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Our Story

Welcome to Bellanova Inc, a nonprofit birthed from a heartfelt initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged women through education and skills development opportunities. Our journey began in 2016 within the small village of Kethanakonda in Andhra Pradesh, India. Nestled along the outskirts of farmlands, nearly an hour outside the city of Vijayawada, we encountered twenty-eight widows working the fields, earning an average income of $528.00 per year.

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Driven by a deep commitment to make a positive impact, our founders collaborated with a local charity, Grace Ministries. Together with Elisha Moguluri and his team, we established a skills development program for the impoverished women - specifically, a free tailoring education program open to any woman in need. As classes progressed, we identified a 33% adult literacy rate, inspiring the inception of our first free adult literacy program within the villag

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Over the years, our education program has adapted to the evolving needs of the community. In March 2024, 110 women will graduate from tailoring education classes in Kethanakonda. These classes serve as platforms for women to acquire life-changing skills, fostering independence and self-sufficiency that, in turn, transform entire communities.

Lindsay Schmidt

Our Team.

Meet the passionate leaders behind Bella Nova, a dedicated team committed to empowering individuals and creating meaningful impact in communities around the world. Our Founder and Executive Director, Lindsay Schwab, leads with vision, heart, and innovation, guiding the organization’s mission and daily impact. Supporting strong governance and financial stewardship, Board Treasurer Laura Singleton ensures transparency and sustainability, while Board Vice President Elena Stungis brings strategic insight and advocacy to advance our growth. Board Secretary Stephen Tycer provides thoughtful oversight and organizational leadership, and Board President Karleen Vana leads our board with integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to our mission. Together, we bring diverse expertise, shared values, and an unwavering dedication to expanding opportunity, inspiring confidence, and making a lasting difference globally.

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