United Nations Association-USA Awards Bay Area High School Student Community Service Impact National Recognition


Monta Vista High School announced that Urmi Sumant is being recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the 5th Annual National Community Service Impact Awards. Open to all U.S. high school students, the program connects student community service activities, skill development, and personal commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world.

Urmi Sumant is a teacher, entrepreneur, volunteer, and leader who seeks to positively impact the world.. She takes a deep dive into any field she is passionate about as demonstrated by her ability to speak, read, and write in five languages; extensive violin performance experience of 10 years; and leadership in Earnit, a non-profit organization focused on health and well-being. As a winner of the UN Ambassador Award for 350+ hours of community service, her dedication to the community is unparalleled and inspiring.

“Youth efforts and voices are essential to achieve the SDGs, said Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of United Nations Association-USA. “These awards allow us to share our appreciation for youth leaders who have invested talent and effort in the causes they care about. With a decade remaining to deliver on the SDGs, we are thrilled that these students will be entering the workforce with meaningful community engagement skills and socially aware experiences.”

Sumant’s comprehensive experience with leadership and community service led to her national recognition. As a teacher at JET USA, a position usually reserved for adults, she inspires young first-generation Americans to practice traditional Indian values to give them a strong foundation in life management. She has even given a recent TEDx talk: Make Yoga and Meditation part of you to navigate your life. As the founder of Earnit, a nonprofit organization to support small businesses while incentivizing exercise, she serves her community by increasing physical fitness levels. As a leader, she inspires those around her to act.

Monta Vista High School principal Ben Clausnitzer said, “Urmi delivered the most impact for SDG’s Good Health and Well-Being award. She is an excellent Monta Vista student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the school community and beyond. I am confident that her recognition as a UN Ambassador will inspire others to make similarly meaningful contributions to society.”

According to Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies “We are honored to work with the national service ecosystem and local communities to amplify and recognize the meaningful work of student volunteers who are creating a better world for all. Purpose-driven students continue to generously invest time and talent in causes they care about. We believe the dynamics of the last few years have significantly influenced the personal understanding of the connectedness between all people and local and global challenges; this has manifested into an increase of youth volunteer time addressing local needs and leading meaningful projects.”

According to Sumant, “Serving my community is a foundational passion for me. Specifically, helping the next generation adapt to the ever-changing environment and teaching them how to effectively navigate these changes is really important to me. Much of my community work is focused on achieving physical and mental wellness.”

When asked about advice she has for students just starting their community service journey, Sumant said, “Follow your passions and dive deep into them. Many people do community service just for the sake of it. But that’s a lot of valuable time which could be better spent doing something a lot more impactful and personally fulfilling.”

About United Nations Association – USA

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges, and U.S. Congress. With over 20,000 members — 60% under the age of 26 — and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that individuals can play a part in advancing the UN’s mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more: https://unausa.org/

About InnerView Technologies

InnerView is the leading youth social responsibility platform to help students, groups, and schools highlight community service impact, passion for causes, skill development, and connect local efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. All college and high school-aged students are welcome to join tens of thousands of 14- to 24-year-olds who have discovered ways to get involved and develop dynamic visual service resumes through my InnerView Technologies is a social impact organization working with students, groups, schools, nonprofits, and committed & compassionate institutions. Learn more at https://InnerView.org

Contact Information:

Ben Clausnitzer, Monta Vista High

408-366-7601

ben_clausnitzer@fuhsd.org

Elizabeth Lemons, UNA – USA

202-496-6384

elemons@unfoundation.org

Brianna Fedak, InnerView Technologies

440-520-0823

Brianna@InnerView.org

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