Pearl Pillay has been an activist for the better part of the last 10 year with her experience in community development ranging from gender equality and environmental sustainability to worker's rights and student politics. Currently, Pearl is a director at Youth Lab, a youth policy think tank which aims to create spaces for youth in South Africa to engage on policy issues which affect them. She runs the research and policy component of the organization. and has vast experience in the organization of social movements. Through the years, she has expanded on her skills of research, youth development, entrepreneurship and communication and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Political Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on the implementation of the country's National Development Plan. Upon completion of the Fellowship, Pearl plans to continue her work in youth development, race, and gender and youth involvement in policy making.