By Rajni Rani, Chief Editor, EmiratesReporter.com
How a Dubai Teenager Is Blending Finance, Tech, and Social Good: Read About the Rise of Young Changemaker Shivank Mishra
Shivank Mishra, a Year 12 (Grade 11) student at Dubai International Academy, has been working at the intersection of education, inclusion, and economic research, contributing to youth-led initiatives in the UAE. As the founder of Money Matters, he has delivered financial literacy education to over 700 underprivileged students globally, equipping them with essential life skills. Through his work with Muskaan PAEPID, a Delhi-based NGO established in 1982 to support individuals with intellectual disabilities through care, vocational training, and employment opportunities, he has supported around 100 individuals by teaching financial and digital skills, training staff in practical AI applications, and developing tools to streamline daily care. At the core of his work lies a strong commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Alongside this, Shivank has pursued advanced research on geopolitical shocks using a structural VAR model, earning recognition and detailed feedback from a researcher at JPMorgan Chase & Co. This research became the foundation for Macro Insight, a platform he founded to extend his inquiry beyond theory, continuously analyzing, simplifying, and communicating UAE economic policies and global macroeconomic trends. Through Macro Insight, he builds on his research by transforming complex economic ideas into accessible insights while continuing to explore the real-world implications of policy decisions.
Recognizing his unique blend of purpose, innovation, and intellect, EmiratesReporter.com had an Exclusive conversation with the young achiever and here is the full interview.
E.R- What inspired you to start Money Matters and teach financial literacy to students?
Shivank Mishra- I started Money Matters after realizing how little practical financial education exists in schools, especially for underprivileged communities. Concepts like saving, budgeting, and understanding money are essential for independence, yet many students never learn them. I wanted to make financial knowledge accessible and simple, so students could make better decisions in their daily lives and future careers.
E.R- How has your work with Muskaan helped people with intellectual disabilities in their daily lives?
Shivank Mishra- At Muskaan, the focus was on making daily life more structured and independent. I taught basic financial and digital skills to around 100 individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping them understand simple transactions and routines. I also trained staff in practical AI tools and developed websites to track medication schedules and daily activities, making care more organized and reliable.
E.R- What challenges did you face while teaching financial and digital skills, and how did you overcome them?
Shivank Mishra- The biggest challenge was simplifying complex ideas into something practical and understandable. Everyone learns differently, especially in diverse environments like Muskaan. I overcame this by using real-life examples, repetition, and interactive teaching rather than theory. Patience and adaptability were key.
E.R- Can you explain Macro Insight in simple terms and what makes it useful for people in the UAE?
Shivank Mishra- Macro Insight is a platform where I break down economic policies and global events into simple, understandable insights. For people in the UAE, it helps explain how factors like oil prices, inflation, or global conflicts can impact daily life, businesses, and future opportunities. It is also a platform where I post weekly articles based on financial policies or economics in general to share with the world in simple terms for developed understanding.
E.R- What did you learn from your research on how global events affect the economy?
Shivank Mishra- One key takeaway is how interconnected the global economy is. A single geopolitical event can influence inflation, trade, and growth across multiple countries. I also learned the importance of using data and models to understand these effects, while recognizing the uncertainty involved in real-world outcomes.
E.R- As a student managing all these initiatives, how do you balance your time and stay motivated?
Shivank Mishra- I prioritize based on impact. Instead of trying to do everything, I focus on what creates the most value. Clear planning and setting specific goals help me stay consistent, and motivation comes from seeing real results in the communities I work with. In general I wake up every morning at around 6:30AM and then create a written plan of the day in a way where I can prioritize academics, these extra-curriculars, and an hour everyday at the gym.
E.R- Do you think age has anything to do with acquiring skill sets? Is there a particular age to learn about finance?
Shivank Mishra- I don’t think age is a barrier. Skills are more accessible than ever today. However, starting early helps build long-term understanding. Financial literacy should be introduced at a young age in a simple way so people can make informed decisions as they grow.
I believe students should be encouraged to apply what they learn to real-world problems. Even small initiatives, when done consistently, can create meaningful impact.
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