Dev Rai founded a nonprofit at 15; it has helped 400 artisans, sold 900 products and mobilised 300 volunteers (Image Credit: Serving Society)
At 15, while many teenagers are focused on school and extracurricular activities, Dev Rai established a nonprofit to help traditional artisans in India reach more customers. Two years later, his initiative, Serving Society Global Foundation, has raised more than $15,000, supported over 400 artisans, sold more than 900 handcrafted products and mobilised over 300 young volunteers. Rai, an Indian-American student at Oakton High School in Virginia, founded Serving Society Global Foundation in 2024. In an interview with FFXnow published on August 10, 2026, Rai explained that he saw an opportunity to introduce these products to American communities.
Its work combines support for economically disadvantaged communities with environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, according to the organisation’s official website. Rai told FFXnow that he tries to complete many projects during the summer, when students have fewer academic commitments. Based in Virginia, the initiative connects Indian craft traditions with American buyers, while giving young volunteers opportunities to develop leadership, business and communication skills. The idea emerged from his visits to India, where he encountered artisans producing intricate handmade goods but struggling to secure consistent access to markets and recognition for their work. He wanted to combine his interest in entrepreneurship and storytelling with his appreciation for Indian art and his desire to create a measurable social impact. Running a growing organisation while attending high school requires careful planning. During the school year, he prioritises urgent tasks, breaks larger projects into weekly goals and plans around school deadlines. Delegation has become an important part of keeping the foundation’s work manageable and sustainable. For Rai, the longer-term goal is also to build an organisation that continues developing young leaders, even after its founder and early volunteers move on from school. Serving Society Global Foundation illustrates how a student-led initiative can connect cultural preservation, entrepreneurship and community service. Its progress so far reflects both the demand for traditional handmade products and the willingness of young volunteers to contribute to a cause beyond their own communities. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.