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Leadership & Advocacy

I’ve always believed leadership means enabling others to find their voice. Through initiatives like Speak Your Story, I’ve worked to create spaces for dialogue, self-expression, and empathy — blending writing, advocacy, and education to drive change.

Speak Your Story,
Founder

Through Speak Your Story, a youth-led civic platform, I wanted to empower people to reclaim their narratives and foster empathy through shared experience. We organized advocacy workshops, discussion panels, and writing campaigns addressing mental health, identity, and social awareness. Over time, the initiative grew into a space where more than 600 young participants could write, speak, and publish their stories — turning vulnerability into agency.

24 Hour Race Singapore,
Runner, Executive Director

After running 64 km and finishing 2nd in the 2022 edition, I became the Executive Director of the 24 Hour Race Singapore. As Executive Director, I led a 13-member student team to raise over USD $80,000 for a child advocacy centre in Pattaya, Thailand. I oversaw everything from fundraising and sponsorships to event logistics and media strategy, ensuring the race ran smoothly for over 200 participants. The experience taught me the power of collaborative leadership — bringing together endurance, empathy, and purpose to fight modern slavery through youth action.

Student Leadership & Public Speaking

From classrooms to auditoriums, I’ve sought to communicate ideas that matter — whether through debate, governance, or storytelling. Public speaking has helped me grow into a more confident and reflective leader.

TEDx UWCSEA East,
Speaker

Speaking at TEDx UWCSEA East was one of the most meaningful experiences of my school years. My talk, “Overcoming Imposter Syndrome,” explored how collaboration and vulnerability can turn self-doubt into strength. I drew parallels between my personal journey and the global fight against human trafficking — showing how confidence and advocacy both begin with self-awareness. The process taught me that public speaking isn’t about perfection, but about connection and courage.

UWCSEA East Student Voice,  Committee Member

As a Student Voice Committee member, I represented my peers in school-wide decision-making and governance. I worked closely with faculty to ensure student perspectives were reflected in academic planning and community initiatives. Beyond meetings and policy discussions, the role deepened my appreciation for inclusive leadership — understanding how dialogue and empathy can drive meaningful change within institutions.

Model United Nations

Participating in Model United Nations sharpened my analytical thinking and diplomacy. Over several conferences, I earned three Best Delegate awards, one Best Chair, and multiple debate recognitions for persuasive argumentation and policy writing. Each event was an exercise in empathy — learning to see global issues from diverse perspectives while building solutions that balanced principle with pragmatism.
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Professional Exposure

My academic interests have found practical ground through internships at Trilegal and with Supreme Court lawyer Vrinda Grover, where I researched constitutional rights and comparative law. Earlier, at MaxxTrader (SGX Group), I learned to apply analytical and technical skills in fast-paced business environments.
Supreme Court of India

Vrinda Grover Law Internship

Delhi, India | Jun 2025 – Aug 2025

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Working under Supreme Court lawyer and UN Commission member Vrinda Grover exposed me to the depth of constitutional law and human rights practice. I researched freedom of speech and expression across India, the U.K., and the U.S., studying how courts balance dissent and democracy. The experience refined both my legal reasoning and my belief in rights-based advocacy.

Received a personal commendation from Ms. Grover for exceptional legal research, attention to detail, and proactive initiative.

Tasks & Contributions:
  • Conducted comparative research on free speech restrictions in India, the U.K., and the U.S.
  • Reviewed landmark Supreme Court cases and constitutional doctrines
  • Studied legal mechanisms used by governments to curb dissent and press freedom
  • Assisted in drafting research insights for ongoing litigation and policy conversations

 

Trilegal Law Firm

Dispute Law Intern – Bangalore, India | July 2024 – August 2024

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At Trilegal, one of India’s leading law firms, I explored the country’s frameworks on bonded labor and minority rights. My work compared enforcement mechanisms with Singapore’s model, strengthening my understanding of how law translates into social protection. It also deepened my interest in public policy as a tool for equity and reform.

 
Tasks & Contributions:
  • Researched bonded labour enforcement and gaps in victim rehabilitation
  • Analyzed minority rights violations and gender-based violence cases
  • Studied comparative constitutional frameworks and due-process safeguards
  • Produced briefings and summaries used by the disputes team
Justice Scale

Creative Expression

Kahaani (Annual Dance Production)
Choreographer

Directed and mentored performers; created a fusion of Indian classical and contemporary dance. Proceeds supported NGOs for the visually impaired.

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Memoir
Sent Forward

Published a personal memoir exploring service, identity, and resilience through performance and advocacy.

© 2025 by Devarya Grover

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