Nilesh is a dynamic youth advocate and community leader dedicated to empowering young people through employment pathways, leadership development, and inclusive community engagement. Over the past five years, he has delivered more than 20 youth projects, collaborated with over 50 stakeholders, and mentored more than 40 Charles Darwin University (CDU) students.
As a Co-Founder and the Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement at Kindness Shake Inc.—a charity formed during the COVID-19 pandemic—he helped provide over 6,000 meals and emergency assistance to 800+ individuals in need. He also spearheaded initiatives like the “Meet a Local Project” with Rotary clubs, helping more than 200 newly arrived students practice English and integrate into the community.
Nilesh’s passion for youth empowerment led him to co-found Rotaract Young Professionals, which has rapidly grown from eight to 60 volunteers, delivering 12 events, raising over $20,000, and supporting local causes like Paws Darwin and the NT Working Women’s Centre. He has also launched vital initiatives including a peer-led driver licensing program targeting alcohol and drug harm prevention, and the FINSMART Financial Literacy Program in partnership with CDU Aspire and NT Youth Parliament.
As the youngest member of the Rotary Club of Darwin Sunrise, a mentor through NT Youth Parliament, and a valued member of boards including Melaleuca Australia and MAGNT Foundation, Nilesh’s strategic leadership and community service continue to shape long-term, inclusive development across the Northern Territory. His work has been widely recognised, earning him accolades such as the 2024 NT Young Achievers Award (Connecting Communities), 2023 NT Volunteer of the Year, and the Chief Minister's NT Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.