Suwanee, GA, May 18, 2026 — In a city known for investing in community and innovation, a 14-year-old student is helping shape the next generation of leaders—one speech at a time.
At a recent meeting of the Suwanee City Council, students from Maverick Masters, a youth public speaking program founded by Saanvi Ghelani, took center stage to deliver speeches on leadership, civic engagement, and the skills young people will need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Ghelani, a resident of Suwanee, launched Maverick Masters to help children between the ages of 8 and 14 develop what educators and workforce experts often call “T-shaped skills”—deep expertise in one area combined with broad abilities such as communication, creativity, collaboration, and leadership.
“At a time when automation is redefining what it means to be competitive, we must invest in skills that machines cannot replicate—empathy, storytelling, and leadership,” Ghelani said. “Maverick Masters is about giving kids the confidence to stand up, speak out, and shape their future.”
According to organizers, Ghelani’s own leadership journey began when she was five years old through the Winning Feathers Institute. She later expanded her training through leadership programs in Washington, D.C., and debate coursework at Harvard University.
That experience was reflected in the confidence displayed by the young speakers, who addressed topics ranging from smart city initiatives and economic development to diversity, inclusion, and cultural preservation.
Among the student speakers were Zeenat Elahi, Yuvaan Thakkar, Ryan Chaudry, Diya Banushali, and Veda Shah. The students spoke before Jimmy Burnette, along with council members including Linnea Miller and Beth Hilscher.
Audience members and city officials applauded the students’ poise, humor, and command of complex civic issues—qualities organizers say will be essential in a future where adaptability and human-centered skills are increasingly valued.
By opening its chambers to young voices, city leaders reinforced a growing belief that preparing children for the future means teaching them not only how to master technology, but how to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence.
In Suwanee, that future is already taking the stage.
