Aanya Vora
Founder & President
Aanya Vora is a 17-year-old student from Dubai and a student at the University of California, Berkeley's Haas School of Business, where she is pursuing her passion for business, innovation, and social impact. Her love for sports continues to influence both her academic and personal journey.
A national-level badminton player since the age of eight, Aanya has won multiple league tournaments and represented her school in international competitions. Her commitment to sporting excellence was recognized when she and her peers at Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills received the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Sports Education.
Inspired by the transformative power of sport, Aanya founded Equip2Empower in 2023. What began as an initiative promoting inclusion, mentorship, and well-being has evolved into a growing social enterprise dedicated to empowering young people through access to sports opportunities and resources.
Her academic interests span business, economics, finance, and data science, with a particular focus on how data-driven decision-making can improve outcomes in sports and society. These interests were further enriched through the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School's Moneyball Academy Summer Course, where she gained exposure to sports analytics, behavioral economics, and data-driven leadership.
Beyond athletics and entrepreneurship, Aanya is an accomplished debater, a Trinity Level 6 Theatre graduate, and a dedicated student leader. As former President of the Interact Rotary Club of Dubai, she led youth-driven service initiatives supported by a passionate team of volunteers. Encouraged by her parents and guided by a strong sense of purpose, Aanya is committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact through every endeavor she undertakes.
At Berkeley, Aanya continues to explore the intersection of business, technology, and social entrepreneurship while expanding the impact of Equip2Empower on a global scale.
Aanya's Story
From an early age, sports have been a defining force in Aanya Vora’s life, fueling her growth, shaping her identity, and instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Whether on the badminton court or basketball field, the thrill of competition and commitment to excellence have remained constant. As a national-level badminton player and three-time DASSA and IVEI league champion, Aanya has consistently demonstrated athletic prowess. In 2023, she proudly represented her school at the Basketball World School Games in Spain, where her team secured first place.
Beyond personal achievements, Aanya’s journey in sports has inspired a broader mission: to extend access and opportunity to others. Recognizing the barriers faced by underprivileged youth, she founded Equip2Empower, a youth-led initiative dedicated to providing mentorship, sports training, and educational support. Through this platform, Aanya seeks to empower children to unlock their potential and thrive on and off the field.