One Surrey resident was just recognized by Forbes on the publication’s 30 Under 30 list for 2026.
She is a founder of a nonprofit, author, and advocate for youth and education all across the globe, with plenty more accolades that have truly proved that she belongs on Forbes’ 30 Under 30.
Forbes 30 Under 30
The Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list is made up of young entrepreneurs, artists, and many other talented individuals who have made a major impact in their specialty. This includes things like sports, music, media, and finance, among many others.
Rochelle Prasad of Surrey, B.C. is one such person. She’s the founder of SPARK Foundation, “a high school leadership camp in Canada that has since expanded into a youth-led nonprofit reducing barriers to education through life-skills training, scholarships and leadership development.” SPARK has over 500,000 members in five different countries, and operates with just 10 staff and 130 volunteers. Throughout the years, the foundation has raised $2 million for education access.
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Prasad’s passion for education goes beyond just SPARK, as she has taught high school social studies and was a college-prep summer lecturer at the University of California Berkeley. She is also building Chalkfund, which is an edtech platform meant for teachers to crowdfund classroom resources.
Further Accolades
On receiving this title, Prasad said, “I’m honoured to represent Surrey and Canada on this global stage.”
Prasad has been acknowledged and recognized by many other institutions other than Forbes, though. Here’s a look at all her other achievements:
- Governor General’s Sovereignty Medal (2018)
- The Diana Award (2021)
- UN Young Leader of the Year – WFUNA (2024)
- Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women – RBC (2025)
- Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case (2025)
- Forbes 30 Under 30 – Education (2026)
