Rochelle Prasad is a Canadian educator, social entrepreneur and global policy advocate whose work sits at the intersection of education, youth leadership and systems change. Based in British Columbia and of Fijian heritage, she has built a reputation as one of Canada’s emerging voices in global education and youth engagement, working across classrooms, communities and international policy spaces to expand opportunity for young people.
Prasad began her leadership journey at a young age. At just 14, she co-founded the SPARK Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through leadership training, life-skills education and access to learning opportunities. Over time, the organization has grown into a global initiative supporting more than 500,000 learners across multiple countries and raising significant funds to reduce barriers to education. Through SPARK, she has helped create pathways for youth—particularly girls and marginalized communities—to build confidence, leadership skills and educational aspirations.
Alongside her nonprofit leadership, Prasad has built an extensive career in teaching and curriculum design. She has taught in K-12 and postsecondary settings, including at University Canada West and as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley. Her courses often focus on political science, social justice, civic engagement and leadership, encouraging students to connect learning with real-world change. She has also trained hundreds of educators and contributed to the development of inclusive learning environments that reflect diverse lived experiences.
Prasad’s work extends well beyond the classroom. She has advised governments and multilateral organizations on youth engagement and education policy, including contributing to initiatives with the Government of Canada and the Government of Fiji that focus on strengthening youth representation and participation in global decision-making. She has spoken at international forums such as the United Nations and the World Bank, advocating for equitable access to education and the empowerment of girls and young leaders worldwide.
Her leadership and impact have earned national and international recognition. Prasad has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 (Education) list, recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and received the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. She is also a recipient of the UN Young Leader of the Year award from the World Federation of United Nations Associations, The Diana Award, and the Governor General’s Sovereignty Medal. These honours reflect her commitment to advancing equity, youth leadership and global citizenship.
At the core of Prasad’s work is a simple but powerful belief: education should not only provide access, but also equip young people to shape the systems that influence their futures. Whether teaching in a classroom, advising policymakers or building youth-led initiatives, she continues to champion pathways that help the next generation lead with confidence, purpose and impact.
