Our Story
During our travels through the remote villages of India, we were deeply moved by the resilience of the people we met, especially the women and girls. Despite the hardships woven into their everyday lives, they carried a quiet strength and dignity that left an unforgettable mark on us.
In one remote village, we were both amazed and heartbroken. Children, some barely tall enough to carry their school bags, walked miles on dirt roads and forest paths to reach their schools. Women, too, trekked long distances daily to fetch water and food for their families. Among all these encounters, one young girl’s story stood out. Ashi, a bright, hardworking student from a poor farming family, had excelled through middle school. But unlike her middle school, which was relatively close to her home, high school was far away. Her family, bound by tradition and limited resources, decided to end her education. Now, Ashi spends her days helping her father in the fields and her mother at home, her dreams of further study slipping away with each passing season. Yet Ashi’s spirit remained unbroken. We were so moved by her situation that we began tutoring her in English over WhatsApp, trying to keep her connected to her dream of education. Ashi is just one of many countless girls with brilliant minds, waiting only for a chance at a better future.
It was this encounter that inspired us to create Brightpath Foundations. Our nonprofit is dedicated to empowering girls and women in rural and tribal regions of India through education, mentorship, and support for financial independence. Brightpath was born from the belief that with opportunity and encouragement, girls like Ashi can forge a new path towards dignity, achievement, and hope.
How do we raise money ?
At Brightpath Foundations, our fundraising efforts are rooted in our passion for creating meaningful change. Founded by Shriya and Shruti Viswanathan, nationally ranked squash players, scholar-athletes, and young changemakers from Texas, Brightpath Foundations is dedicated to empowering women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds through skill-building, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support.
We raise funds through a variety of initiatives, including leveraging our passion for squash by hosting tournaments and community events with support from our local community. In February 2025, we hosted a Women's Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tournament and fundraiser at Lifetime Fitness in Garland, Texas. This international event brought together world-class women athletes and community supporters, creating an inspiring platform for participation to drive change.
Proceeds from our fundraising efforts directly support grassroots initiatives designed to uplift and empower underprivileged women and girls. Brightpath Foundations is honored to collaborate with organizations like Udyogini and AHCT to ensure sustainable, community-driven impact from the ground up.
Together, we are shaping a brighter path for future women leaders.
Meet the founders!
I’ve seen firsthand how opportunity can change a life — that’s why I co-founded Brightpath Foundations. Through squash and entrepreneurship, I’m working to help girls and women in underserved communities find the confidence, skills, and independence to write their own stories.
I am a Junior in High School in Plano, Texas and I am striving relentlessly in shaping a brighter path for future Women leaders through our Foundation's efforts. I want to make a meaningful and lasting impact on underepresented women and girls by helping raise funds towards achieving financial independence.
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Shruti
Viswanathan
I co-founded Brightpath Foundation to empower women and girls with the skills and tools they need to become successful leaders, enterpreneurs, skilled workers and to help reclaim their future.
I am a rising Sophomore in High School in Plano, Texas. I am enjoying making a meaningful change to the lives of women and young girls through our Foundation.
I am committed to empowering women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds through skill-building, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support.
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