Melissa Khasbagan

Melissa Khasbagan is a socially-minded, teen entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas. She is recognized as a 2019 Global Teen Leader, Princeton Prize Winner, Gloria Barron Prize Honoree.

In 2017 she founded TeenLink, connecting teens and companies together, based on challenges she faced as a teen freelance photographer. Melissa also co-founded Tailored LLC, an online shopping platform that reduces time spent online-shopping.

After witnessing the lack of English materials provided for students in rural Inner Mongolia, Melissa started 1000 Books For, a youth-led 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides education and entrepreneurship resources. Through its various initiatives, 1000 Books For works in 9 countries, impacting over 400 teachers and 35,000 students.

Melissa firmly believes that education and entrepreneurship can provide equal opportunity. As a TEDx and LearnFestATX speaker, Melissa advocates for youth and diversity inclusion, empowering the next generation of leaders.