About NYLA

Opportunity shouldn't depend on who you know.

The National Young Leaders Association (NYLA) is a student-founded nonprofit expanding access to entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Through hands-on workshops, conversations with industry leaders, and startup competitions, NYLA empowers young people to develop the skills, confidence, and connections to lead.

NYLA students with Link Community Charter School students

01The origin

Samaya Shah

Founder & CEO

“NYLA began with a simple question: What if every young person had access to the people, opportunities, and experiences that help turn ideas into impact?”

Founded by high school student Samaya Shah, NYLA grew from a belief that entrepreneurship and leadership should not be opportunities reserved for the well-connected. Too often, young people have the ambition to create change but lack access to the mentorship, resources, and networks needed to get started.

What began as an effort to bridge that gap has grown into a student-led organization connecting young people with entrepreneurs, bringing entrepreneurship education into classrooms, and hosting statewide startup competitions in partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Our belief

Entrepreneurship is a skill that can be taught, nurtured and developed.

Our vision

A future where every young person, regardless of background, has access to the mentorship, resources, and experiences needed to lead, innovate, and create meaningful change.

Be part of what’s next.

Explore NYLA’s programs or meet the students bringing our mission to life.

Explore Our Programs Meet the Team