Sarah Johnson - CEO

Manasa Yadavalli

Founder & Visionary Leader

Manasa Yadavalli is the visionary founder of Upright, bringing deep expertise in student coaching, future-focused career development, and personalized mentorship. With a passion for empowering high school and undergraduate students, Manasa has dedicated her career to guiding young minds toward clarity, confidence, and global career success.

Before founding Upright, Manasa mentored hundreds of students across India, helping them discover their strengths, explore market-aligned career paths, and build the mindset and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Her work combines a deep understanding of industry trends, emerging tools and technologies, and real-world readiness.

She leads Upright with a mission to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career achievement—through one-on-one mentorship, interactive workshops, DIY programs, and student-led research and volunteering initiatives.

Manasa believes that every student deserves a clear roadmap, an inspiring purpose, and the practical tools to build a successful future—and Upright is her platform to make that vision a reality.

Our Vision

"We envision a world where students don't just chase jobs—they build meaningful careers aligned with their strengths, values, and aspirations. Upright exists to guide young minds in turning confusion into clarity, and ambition into sustainable impact."

Key Achievements

Mentored and guided over 5,000+ students across India in career planning, upskilling, and industry readiness
Developed the Upright Career Clarity Framework, now being piloted in schools and colleges for student success planning
Facilitated 100+ personalized mentorship sessions, resulting in measurable improvements in student confidence and goal-setting
Designed and delivered interactive workshops and DIY programs attended by students from over 10 states and 30+ institutions
Partnered with education NGOs and youth organizations to expand access to career mentorship in underserved and rural communities
Launched research and volunteer programs that helped students build real-world experience and impactful portfolios
Built a resource ecosystem integrating future-ready tools, technologies, and side hustle strategies for students entering dynamic job markets
Recognized by educators and career coaches as an emerging voice in student-first mentorship and experiential learning models

Leadership Philosophy

Manasa Yadavalli believes that meaningful career education is built at the intersection of self-awareness, skill-building, and strategic guidance. Her approach bridges foundational values with the realities of a rapidly changing global workforce—ensuring students are not only prepared but also purpose-driven.
Practical Skill Development
Empowering students with hands-on, market-relevant skills that increase employability and adaptability
Personalized Learning Pathways
Designing career strategies that align with each student's unique interests, strengths, and aspirations
Mentorship-Driven Growth
Creating space for real conversations, role modeling, and exposure to professionals across industries
Adaptability to Change
Encouraging continuous learning and agile thinking in response to emerging trends and technologies
Global Career Mindset
Preparing students to think beyond borders and tap into international opportunities with confidence and competence
Through Upright, Manasa brings this philosophy to life—equipping students to build careers that are not only successful, but also meaningful and sustainable.