Keep up the good work. Lots of love.
Kumar Sharma
“Manishka brings exceptional leadership and organizational skills to our community service initiatives. Her ability to connect students with meaningful opportunities has been remarkable.”