Few young leaders embody compassion, intellect, and action as powerfully as Yasmin Atwal. A freshman at a university in Boston, Yasmin has emerged as one of the most inspiring youth changemakers of her generation, combining advocacy, service, education, and philanthropy to create meaningful social impact on a global scale. Her nomination for the International Recognition Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026 in recognition of her work as a Youth Impact Advocate honors a remarkable journey defined not by age, but by purpose.
An animal lover, award-winning equestrian, talented vocalist, and former member of the Havergal swim team, Yasmin balances academic excellence with a deep commitment to community service. She has volunteered extensively with animal welfare organizations and within healthcare environments, consistently using her time and talents to uplift vulnerable populations. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, discipline, and an unwavering belief in service-driven change. At just 13 years old, Yasmin founded Covid Kids Canada, a nonprofit initiative that provided free online mental-health advice and support to hundreds of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This early act of leadership set the foundation for a lifelong commitment to youth advocacy and mental wellness. She later co-founded Women STEM Mentorship, an organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in STEM by equipping girls and women with mentorship, resources, and tools to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Yasmin is also the creator and host of Yasmin’s Legal Lounge, a youth-focused YouTube channel that breaks down complex legal, ethical, and social justice issues into accessible, engaging conversations for teens and young adults. Topics include cyberbullying, youth and legal rights, ethical decision-making, healthcare navigation, civic responsibility, and international justice. Through this platform, Yasmin empowers young people with knowledge, helping them become informed, confident, and socially responsible future leaders. Her commitment to justice extends into authorship. Yasmin is the author of The Human Code: Law Through Our Eyes, a thought-provoking book that examines pressing global challenges such as inequality, conflict, human rights, and climate justice through a youth-centered lens. The book explores how legal systems, ethical frameworks, and personal responsibility intersect, encouraging readers to think critically about fairness, dignity, accountability, and systemic change.
An organizer and speaker at the World Youth Sustainability Summit, Yasmin works to unite global youth and experts to address critical environmental challenges. As a leader of this annual event, she is dedicated to empowering young changemakers worldwide to collaborate and take action toward a more sustainable future. Her leadership reflects a global mindset grounded in responsibility, innovation, and hope.
Yasmin also serves as a World Peace Ambassador and is actively involved in organizations including the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy, Justice for Children and Youth, The Honor Society, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and WomanACT. In 2025, she became President of Youthful Lawyers, Suffolk University Massachusetts Chapter, and she is a Certified Human Rights Consultant through the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights. Her impact is equally evident through philanthropy. Yasmin donated $1,000 worth of adaptive musical instruments to Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital, enabling children with disabilities to access the healing power of music. She fundraised $1,000 for the Canadian Music Therapy Fund, $1,500 for the Pratham Gala supporting global education for women and children, and an additional $1,000 for music therapy programs benefiting seniors with dementia and children with disabilities. Each initiative reflects her belief that creativity, dignity, and access to care are fundamental human rights.
Yasmin’s extraordinary contributions have earned her numerous honors, including Top 20 Under 20 for Global Impact (2025), Rising Global Star in Law & Justice 2025, Transformational Leader of the Year – Rising Star (2025), and the International Rising Star Award by the International Awards Forum USA. She has also received the American Citizenship Award, Global Volunteer Recognition Medals (2024 & 2025), and the Suffolk Regional Award (2025), alongside academic, language, and equestrian distinctions.
With her rare blend of intelligence, empathy, and courage, Yasmin Atwal represents the future of leadership, one rooted in justice, compassion, and action. Her nomination for the International Recognition Award at IMA 2026 honors a young woman who is not waiting for change but actively creating it, proving that when youth are empowered with purpose, their impact can reshape the world.
