It’s 6 a.m. on March 6, 2025, and Ashleen Khela, a 12-year-old from Sydney, is preparing for a big moment. After waking up at 4 a.m., she travelled from her family’s semi-rural home in Kenthurst to the International Convention Centre in Sydney. Today, Ashleen is about to receive the prestigious NSW Woman of the Year 2025 award in the Ones to Watch category, an extraordinary recognition for her commitment to philanthropy and her impressive achievements at such a young age.
As she waits outside the Grand Ballroom, Ashleen chats with dignitaries and politicians, soaking in valuable advice. She shares her vision of writing one book each year throughout her high school journey, with all proceeds going to charities supporting underprivileged children in India and around the globe. Just moments before the ceremony begins, Ashleen enthusiastically tells these influential figures about her recent trip to India, where she donated school supplies, laptops, warm clothes, books, and food to children in need. Despite the pressures of schoolwork, Ashleen remains dedicated to her mission of giving back to the community.
Ashleen’s journey is one of inspiration. At just 12 years old, she is already one of Australia’s youngest published authors, using her talents to raise awareness and funds for the welfare of children worldwide. On March 6, 2025, she was awarded the NSW Woman of the Year in the Ones to Watch category at a state function marking International Women’s Day. Ashleen is the youngest person of Indian origin to receive this prestigious award, a testament to her hard work and determination.
Ashleen’s incredible story began when she was just eight years old. After a trip to India in 2019, she was moved by the plight of migrant workers’ children living in roadside slums. Determined to make a difference, Ashleen started writing with the goal of helping children in similar situations. Her debut book, 17 Stories, was published in 2023 at the age of 11. The book earned her international recognition, and all proceeds went toward supporting Australian charities and underprivileged children globally.
Ashleen’s second book, Journey Through Her Jersey, was published in December 2024. This inspirational novella follows a young girl overcoming gender biases to pursue her dreams of becoming a soccer player. Once again, all proceeds from the book’s sales go toward helping disadvantaged children and funding charitable initiatives.
To fund the publication of her debut book, Ashleen took matters into her own hands. For three years, she collected plastic and glass bottles and cans for recycling and worked in her garden, saving every penny for her book’s publication costs. Her hard work paid off, and now, Ashleen’s books have raised thousands of dollars for charities such as the Cancer Council of Australia, Starlight Children’s Foundation, UNICEF, and UN Women, as well as for the underprivileged children in rural India.
Ashleen’s commitment to helping others does not stop at her books. She has personally donated school supplies, laptops, shoes, and nutritious food to children in need, making a tangible impact on their lives.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Ashleen was also awarded the Young Citizen of the Year 2025 award by the Hills Shire Council in Sydney on Australia Day. Additionally, she was a semi-finalist in the 7News Young Achiever Awards for NSW and ACT and a finalist in the Young Australian Sikh of the Year Awards.
When asked about receiving these accolades, Ashleen humbly shared, “The recognition through these awards reinforces my commitment to serve the community and make a positive impact through my writings. But my best reward has been seeing the shine in the eyes of the children I’ve helped, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Ashleen’s advice to other young people is simple: “Reading is important, social media isn’t. Minimise wasting time on unnecessary things. Remember, age is just a number. We can achieve any goal at any age with hard work and determination. Set some goals based on your strengths and pursue them with focus. And while you’re doing that, use your achievements to help others.”
Ashleen Khela is a true inspiration, showing the world that even the youngest among us can make a significant impact. She is a living example of how determination, empathy, and creativity can change the lives of others for the better.
To learn more about Ashleen’s journey and her books, visit www.ashleenkhela.com.
