Courtney Lalotra Honored as a Global Leader by the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation
A journey of connection, mentorship, and shared commitment to creating meaningful change
For Courtney Lalotra, Founder and Director of One Life to Love, the opportunity to become part of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation’s community of Global Leaders has been both a tremendous honor and a deeply meaningful part of her journey as a changemaker.
The relationship began in 2024, when CEO Michelle Histand and Co-Founder Bhavna Shyamalan visited One Life to Love’s programs in India. Their visit provided an opportunity to see the organization’s work firsthand — from education and nutrition programs serving children living in vulnerable communities to One Life to Love’s efforts to create safer, brighter futures for girls and children who have experienced homelessness and extreme poverty.
In late 2024, Courtney was selected by her fellow Global Leaders to join the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation’s Global Leader community.
A Community of Changemakers
The M. Night Shyamalan Foundation brings together an extraordinary international community of leaders who are working to create meaningful change in their communities around the world. Being welcomed into this community gave Courtney an opportunity not only to share the story and work of One Life to Love, but also to learn from leaders facing challenges and creating solutions in very different parts of the world.
During her first year as a Global Leader, Courtney had the opportunity to speak at an MNS Foundation event, participate in the Foundation’s annual leadership development retreat, and receive guidance and mentorship from professionals and leaders within the Foundation community.
She also had the opportunity to learn directly from Bhavna and Michelle Shyamalan, as well as M. Night Shyamalan himself.
For Courtney, the experience reinforced an important lesson: creating lasting change is not only about working harder. It is also about continuing to learn, listening to others, building strong relationships, and being willing to grow as a leader.
Returning as a Global Leader in 2026
In 2026, Courtney was honored to be voted in again as a Global Leader, allowing her to continue as part of this remarkable international community for another year.
The 2026 leadership retreat offered another opportunity for learning, connection, and inspiration. The retreat included a series of informative and thought-provoking events, bringing Global Leaders together to exchange ideas, learn from accomplished professionals, and strengthen the skills needed to advance their missions.
One particularly memorable experience was the opportunity to meet celebrated author Nicholas Sparks and attend a special screening of Remain, the forthcoming film from M. Night Shyamalan.
Courtney was also gifted a signed copy of Remain by Nicholas Sparks — a special reminder of a retreat filled with meaningful encounters and unexpected moments of inspiration.
Growing the Mission of One Life to Love
For Courtney, perhaps the greatest value of being part of the Global Leader community is not any individual event, but the opportunity to belong to a network of people who are deeply committed to serving others.
“I am incredibly grateful to be part of this international community of changemakers,” Courtney says. “Each of these leaders is creating extraordinary impact in communities across the globe, and being able to learn from one another is incredibly valuable.”
She is particularly grateful for the generosity, compassion, and willingness to share knowledge that she has experienced throughout the MNS community.
M. Night, Bhavna, and Michelle Shyamalan have created a space where leaders are encouraged not only to celebrate their impact, but to think critically about how they can grow it.
For Courtney, that mentorship and encouragement has become an important part of her continued work with One Life to Love — helping her think bigger about the organization’s programs, leadership, sustainability, and long-term impact.
A Shared Vision for a Better Future
From the streets and slum communities of India to classrooms, shelters, and the future Forever Home campus, One Life to Love’s mission is rooted in a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to live a safe, educated, and dignified life.
Being recognized as a Global Leader has given Courtney something equally valuable — a community that challenges her to continue learning, growing, and imagining what is possible.
She is honored to carry the lessons, relationships, and inspiration from the MNS Foundation community back into the work of One Life to Love and the children and families it serves.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to learn alongside such extraordinary leaders,” Courtney says. “Their stories, their courage, and their commitment to their communities inspire me to continue growing One Life to Love and finding new ways to create lasting impact.”
