How the Youth of Houston Leads to Succeed: A Spotlight on Leading2Succeed

Nina Koshy, Editor in Chief • February 3, 2025

L2S members Ivan Jose, Skandha Krishnan, Srithan Fahim, and Kush Vijapure posing for a picture at the L2S Pickleball Tournament, a charity tournament that raised funds to aid refugees with surgeries for their disabilities!

Erin Ahmadfadzir helping other members organize clothing at the L2S Clothing Drive. Photo taken by Revant Rakesh.

In November of 2023, Leading2Succeed (L2S) became a 501c3 registered (a specific tax exemption status that the IRS granted them), nonprofit that helps students with special needs receive better access to education through mentorship, resources, and technology. They raise funds and create support for neurodiverse students. They are now the largest youth-led special needs non-profit. There are currently 10 Houston high schools that have a running chapter and The Village School has one in the making! There are a number of The Village School’s students who are members of the club even without a chapter at the school, and junior Veda Rapolu is currently an officer of the club and an active member.

Sid Manukonda explaining the rules to players at the L2S Pickleball Tournament.

L2S has over 17 chapters worldwide, one flagship chapter in Houston, eight in India, one in Tanzania, one in California, one in Dallas, three in Sugar Land, one in Pakistan, and one in Chicago. The non-profit has amassed over 770 volunteers over the past year and they continue to recruit more people interested! Since launching in 2023, the startup has raised over $40,000, helping more than 8,000 children with special needs in meaningful ways, whether it was through sports tournaments raising money for research, making cards to connect and build relationships, or clothing drives, these children have truly been reached by this selfless club and their devoted members.

L2S’s educational learning experience in Nepal where members learnt more about non-profits over the summer of 2024. Photo taken by Revant Rakesh.

A big part of the club is the awareness aspect. Through their Instagram (@leading2succeed_) they have gained over 10,000 views on their posts, stories, and reels about their activities, events, and travels. Over the summer of 2024, members traveled to Nepal to visit other nonprofits focusing on disabled youth and learned how they could help develop and grow L2S even more than they already have!

“At L2S, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education, no matter their challenges. Through our initiatives, we’ve empowered students with unique learning needs by providing tailored resources and support, fostering an inclusive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential,” said Siddardh Manukonda, senior and co-founder of L2S at Jordan High School for Careers.

L2S members Pranav Chamala, Sahiti Gantasala, and Neha Hakeem at the L2S donation drive. Photo taken by Revant Rakesh.

If you want to help contribute to this amazing organization’s work, visit their Instagram (@leading2succeed_) and stay updated on their upcoming events, officer elections, and awareness-building activities. Also, watch for their website, which is in the making!

About the Contributor

Nina Koshy, Editor in Chief

Nina Koshy is currently the Editor in Chief of The Viking Press. She is a junior enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Diploma with a passion for writing! She is a Varsity Lacrosse player and enjoys playing with friends outside of school. She is involved in FBLA, Mock Trial and is a reporter for Buzz Magazine. Nina joined The Viking Press her freshman year as it gave her an outlet to express her opinions on everything; whether it's on a political issue, a school-wide topic, a new TV show, or a product, she loves to share her ideas with the world!