Priya Verma
NSHSS Fellow

Originally from Chandigarh, India, Priya is an alumni of George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. As Priya matriculated through grade school, she began to realize the dire need for a greater conservation of water. Therefore, she formulated a technique to increase underground water resources and harvest rainwater. Her work was recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme, India’s government, and other organizations internationally. Priya is also the founder of CYWE (Child, Youth, Women, Environment), a nonprofit organization aimed at increasing awareness and resolving issues affecting children, youth, women, and the environment. Priya serves as a member and writer for UNO, UN CHRONICLE, UNESCO, UNEP, British Council, and the World Bank.

In 2009, Priya received the Diana Award from Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She is also a 2010 recipient of the United Nations Outstanding Youth Achiever Excellence Award. Priya has received awards from organizations in the USA, India, and Australia. She has also served as a member of Youth Service America (YSA) since 2001. Most recently, Priya received the 2016 Dewey Winburne Community Service Award from South by Southwest. The Austin, TX-based South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals recognize and celebrate independent films, emerging technologies, and original music. The Dewey Awards recognize individuals for their use of digital technology for world betterment. Priya will be honored at an award ceremony in Austin, Texas, on March 13, 2016. She will also receive a complimentary registration to the South by Southwest Conference and have an opportunity to share her initiatives. A $1,000 grant will be donated to Priya’s favorite 501(c)(3).

Keep up the awesome work, Priya!