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Pooja Tilvawala
Founder & Executive Director @ Global Youth Climate Nonprofit | Opportunity Curator, Researcher, Community Builder, Public Speaker
Professional Background
Pooja Tilvawala is a remarkable global climate justice leader known for her dynamic contributions to the environmental movement and youth empowerment. In March 2021, she founded the Youth Climate Collaborative (YCC), a pioneering organization that aims to create a more equitable, inclusive, and participatory climate movement. Under Pooja's leadership, YCC has established itself as a critical platform for young people to engage in climate action, enhancing emotional resilience through key initiatives like Climate Courage, a dedicated program promoting mental health and resilience among youth.
In June 2023, Pooja co-founded the Entertainment + Culture Foundation, an organization aimed at advocating for the decarbonization of the creative industries and ensuring that emerging artists have access to vital resources. This endeavor highlights Pooja's commitment to creating intersections between environmentalism and the arts, fostering a network of climate creatives dedicated to meaningful change.
Pooja continues to leverage her expertise and passion in various advisory roles, such as serving as an advisor for Rivet, which is focused on establishing the world’s largest micro-grant fund for youth-led initiatives. Additionally, she provides her insights as an advisor for Penn State University's Global Youth Storytelling and Research Lab and has played a role in the Aspen Institute Future Leaders Initiative and the Walking Softer Young Leaders Program. Her continuous engagement in these organizations demonstrates her dedication to fostering intergenerational collaboration and empowering the next generation of climate leaders.
Her influence reaches far beyond her own initiatives. Pooja is a public speaker and serves as a judge for numerous youth climate grants. She has co-designed various climate funds and grant programs, reflecting her expertise in creating sustainable financial resources for climate action. Her steadfast commitment to youth representation is evident in her involvement with YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the UNFCCC. Notably, Pooja was double-nominated and shortlisted to serve as the North America youth climate advisor to the UN Secretary-General in November 2022, showcasing her influence and recognition within global climate discussions.
Through her initiatives at YCC, Pooja is dedicated to not only raising awareness but also providing tools and resources for young climate leaders. The 'Reclaim Your Narrative Fellowship' program is designed to equip thirty young leaders with storytelling skills, empowering them to share their communities’ narratives and influence decision-making processes around critical issues such as climate finance and energy transitions.
Education and Achievements
Pooja's academic foundation is robust, having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Economics from American University. She broadened her international perspective further by participating in a year-long General Course Study Abroad Program at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), enriching her understanding of global economics and policy.
Her commitment to continuous learning is highlighted by her proficiency in the Hindi language, complemented by an 8-credit course at the American Institute of Indian Studies. She also completed a Startalk Language Program at the University of Pennsylvania, underscoring her diverse educational background. Pooja's foundational education at Bensalem Township High School laid the groundwork for her future pursuits.
Achievements
Pooja Tilvawala has distinguished herself through a variety of achievements and roles on her career journey. Formerly the Chief Executive Officer at Jaali.io, her strategic vision helped to launch a platform that connects climate advocacy with resource accessibility—an innovative approach that serves as a model for community engagement in climate justice.
Her experience as a former advisor at RIVET further solidified her role in supporting youth-led initiatives, combining her passion for climate advocacy with her expertise in organizational development. As the founder and executive director of YCC, she successfully implemented programs that focus on mental well-being and resource mobilization for youth, continually advocating for a more inclusive climate movement.
In addition to her roles in various organizations, Pooja's previous experiences include serving as the Youth Engagement Manager at The Climate Initiative and as the Director of Programming & Youth Engagement at the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion. Her remarkable background has also seen her recognized as a Climate Career Competition Winner at The Climate Initiative, highlighting her strategic insights and impactful work in the environmental domain.
Pooja has held positions that reflect her deep commitment to community and youth involvement, such as being a Ruckelshaus Fellow at the Meridian Institute, where she contributed to ecological and community resilience, and as a State Operations Fellow at The Partnership Project, gaining vital experience in collaborative efforts for environmental improvement.
Beyond formal titles, Pooja has also embraced roles that foster personal growth and community engagement, ranging from a cashier at Farmer's Market to a summer camp counselor, demonstrating her commitment to service and education throughout her career. Pooja's journey signifies a combination of academic excellence, strategic leadership, dedicated advocacy, and a profound commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable future for all youth.
