Help Wanted
How one FMHS Grad is REVOLUTIONIZING How Teens Find Work
They say necessity is the mother of invention.
That’s especially true when it comes to Sameeka Kalavagunta, the founder of Trravo, a new online job marketplace that matches local students with parents, neighbors, and business owners looking for help. When she was a junior at Flower Mound High School, then 15-year-old Sameeka was frustrated by the lack of quality part-time job opportunities in the community for herself and her peers.
Too young for traditional employment, she initially turned to scattered sources, such as Facebook, Nextdoor, and even community bulletin boards. Realizing most students her age didn’t actively use these platforms, Sameeka recognized a need for a credible, reliable place that channels these random postings into one accessible student-focused site.
When she shared her frustrations with her father, who owns a local IT consulting firm, he encouraged her to create her own startup, one focused at addressing the need she was experiencing. Inspired by the challenges faced by both students and residents alike, Sameeka envisioned a centralized hub where students could find flexible, skill-building, job opportunities that would not only offer financial support but also foster a sense of community connection.
“Travvo is an online technology platform that essentially helps middle school, high school and college students find local job opportunities in the area,” she said. “From neighborhood jobs to internships to volunteer roles, we’re helping students get connected with opportunities in the community.”
Students on Trravo range from ages 13 to 25, and are typically employed by residents who need assistance with everyday tasks like babysitting, dog sitting, and household chores. However, there’s no category that fits all the opportunities. Sameeka said that even many of the vendors she has encountered at local farmer’s markets often use her platform to find enthusiastic students to fill needed roles from entry-level sales positions to internships.
“Whenever you post a job on Trravo, you have a description area that gives you the freedom to list every single requirement you’re looking for,” Sameeka said. “Once you post a job, you receive a list of applicants. You can read their profiles and bios and choose to interview them. It all depends on how much research you would like to do.”
Trravo’s commitment to safety and accountability makes it stand out. Employers on the site are personally vetted by Sameeka, who relies on AI tools to cross check individuals with databases to ensure their integrity. She also plans to offer a subscription service that allows users to require background checks.
Now a sophomore studying computer science at Texas A&M University, Sameeka juggles her startup with a budding college career, but she doesn’t try to be a one-woman army. A critical component of Sameeka’s success is her family, who actively support Trravo’s growth. Her mother regularly tests the platform for bugs, her sister crafts engaging marketing content, and her father’s company has championed her vision from day one.
As Trravo continues to gain traction, the platform stands as a testament to what young entrepreneurs are capable of achieving. Sameeka’s journey embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that continues to flourish in Denton County. Her story inspires other aspiring entrepreneurs by illustrating that with determination, community engagement, and the right support, even the most ambitious dreams can grow into reality.
As Trravo connects students to fulfilling opportunities while strengthening community ties, Sameeka Kalavagunta proves that age is merely a number when it comes to making an impact. Keep an eye on this rising star — our communities will surely benefit.
Visit the site — trravo.com
