Our Story
Kalvi was born from a love of words and a belief that language can change lives. As a Spelling Bee Champion and multilingual learner, Harini Logan experienced the power of linguistics early on. She saw how the right guidance, access, and encouragement could open doors.
Kalvi was created to bring that opportunity to others. Today, we work across borders, offering students the tools to build their confidence, sharpen their language skills, and dream bigger. Our programs span continents, but our purpose remains the same: to make education inclusive, inspiring, and transformative.
We are an organization driven by learning, cultural connection, and the belief that education should belong to everyone.
"Kalvi" is the Tamil word for education.
Multilingualism was my first look into the marvels of language and linguistic contact. It was that insight that shaped my education and my spelling journey. Because of that, it only felt right that the nonprofit I started would be named in the language that started me on this path. My first language, the oldest language in the world: Tamil.
Founder's message
Growing up in a multilingual immigrant household that nurtured a love for languages, I developed a deep passion for words and admired the ways language can bridge people and cultures. It helped me understand the value of linguistics and its incorporation into education from a young age, leading me to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2022. It also fueled a genuine desire to give back to and advocate for the global community and the network I have been privileged to be part of as a student, teacher, and changemaker. That desire led to the founding of Kalvi, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to linguistic education for students everywhere. Through Kalvi, I've been able to work towards expanding linguistically-based education for students both in my local community of San Antonio as well as in five different countries. I also lead fundraising to help host spelling bees worldwide, while supporting students to represent their countries in D.C. Beyond mentoring, I engage with education and policy experts through blogs and podcasts to build dialogue on how linguistics can transform education globally.
My vision for Kalvi is to make linguistic spelling education accessible to all students, regardless of geography, through partnerships with local and international organizations. I hope to create a true impact on students' lives so that the power of language becomes a shared legacy for generations to come.
Harini Logan
Founder & President, Kalvi
Our vision
At Kalvi, our vision is to expand global access to linguistic education through partnerships with local and international organizations.
We believe that true linguistic education begins by teaching students where “English” words come from and how we use them, and that such education is an underutilised tool to improve educational outcomes. When students learn about linguistic concepts like etymology and the structure and usage of words, they are proven to become better readers, writers, and speakers. It also encourages learners to be analytical thinkers and confident communicators.
But the value of linguistic education doesn’t stop at academic achievement. By uncovering the diverse roots of the English language, students come to understand that English is not static and removed from current events, but rather a constantly evolving global phenomenon that is continuously shaped by factors like cultural exchange and generational shifts. Increased awareness of the words we use fosters intellectual and cultural empathy both inside and outside of classrooms, fostering mindful global citizenship.
Our Partnerships
Ghana & Nigeria
Kalvi is partnered with the Young Educators Foundation in Ghana and Nigeria to work with Ghanaian and Nigerian students. We supported the inaugural Spelling Bee in Nigeria (SpIN) and raised funds for the program by running a linguistic education summer camp in the United States. We plan to hold free summer workshops for students in Nigeria soon.
Morocco
We are working with the Brooklyn Institute, an English-language learning center in Morocco, and several American schools in Morocco, to launch the first-ever Moroccan National Spelling Bee. We successfully helped run the first Moroccan National Bee in May of 2025, and hope to send Moroccan students to Scripps in 2026. Kalvi is offering free, accessible spelling bee workshops to Moroccan students.
India
Kalvi is working with Little Flock Children’s Home in southern India to design a bilingual curriculum and a contextually informed model for linguistic education, helping to bridge societal and economic gaps within India to better serve the home’s orphaned students as they seek to make the transition to English-medium schools.
Our Impact
News & Stories
Domestic Violence Awareness: Breaking the Silence
Testimonials
“Harini’s involvement in our Spelling Bee initiative in Morocco has had a profound and lasting impact, not just on the students but also on the educators and schools she has inspired through her generosity and dedication. Her sessions went beyond academic instruction. They were uplifting, empowering, and transformative. She leads with kindness, shows humility despite her many accomplishments, and genuinely wants to uplift others. Harini embodies the spirit of leadership, service, and excellence, and we at Brooklyn Institute consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have her support.”
- Amine Zougagh
Co-Founder, Brooklyn Institute
Testimonials
“Harini is a bright, accomplished, energetic yet simple person to deal with. Over the years, as a webinar coordinator for North South Foundation, she is my first "go to" person to be a panelist for sessions on spelling and vocabulary and to give back to the community coaching her younger peers very effectively. ”
- Desi Vijay
NorthSouth Foundation
Testimonials
“From Champion to Changemaker....We couldn’t be prouder of Harini and her dedication to empowering young learners through the magic of words.”
- Scripps National Spelling Bee
Testimonials
“We are incredibly grateful for the passion, dedication, and heart that Harini brought to our SMH community and to Summer at the Hall. Her commitment to empowering young learners through language is truly inspiring—and we are so proud to have her leading the way.”
- Saint Mary’s Hall
Testimonials
"The [SpellingBee In Nigeria] also featured a special virtual appearance by Harini Logan, the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion. She shared her journey of resilience, offering heartfelt encouragement to the finalists and emphasizing the power of preparation, confidence, and perseverance. Though unable to attend in person, her words resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on the spellers and making the day even more memorable."
-U.S. Embassy And Consulate in Nigeria
Testimonials
“Harini is an exceptional young person who exemplifies intelligence, determination, humility, and a deep commitment to service. She combines academic brilliance with strong leadership qualities and a sincere desire to help others reach their full potential. Her ability to connect with students and foster a love of learning makes her a truly transformative educator.”
- Ersin Sirer
Businessman, Philanthropist, and Author
Harini Logan, Kalvi's Founder
Aside from being a National Spelling Bee Champion, Harini has considerable hands-on experience with education. She has worked with reputable organizations such as the NorthSouth Foundation as a volunteer teacher, working with children to prepare them for success in regional, state, and national level spelling and vocabulary competitions. Harini works towards implementing positive change in education both locally and on the international level and looks to continue doing so through Kalvi.
