We exist for the ones most often overlooked.

The story of The Wild Card Project is, at its heart, a story about legacy. Long before the organization existed, our founder, Veana Negasi, was inspired by the quiet yet profound example of her late maternal grandmother, Connie. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand what genuine care and benevolence looked like. Through her generosity, compassion, and unwavering willingness to help others, Connie showed Veana that the greatest impact we can have is in the lives we choose to uplift.

Those lessons became the foundation of a lifelong calling. Over a decade ago, Veana founded the Venus Globe Foundation with a simple mission: to serve others and create opportunities where they were needed most. What began as a small act of service gradually grew into a much bigger vision.

Working alongside children, families, schools, and communities over the years revealed a simple but powerful truth: potential is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Every day, young people with remarkable gifts are overlooked, not because they lack ability, but because they lack access, encouragement, mentorship, or someone willing to believe in them.

Those experiences also shaped a clear point of view: meaningful change happens when young people are treated as partners, not just participants. The most impactful programs are not designed for young people from a distance. They are co-created with them, informed by their experiences, aspirations, and the realities of their communities.

That realization transformed the vision. The Venus Globe Foundation evolved into The Wild Card Project, an organization founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential and shape their own future. The name Wild Card was chosen intentionally, because every child carries extraordinary potential waiting to be unlocked when given the right opportunities, guidance, encouragement, and support.

Today, that founding conviction is reflected in everything we do. It influences how we design our programs, how we choose partners, how we collaborate with communities, and how we measure success. Rather than focusing solely on activities or outputs, we prioritize lasting impact, ensuring every initiative is relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the real needs, strengths, and aspirations of the young people we serve.

Through education, creativity, leadership development, health initiatives, and community engagement, we are committed to equipping children and young people with the confidence, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.

More than an organization, The Wild Card Project is the continuation of Connie's legacy, a legacy of believing in people, creating opportunities, and reminding every child that their circumstances do not define their future.