Sarina Mohammadi envisions a world where innovation is not restricted by age and where young founders aren’t just the future, but the present.

As an industry disruptor and the creator of Youth Forge, Sarina is on a mission to challenge the systemic barriers that prevent young people from accessing resources, mentorship, and funding. Her advocacy pushes institutions to recognize youth not as risks, but as essential agents of change.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Sarina Mohammadi whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change?

I envision a world where innovation is not restricted by age. Every youth voice matters to turn this vision into reality.

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

My childhood best friend, Hana, had an incredible start-up for the lack of school supplies for low-income families. Her idea was deliberately ignored and dismissed. At that time, we didn't think of it twice. But, only years later, we find out a nearly identical startup was seed-funded with 1.2 million dollars, picked up by a team older than her. That moment was a spark for me to stay committed to breaking age restrictions through advocacy, policy inclusion and funding for youth-led ventures and projects. 

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

I envision a world where ideas and people are assessed based on merit and not stereotypical beliefs that are not true. We live in a world where people come from a thousand different backgrounds, and putting them in a box based on the things they cannot control, like age, gender, race… reinforces an unfair world. I keep advocating for change among young founders to innovate and lead. 

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

Having youth voices involved in business policy tables around the world is a way to reshape our policy system for the generation that is most affected by it. Having support from key industry leaders such as the Canadian Chambers of Commerce, the World Bank, UN and UNICEF is a key step to drive real inclusion. 

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

Key policymakers, funders, and change makers should recognize that youth are trapped in a cycle of exclusion. Major research organizations often overlook founders under 18, creating data gaps that perpetuate their absence from policy discussions. This leads to policies with age restrictions that limit access to funding, mentorship, and other essential resources. These barriers prevent young founders from growing successful ventures and reinforce the public perception that youth cannot lead. However, policymakers and change makers have the power to change this. By intentionally including youth voices and investing in their ideas, decision-makers can break this cycle and unlock immense potential for innovation and impact.

What practices, tools, or resources have supported you most on your changework journey?

Having a supporting group of people at Youth Forge and a one-of-a-kind working culture is the key to our consistency and to continuing to push for change.

Can you share a moment or experience that deeply shaped the way you approach change today?

I saw century-old governments break down in a month, and it was only possible by the collective collaboration of dedicated and humanitarian efforts of the community. Anything is possible to do if you with the support of the community.

How do you take care of your own energy or wellbeing while doing this work?

Every day, I’m inspired by young founders and change makers, making our world a better place despite the challenges. It is so refreshing to be connected with young people who uplift and inspire you, and that on its own drives me to work harder.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

Follow me on LinkedIn, and if you're a young founder, building a startup or an NGO, I created Youth Forge to support you with our Wall of Founders program launching in 2026, where you get industry connections, international networks, get your brand recognized by a global platform and much more. So make sure to DM me and ask about this.

Connect via:

• Instagram

•  LinkedIn

• Linktree

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

Sarina’s changework is a powerful reminder that youth exclusion isn’t a flaw in the system, it is the system. And it’s time we changed that.

If you’re working in youth policy, education, or startup ecosystems, reach out and connect.

Thank you, Sarina, for your brilliant #PieceForChange.

Stay tuned for next week’s Changeworker feature, and if you’d like to be highlighted, join the campaign and tick the box to express your interest.