A former executive at several major New York finance firms, New Jersey business professional Rao Chalasani is also a noted philanthropist. Actively involved in organizations focused on both NY and international initiatives, Rao Chalasani is a longtime supporter of UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund).

UNICEF addresses issues that affect vulnerable children around the globe, including education for girls. In a report named “Missed Opportunities, the High Cost of Not Educating Girls,” UNICEF identified the economic and social benefits of expanding educational opportunities for girls.

Worldwide, one out of four girls does not obtain more than a primary school education. However, completing secondary education is associated with several positive social indicators, including lower rates of child marriage, lower rates of early pregnancy, greater involvement in prosocial activities, and improved health and mental well-being.

Despite the benefits of educating girls, many families are not able or willing to invest in their daughters’ educations. Some of the leading causes of girls dropping out or not attending school include the inability to pay school fees, rigidly traditional gender norms, and a lack of safe transportation to school.