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Emily Bhatnagar wins 2025 Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award
Bhatnagar, 21, is the founder of ‘For Love & Buttercup’, a book drive she started to bring joy to children with cancer.
Emily Bhatnagar / Lombardi Gala
Indian American philanthropist Emily Bhatnagar has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award, recognizing her inspiring leadership and dedication to uplifting children battling cancer. The award, established in honor of Gala founder Margaret L. Hodges, celebrates individuals who embody her unwavering spirit of service and leadership.
Bhatnagar, 21, is the founder of ‘For Love & Buttercup’, a book drive she started to bring joy to children with cancer. The initiative was born out of personal pain—her father’s battle with the disease deeply affected her, leading her to channel her love for books into a movement that has now gained national recognition. What began as a small community project soon grew into a nationwide effort after The Washington Post featured her story, touching the hearts of thousands.
A bibliophile and writer, Bhatnagar’s passion for books traces back to her childhood in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As a shy young girl struggling to make friends, she found solace in weekend bookstore visits with her father, where they would pick out books to read together under the open sky. This love for literature later became a driving force in her philanthropic journey.
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Bhatnagar’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including The President’s Volunteer Service Award and recognition as CNN’s Young Wonder of 2023. Her latest honor, the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award, cements her place as a young leader making a profound impact through compassion and resilience.
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