Youth Poet Ambassador of Allegheny County, 2024-25

Vanshika Jain is a sophomore at Mt. Lebanon High School and a mixed-race, second-generation immigrant whose Indian and South African heritage profoundly shapes her work. She is the upcoming author of Letters to the Empire, a historical fiction novel exploring the personal struggles of individuals amidst British colonial rule. Alongside her novel, Vanshika has published two research papers examining how historical events contribute to the spread of epidemic disorders across generations.  

Passionate about social justice and amplifying youth voices, Vanshika was recognized as the “Most Powerful Youth Advocate” by Save the Children for her impactful leadership as Student President of the DTCare charity. She has also been a dedicated dancer for over a decade, with expertise in African Tribal and Classical Kathak dance, bringing cultural depth to her artistic expression.