The Teach Her First Awards

Many Teach Her students are the first members of their families to attend higher education. But these four women are the first of our graduates to step into specific professional positions. It is our pleasure to celebrate them and let them say a few words directly to the world. Ladies…the stage is yours for something we're calling...

FIRST TEACHER

Janki grew up at Ramana’s Garden in Rishikesh, India and has come full circle, now teaching at the same school where she also began her education. With charm, confidence and a deep love of children, Janki is making us all proud. Ladies and gentlemen…may I present Teach Her’s First Teacher.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Namaste, everyone.

I am truly honored to receive this recognition as the “First Teacher.” I come from Ramana’s, which is not only a children’s home but also a place where I studied and where I spent my entire childhood, and it has shaped my life with strength, values, and confidence. Without the support and love of Ramana’s, I would not be the person I am today.

Teaching is very special to me. It is not just my job, but something I truly love. I was once a student here at Ramana’s and today I have returned as a teacher because I understand its true value and the difference it can make in a child’s life—just like it changed mine.

I am deeply thankful to Teach Her for sponsoring my studies and giving me this opportunity. Because of your support, I was able to continue my education and start my journey as a teacher.

Thank you to my family and everyone at Ramana’s for always believing in me and supporting me.

Our first nursing graduate stepped out of school this past summer, as Lisa completed her studies and her internship, passed the intense nursing exam and applied for her official registration number from the Indian governing body. Another month and it will be official.

This was not easy for Lisa; she had no background in science. But she worked hard, did her best every day and graduated third in her class! Give it up for Lisa, Teach Her's First Nursing Graduate!

IN HER OWN WORDS:

First, I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity. And I want to thank Uncle John for always believing in me. I also want to thank my sponsor Carol Taylor for her generous support of my studies. So many people made it possible.

I wish to be a nurse with empathy and nobility and great psychological support for my patients. I am self-motivated and I encourage myself everyday to do my absolute best. Now, as soon as my registration number comes in, I am determined to find my first job, to work hard, and to create an independent life for myself. I know I can do it, but I could not have done it without all of the help around me. Thank you so much. God bless you.

Kelly graduated this year after completing her intensive 5-year degree program. She is now pursuing graduate studies at Symbiosis Law School in Pune, the highest-ranked private law school in the Government of India’s 2025 NIRF law rankings. She even passed the extremely difficult Indian Bar exam on the first try and will be enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi later this year to become an official advocate! With an incredible attitude and strong work ethic, Kelly is blazing a legal trail for other Teach Her students to follow. Congratulations, Kelly. Teach Her's First Lawyer!

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Thank you so much for this recognition. College was a chapter of my life that has been filled with opportunity, challenging academics, relationships and most of all challenging myself in areas that have been new and unexplored.

I am currently pursuing my masters and hope to work with the U.N in the future and hopefully pursue a doctorate and become a professor—but that’s for the future. I thank the Tingle family for all the support and belief in me. None of this would be possible without them. I am beyond grateful for the generosity they’ve shown me.

In spite of a challenging childhood in rural Nepal, where she attended school only a few days a week, Sarita recently graduated from a prestigious Engineering college in Kathmandu, passed the National Engineering Exam, and is now working and building her career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. It is our great pleasure to present Teach Her's First Engineer.

Sarita's the one in the middle.

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Thank you. Currently, I'm working at a private engineering and construction company in Pokhara. Most of the time, I do drafting at the office, but sometimes I get to visit construction sites and see the work in progress.

I'm really happy that I'm able to work, earn for myself, and support myself independently. Being able to reach this point and start my professional journey as a civil engineer is something I'm really proud of.

I especially want to thank Marlana Aunt my sponsor, for the support you gave me during my bachelor's studies. I'm truly grateful for everything you have done for me, and I'll always remember it.

WRAP IT UP!

Unfortunately, our First Doctor couldn't be here tonight as she still has a few years to go. For now, if you would like to sponsor the next “first”…please reach out. There are many dreams waiting to happen, many careers waiting to begin and many Teach Her firsts waiting to be celebrated. Thanks for coming. Good night, everyone.