Today we’d like to introduce you to Priti Bansal.
Hi Priti, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been someone who couldn’t look at a problem without my mind immediately racing toward a solution. My very 1st local impact started when I saw a Facebook post from someone seeking a used computer, alongside others asking where they could donate theirs. That spark led to the 2015 launch of the #RecyclePC and #DonatePC campaigns. I provided over 30 computers to students, families, and veterans across New Jersey and North Carolina, while simultaneously tackling electronic waste.
I co-founded Empower And Help with my friend Aditi Verma in 2017 with a clear vision: to create a platform that bridges the gap between those who want to help and those who need it most. Empower And Help didn’t start with a grand plan; it started with a simple observation of a community in need.
I noticed two distinct needs in my community. On one side, newly immigrated families were struggling to advocate for themselves because of language and digital barriers. Additionally, I noticed that students in our schools were taking Spanish and learning about computer technology. At the same time, students are always looking for volunteering opportunities. This inspired the launch of Project Mentorship, which provides free ESL and computer literacy classes. What started as classes quickly became something more: a place where friendships formed, cultures were shared, and a strong sense of community offered support when people needed it most.
Over time, I noticed a quiet but growing crisis among children: the weight of academic pressure and emotional disconnection, intensified by social media and technology. With the pandemic, this gap widened. I felt a deep responsibility to create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered. This led to the launch of programs such as the Summer Ambassador Program, the Global Challenge Blog, and Cards of Hope. This also gave young people a chance to give back safely. Integrated into the programs, following health protocols, we were running community drives and fundraisers for families facing food insecurity. It brought people together and helped everyone feel empowered, connected, and hopeful.
With a vision to engage teens year-round and equip them with both soft skills and professional skills, we expanded our commitment to the youth empowerment program by launching Teen Ventures Magazine. This youth-led magazine is one of my proudest achievements. Seeing teens come together every Sunday to share ideas, create content, and lead discussions has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Since the magazine is a year-long effort, its annual launch takes place on the last Saturday of July and feels incredibly special. Celebrating this work alongside our incredible teen volunteers and youth-led nonprofits is beyond words.
Another project we are looking to sustain is Braid The Rug. Each rug begins with an old T-shirt that once had a different life; instead of ending up in a landfill, it is transformed by hand into something soft, strong, and meaningful. Each piece takes about 4–6 hours to create and is later donated to shelters. For us, it is hours of care, patience, and love woven into every braid. These are not just rugs; they are quiet places to rest, sit, and feel at ease.
For me, the last decade of life has been a lesson in the power of small steps. Whether it’s through a donated laptop or a year-long project, my goal remains the same: to show that everyone has the power to make a positive impact if they just start in their community. What has guided me is the belief that leadership is not just about starting projects, but sustaining and improving them. I stay closely connected with students, volunteers, and community needs. Every initiative began with a need I saw in my community and a desire to do something meaningful about it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One quote that has always stayed with me is from Oprah Winfrey: “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” Many of my biggest lessons came from stepping outside my comfort zone and learning through challenges.
One of the biggest personal challenges has been balancing home, work, and a deep passion for community service. There are moments of exhaustion, questions, and uncertainty, but the passion to do good always kept me going.
Building long-term sustainability has also been a challenge. Every program takes planning, mentorship, funding, and committed volunteers. Finding long-term committed volunteers, mentors, and resources is not easy. Especially because meaningful mentorship requires patience, passion, consistency, and time.
As a grassroots organization, we also continue to navigate limited resources. Most of our programs currently run virtually or through temporary shared spaces. Our long-term goal is to create a safe physical space where students can come, learn, grow, build friendships, and feel supported. Securing consistent funding and grants in an increasingly competitive environment remains the biggest challenge.
Even after all the struggles, a heartwarming message from a student or community member often reminds me why this work matters. Watching my students grow, graduate high school, go on to college, and later return to mentor newer volunteers has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I cherish the moments as they come back, even to say hello. This journey has taught me resilience, patience, and gratitude. It has opened me up to limitless possibilities, heartfelt connections, and a life with no regrets. When people ask me why I do it, I say I do it for me: because it has shaped who I am.
What are your plans for the future?
One of my most anticipated future plans is having a physical space where teens can come together, connect, and grow. I also hope that Empower And Help high school clubs can be integrated into multiple schools to promote a stronger sense of community and belonging. I envision these spaces as thriving environments where teens grow in safe and nurturing settings. They have access to career-readiness resources, emotional support, and mentorship that bridges generational gaps. Through collaborative projects, skill-building opportunities, and workshops on mental health, I hope we can continue creating spaces where young people feel supported, celebrated, and empowered to grow.
Pricing:
- $0 – Teen Ventures Magazine (Digital Download )
- Donate – https://empowerandhelp.com/get-involved/ways-to-give/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empowerandhelp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerandhelp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerandHelp/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-and-help/
- Other: https://empowerandhelp.com/shop/
