Samhitha Varanasi, a student at Homestead High School in California, has earned recognition for her achievements, including Green & White (Academic Excellence) Awards in Digital Marketing in Business, Biology, Spanish, and Business Law. She is also the California FBLA State Champion for Community Service Project and secured notable positions in FBLA competitions at both the state and national levels.
She initiated Etiqua, a business aiming to counter the impact of fast fashion by promoting ethical and sustainable small clothing businesses. The launch, anticipated with over nine interested vendors in December 2022, is a significant step in addressing environmental concerns associated with the fashion industry.
Throughout high school, Samhitha has delved into the concept of business through various courses and has been an active member and officer of FBLA for nearly six years. Her involvement in FBLA extends to local, state, and national competitions, with her recent project on clothing sustainability making a direct impact on over 4,500 community members and gaining recognition in local newspapers and from the government.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Samhitha co-founded Creative Minds, an international 501 nonprofit, and serves as the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she has overseen educational aid projects in developing countries like India, Uganda, and Ecuador. Managing a team of over 50 volunteers across six time zones, she ensures the smooth progress of projects, conducts monthly checks, and addresses any issues.
Her internship experiences at the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce and Flow Synergy Business Alliance reflect her engagement with local businesses. These experiences have added practical dimensions to her understanding of business beyond the classroom.
Within the CCIR Academy, Samhitha conducted a research project titled “Attracting Private Investors in Blended Finance,” exploring strategies and mechanisms to encourage private investment in initiatives involving both public and private sectors, commonly known as blended finance. This approach aims to address social or environmental challenges through collaborative efforts.
Samhitha’s commitment to her research journey is evident in her recent appearance on CCIR Academy Student Spotlights, where she shared valuable insights and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support provided by her professor and the CCIR Academy throughout her research endeavours.
