Leadership

Visionaries Behind Our Mission

A strong team of committed leaders shapes the direction of Youth Icons Foundation. They work with focus and empathy to build a better and more inclusive society. Experience the real impact of our work through powerful visual stories. These videos capture moments of hope,
change, and transformation made possible by your support.

Mr. Manoj Shandilya

B.E. (Mechanical)
Founder & President, Youth Icons Foundation

Manoj Shandilya is a mechanical engineer by profession and a passionate social leader dedicated to community upliftment. He founded the Youth Icons Foundation with a vision to inspire, educate, and empower individuals—especially young people and underprivileged communities.

Through his leadership, the organization has launched numerous initiatives in education, skill development, health awareness, and environmental sustainability. Manoj strongly believes in the power of youth-driven change and continuously works to create platforms for young individuals to develop leadership skills and contribute to nation-building.

His mission is to build a more inclusive, skilled, and responsible society where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Mr. Hemant Kumar Patel

PHd (Business Management) & MBA in Marketing
Director, Youth Icons Foundation

Dr. Hemant Kumar Patel, Ph.D. in Business Management and MBA in Marketing, serves as the Director of Youth Icons Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to youth empowerment, community welfare, and inclusive socio-economic growth. Born into a humble farming family, Dr. Patel developed a passion for social service early in life. His journey began as an active member of the National Service Scheme (NSS) during school and college, participating in social-awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and relief activities.

Over the years, he has contributed to numerous NGO-led initiatives focused on education, youth leadership, community health, environmental awareness, and rehabilitation efforts. At Youth Icons Foundation, Dr. Patel leads strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement, driving initiatives that foster leadership, career readiness, social responsibility, and inclusive community development. His vision is to inspire young individuals to become responsible citizens and active contributors to nation-building.

Our Team – The Youth Icons Family

The Youth Icons Foundation team is a vibrant group of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have come together with one shared mission — to create meaningful change in society. Our team includes dedicated social workers, educators, MBAs, chartered accountants, corporate professionals, consultants, and passionate volunteers, all contributing their unique expertise and experiences.

We are a dynamic blend of experienced mentors and enthusiastic young changemakers. Every team member is aligned with the Foundation’s core values of integrity, compassion, inclusivity, and service. These values guide our actions, shape our decisions, and inspire us to work collectively toward our goals.

At Youth Icons Foundation, we believe in creating an environment where people feel empowered, appreciated, and proud of the work they do. Our culture encourages creativity, collaboration, and open communication. Regular team interactions, events, and engagement activities help build strong bonds and ensure everyone feels connected as part of the Youth Icons family.

In essence, we are committed to making every individual’s journey with us both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. Together, we strive to uplift communities, empower youth, and build a brighter and more inclusive future.

Our foundation is driven by a strong team of passionate young professionals, volunteers, and socially responsible individuals who share a common dream: to build a society where every young person can explore their potential, where every child can study without barriers, where women feel empowered and independent, and where families have access to basic necessities for a healthy life. We consistently engage with communities, conduct awareness programs, provide educational assistance, support marginalized groups, and lead impactful projects that create sustainable change.

At Youth Icons Foundation, we believe that youth are not just the future—they are the present. Their energy, ideas, and determination can transform society when guided with the right direction and opportunities. Through our various programs, we aim to nurture responsible citizenship, foster leadership qualities, and inspire young minds to become active contributors to nation-building.

Our journey is grounded in compassion, transparency, and commitment. With every project we initiate and every individual we support, we move one step closer to creating an inclusive world where hope, opportunity, and support reach everyone. Together with our partners, donors, volunteers, and community members, we strive to be the icons of change—touching lives, uplifting families, and building a brighter, more equitable tomorrow.