Raju's Story

OneProsper’s Founder and CEO, Raju Agarwal, was raised in Canada, but his family has deep roots in India. During his many visits to the country, both as a child and an adult, he has gained a deep understanding of what life in India is like. While Raju was studying at Boston University, he visited Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. There were many children on the street, and one girl stood out: she was school-aged and holding a baby. When Raju asked the girl why she wasn’t in school, she said she would love to go to school, but couldn’t because she had to look after her little brother while her mother worked. Upon reflecting on this encounter, Raju realized that these girls, who are growing up in extreme poverty and limited by deeply-ingrained gender roles, have the same aspirations as girls in Canada and the United States — but not the same opportunities. Their barriers to education are more complex than simply whether or not their families can afford tuition.

After graduating, Raju worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers and then Bank of America, but he felt unfulfilled. He read Leaving Microsoft to Change the World by John Wood, which inspired him to take action. Raju founded OneProsper so that he could use his business acumen and resources to help women and girls in need.

Our community is built on the foundation of shared learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to empowering women and girls through education. We bring together Buddies from high schools across the U.S. and Canada with learners in India, creating meaningful connections that transcend borders.

Through our structured programs, we provide comprehensive learning materials, lesson plans, and ongoing support to ensure both mentors and learners succeed. Our community celebrates diversity, fosters cultural understanding, and creates lasting friendships that continue beyond the program.