Empowering Girls Through Education | The Story Behind GEMS Trust Nonprofit

Some of the most important moments in life don’t come with a spotlight. They show up quietly, unexpectedly. For me, it happened during a simple conversation with a young girl in rural India. She gazed directly at me and expressed, "I aspire to become a teacher, but I don't believe I'll ever complete my education."

There was no sadness in her voice—just resignation, as if this was the way life was supposed to be. That stayed with me. It shook me.

And that’s where GEMS Trust began—not from a business plan, but from a deep feeling that we have to do more for the daughters of our communities.

I have served in various roles throughout my life, including that of a soldier, business owner, and father. But founding this nonprofit has been one of the most personal and meaningful decisions I’ve ever made. GEMS stands for Girls Education Movement & Support—but to me, it also stands for hope, dignity, and belief.

We started small:

• We began by distributing a few school uniforms.

• We also purchased a few boxes of sanitary pads.

• One volunteer-led mentorship session.

But every girl we supported reminded me that education isn’t just about books—it’s about opportunity. It’s about telling a girl, “We see you. We believe in you. And we’ve got your back.”

We now support dozens of girls every year with school essentials, after-school support, and mentorship. Every dollar we raise goes toward leveling the playing field—because where you’re born shouldn’t decide how far you can go.

I run GEMS TRUST out of my home during lunch breaks and on late-night Zoom calls, with the help of friends, family, and caring individuals.

If you're reading this, maybe you're one of those people too. If you are among those who care, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for considering helping a girl pursue her dream.

This isn’t charity. It’s a quiet revolution. And it starts with us.

— Sanjiv Joshi, Founder, GEMS TRUST www.gemstrust.org