Lemonade with Ice is transforming lives right here in Houston by removing barriers to education and building the next generation of confident leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
A young change maker received heartfelt recognition from the City of Houston for her tireless volunteer service and dedication to children’s literacy. Ice Venkatesh, founder of the local nonprofit Lemonade with Ice, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Council Member for District D.
The award honors Ice’s outstanding commitment to the city of Houston community.
Lemonade with Ice was founded in Houston in 2017 by Ice Venkatesh, then just 6 years old, with a simple lemonade stand. Today, as a high school student at The Village School, Ice leads a growing nonprofit that supports underprivileged girls and youth throughout Greater Houston while also reaching internationally.
In Houston, we focus on practical, hands-on programs that empower local youth with skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
Why This Recognition Matters
Receiving this award from the City of Houston is more than a personal honor for Ice. It shines a spotlight on the power of youth-led initiatives and the importance of community service in addressing educational gaps.
In a city as diverse and dynamic as Houston, programs that bring free books, learning opportunities, and mentorship to families make a tangible difference. Ice’s volunteer work at the Mayor’s Youth Council Book Fair directly supports the City’s goal of fostering literacy and lifelong learning among elementary and middle school students.
Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, a longtime advocate for education and community development in District D, has consistently championed initiatives that uplift Houston’s youth. Her decision to present this certificate underscores the real impact one dedicated teenager can have when she turns compassion into action.
We provide school supplies, tutoring, and free books to underserved students. Ice regularly volunteers at the Mayor’s Youth Council Book Fair, donating books (including math books) and inspiring a love of reading. Our recent recognition from the City of Houston highlights this commitment to children’s literacy.
Through free Math Workshops and hands-on sessions, we help young minds build critical thinking skills and confidence in math. We promote STEM pathways, especially for girls, to close opportunity gaps in Houston’s diverse communities.
In partnership with The Village School’s Entrepreneurship Diploma program, we offer business workshops, networking, mentorship, and real-world experiences. Students learn to develop ideas, create plans, and launch mini-ventures — skills that prepare them for future success as entrepreneurs and leaders.
We proudly sponsor awards like the Future Voices Awards at The Village School’s Speech & Debate Banquet. Through the EmpowerHer Summit (held annually in Houston at The Cannon West Houston), youth gain public speaking skills, leadership training, financial literacy, and networking opportunities with accomplished women in the Houston community.
As a student at The Village School, Ice brings her school’s emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship directly into our programs. We create platforms for Houston youth to lead, speak, and serve — building confidence and community impact.
We award scholarships to high school students in Houston pursuing higher education, with a special focus on aspiring entrepreneurs, doctors, CEOs, and STEM leaders. These funds remove financial barriers and recognize academic dedication.
