Judy Pushparani Shaik

What does your company do?

WOW PROJECTS ACADEMY – is a Non-Profit Company situated in the West Rand Johannesburg, Gauteng Province that works across all Provinces in South Africa. WOW PROJECTS ACADEMY, started as a means of giving back to the community. We realized the need that existed within the less fortunate communities. From the lack of basic communication skills of adults, children, self-employed businesswoman and finally the community at large. Our main aim is to help eradicate poverty by creating skills opportunities. The “WOW PROJECTS” is a brand wishing to impact and change peoples’ lives towards sustainable self-reliance. Influencing people not to lose hope but to claim their place and space in all spheres of life through information, empowerment, skills development and providing the necessary resources and mentorship.

What is your biggest success?

My greatest achievement has been founding WOW Projects Academy — a community-driven organisation born from personal loss and built with purpose. What began as a tribute to my late father has grown into a movement that has empowered over 600 women and youth across South Africa through free educational workshops, skills development, health awareness campaigns, and entrepreneurship training. The Academy was founded with no external funding, but through passion, partnerships, and persistence, we have changed lives and restored dignity in overlooked communities. Seeing women find their voice, young people gain skills, and schools embrace kindness initiatives has been humbling and powerful. This work has also earned me the Global Recognition Award’s “Empowering Star of Wonder,” which affirmed our vision and fuelled my mission to keep going. Knowing that WOW Projects continues to grow and inspire every day is, without question, the achievement I hold most dear.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My biggest hurdle has been building WOW Projects Academy with limited resources, while striving to serve communities that are often overlooked and underfunded. As a woman leading a grassroots organisation, I have faced countless closed doors — from lack of financial support to being underestimated in formal spaces. Starting from scratch meant managing everything from programme delivery to logistics, often without a full-time team. Despite this, I remained committed, drawing strength from the purpose behind the work and the lives we were changing. Each challenge taught me resilience, creativity, and how to lead with heart. The lack of resources made me more resourceful, and today, WOW Projects continues to grow through partnerships, recognition, and the unwavering belief that every woman and young person deserves a chance to rise — no matter their starting point.