{"id":8609,"date":"2025-07-09T18:37:55","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T18:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teensandfriendsunited.org\/?page_id=8609"},"modified":"2025-07-29T19:00:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T19:00:14","slug":"tafu-genesis-young-leaders-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/teensandfriendsunited.org\/?page_id=8609","title":{"rendered":"TAFU Genesis: Young Leaders Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Young Leaders Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TAFU Genesis<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Where the New World Begins<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Vision<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Genesis is a youth-led, ethically driven entrepreneurship and charity development programme designed to help young people build impactful charities or sustainable start-ups from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Backed by TAFU and proudly sponsored by the Business School in Basel, Genesis empowers young visionaries aged 15 to 25 with the tools, mindset, and personalised mentorship needed to turn ideas into ethical action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Purpose<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To create a new generation of conscious leaders by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Equipping young people with skills to launch a charity or ethical business<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Embedding ethical thinking, sustainability, and digital innovation at the core of entrepreneurship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Building a global network of young founders, supported by experts, educators, and peers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    Leadership Team<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    Director & Lead Advisor: Nika S Underwood<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    Founder, CEO of TAFU | AI & Robotics Student | Global Environmental Visionary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At just 17, Nika S Underwood is already regarded as one of the most inspiring and multidimensional young leaders in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    She is the Founder, Executive Co-chair, and CEO of TAFU, an international youth-led environmental NGO advocating for personal responsibility towards the planet. TAFU\u2019s mission reflects her belief that the way we treat nature must evolve as deeply and personally as the way we treat our own health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As the driving force behind Genesis, Nika leads not only through her intellect, but through unparalleled action, authenticity, and clarity of vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Academic and Scientific Excellence<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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    • Completed GCSEs at age 11 and a A-levels by age 14.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Completed 11 A-levels, many at A*-A, including those in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, English Literature, English Language, Maths, Geology, French, Latin, and Music.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Entered university at the age of 15.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Now pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Plans to undertake a second undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge in Natural Sciences to fuse AI and environmental science.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      Global Leadership and Policy Impact<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

      Founder and CEO of TAFU, where she:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Organises global youth competitions, environmental campaigns, and clean-up initiatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Produces educational content, interviews scientists, and leads conservation research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Manages all internal and external communications, IT, and strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Appointed Voluntary Young AI Leader by the UN\u2019s AI for Good initiative (ITU) to set up and run the Luton AI Hub, leading local and global community projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        Tech, Ethics, and AI Expertise<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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        • Chair of the British Computer Society Student Chapter and the Young Professionals Group Representative of BCS Bedfordshire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Founded the University AI Club and TAFU Student Chapter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Working in the University Robotics Lab, programming drones and tourist robots using Python and ROS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Trained in over 15 AI, ethics, and sustainability certifications from:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            \u2022     BCS (British Computer Society)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \u2022     UN Sustainable Development Courses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \u2022     University of Helsinki MOOC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \u2022     LinkedIn Learning & NASBA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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           Artistic Talent and Media<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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          • Acclaimed singer and pianist, winning 2nd places in:
            \u2022     Cannes Claude Kahn National Competition
            \u2022     Prodige Art Competition (France)
            \u2022     Resonances International (Paris)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Finalist in Vienna\u2019s Antonio Vivaldi International Competition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Performed in international concerts and produced educational music content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Fluent in English, French, and Croatian, learning German and basic Italian.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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            Educator and Mentor<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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            • Tutored over 100 students in GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs, and competitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Senior tutor with ACFM, Chepstow Tutors, Sunbeam Education, and SuperProf.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Specialises in supporting neurodivergent learners, combining teaching with executive function coaching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • NSPCC safeguarding and tutor certifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • By the end of the summer to be qualified in:
              \u2022     TEFL diplomas
              \u2022     Level 5 Diplomas in Teaching and Coaching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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               Skills for Genesis Leadership<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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              • Project and event management<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Scientific and policy research<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Critical and ethical thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Digital strategy and sustainability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Public speaking, mentorship, and coaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Cross-cultural communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                Why Nika<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                Nika does not simply represent youth excellence – she redefines what it means to lead with integrity, intellect, and innovation. As Lead Advisor and Director to Genesis, she will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                • Mentor young entrepreneurs in ethical charity and business creation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Deliver seminars on AI for good, sustainability, and responsible leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Host the Genesis Founders\u2019 Clinics and workshops<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Connect students with global thought leaders through her extensive network<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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                  Alisa Sokova \u2013 Deputy Programme Director and Advisor<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                  Youth Entrepreneur | Media & Hospitality Scholar | UCLA & UPenn Alumnus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Alisa Sokova serves as the Deputy Programme Director of the Genesis Programme, bringing exceptional energy, maturity, and insight to this international youth initiative. A passionate advocate for personal responsibility, sustainability, and youth empowerment, Alisa is a brilliant communicator and role model for aspiring young founders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  She holds a pivotal leadership role at TAFU as a Volunteer Coordinator Assistant and Youth Impact Ambassador, where she supports the global mission of inspiring ethical innovation and meaningful action in young people. Through her work, she leads by example, encouraging others to act with vision, kindness, and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                   Academic and Global Excellence<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                  Alisa has consistently achieved High Honours and Honours, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to academic excellence. She has taken part in prestigious international programmes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  • UCLA Sports Management Summer Programme<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • UPenn\u2019s Future of Business World Programme<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • The John Locke Essay Competition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    These experiences have given her deep insights into global entrepreneurship, leadership, and academic debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                    Athletic Commitment and Discipline<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                    Alisa is also an accomplished athlete, competing in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                    • Varsity Skiing \u2013 for which she received a sportsmanship award<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Varsity Cross Country<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Varsity Track and Field<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Her sporting background reflects her discipline, determination, and ability to thrive in competitive environments while remaining grounded and team-oriented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      Early Leadership and Real-World Experience<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                      From managing a call centre team in Moscow to founding her own blog and media platform, Alisa has developed a strong foundation in communication, time management, and leadership. She also organised her school\u2019s volunteering club and served as a proctor, supporting her peers in their personal growth and community involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      Storytelling and Impact<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                      Inspired by sustainability and the stories of changemakers, Alisa created a blog where she interviews young, self-made individuals who are positively shaping the world. Her gift for storytelling and connection shines through her writing and mentoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      As part of Genesis, Alisa will lead the Voice of Impact media series, spotlighting the journeys of the programme\u2019s most promising participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      Vision for Genesis<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

                      In her role as Deputy Programme Director, Alisa will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n