Dreaming big was never a challenge for 22-year-old Shilpa, a B.Com graduate from Vijay Nagar, Bangalore. Charting out a path and achieving her dreams, was another ballgame altogether. Even as a young girl, she was acutely aware of the many restrictions that were imposed on young girls in her community – some clear obstacles and others unsaid rules that were a result of outdated societal ideals. Shilpa and her parents relied on her elder sister’s income as a front-office clerk and her income was barely sufficient for the family’s daily expenses, let alone enough to fund Shilpa’s education aspirations.

While Shilpa was determined to help support her family financially, she faced limited prospects in the job market. Most women in her community were either employed as domestic help, engaged in informal daily-wage odd jobs or were homemakers. She shared, "Just when it felt like my dreams would never turn into reality, I came across Magic Bus.” Magic Bus India Foundation team met with Shilpa and her mother during a door-to-door mobilisation drive and spoke to them about the Magic Bus programme on life and employability skilling and opportunities that would bring to her life and career choice. With her hope reignited, Shilpa eagerly joined the Magic Bus Livelihood Programme.

Over two months, she successfully acquired valuable employability skills such as Communication, Collaboration, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy and Problem Solving. She shares, "After joining Magic Bus, I felt a renewed excitement about my future. What stood out most out of all the skills I learned, were the goal setting and leadership skills. I also learned important interview techniques and how to build my resume."

With her newfound confidence and skills, Shilpa faced interviews with determination and was eventually hired by Vindhya e-Info Media Pvt. Ltd. This job was her stepping stone to a brighter future, opening doors to even better opportunities at [24]7.ai India, where she secured a position with an impressive salary.

Shilpa's story is not just about professional success; it's a tale of personal growth and resilience. Despite facing academic challenges due to financial constraints, she didn't let anything deter her from her goals. Today, Shilpa's hard work has paid off, and she receives accolades from her seniors for her exceptional performance at [24]7.ai India. She relishes her work and takes her responsibilities seriously, aspiring to reach even greater heights in her career. More importantly, Shilpa is now self-reliant and a pillar of strength for her family.

Shilpa reflected on her journey, saying, "Magic Bus taught me not just skills but life lessons. I learned how to interact with people, speak confidently, and set goals. It wasn't just about finding a job but transforming myself. I have also gained wonderful mentors for life."

Today, Shilpa continues to recognize her potential and evolve both personally and professionally. Her story is a testament to the impact the Magic Bus Livelihood Programme can have on young women from vulnerable communities, empowering them to become leaders in their own lives and communities.