Hi, I'm Siya - a rising 11th grader currently enrolled in the Math and Science Magnet Program at Morris Hills High School. From a young age, I have been fortunate to be immersed in a community of brilliant minds and constant innovation, which serve as a driving force for me to instigate positive change. My profound passion for entrepreneurship leads me to envision a future where I can explore the intersection between the disciplines of business and computer science, amplifying the voices of ingenious thinkers who often go unnoticed due to the burdens of poverty. I have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed organizations such as CASA and The Akanksha Foundation, providing me with invaluable opportunities to directly impact the lives of foster children and those from underprivileged backgrounds.
ACTIVITIES
INNOVATE - Founder
January 2023 - Present
Motivated by a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and creativity, I took on the responsibility of organizing and facilitating a series of workshops aimed at empowering underprivileged children from diverse backgrounds. The workshops were specifically designed to introduce these young minds to the realms of Computer Aided Design (CAD), development, and business models, with the overarching goal of fostering their innovation skills and embracing the potential of the
digital landscape. Spanning a duration of 12 days, the workshops were conducted virtually, ensuring accessibility to students regardless of their geographic location. Throughout the sessions, I provided comprehensive instruction, imparting valuable knowledge about software tools and representations that would help the children navigate the world of entrepreneurship. I aimed to broaden their technical expertise and equip them with the necessary tools to bring their creative visions to life.
New Jersey State Physics Olympics - First place title
September 2022 - January 2023
New Jersey State Model Congress - Commerce Chair Position
September 2022 - March 2023
I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a captivating three-day simulation of Congress, an immersive experience that allowed me to step into the shoes of a legislator and engage in the complex world of politics. In this dynamic environment, I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the Commerce Chair, a role that demanded both leadership skills and a comprehensive understanding of legislative processes. As the Commerce Chair, I assumed a pivotal position,
regulating and facilitating delegates' discussions on a wide range of issues related to commerce and trade. With a firm grasp of parliamentary procedure, I guided the deliberations, ensuring that debates were productive, respectful, and focused on finding effective solutions. I skillfully managed the flow of conversation, encouraging active participation from all delegates and fostering an atmosphere of collaboration. In addition to facilitating discussions, I also took charge of managing the necessary paperwork and documentation that accompanied the legislative process. From drafting and distributing agendas to aiding with the creation of the Republican Party Platform, I demonstrated my organizational prowess and attention to detail.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) - Intern and event organizer
February 2022 - Present
I took the initiative to organize a series of community-wide "Go Blue" events with the primary goal of raising awareness for child abuse prevention. These events served as a platform to engage individuals from all walks of life and inspire collective action towards creating a safer environment for children. Utilizing my creativity, I developed compelling content and designed physical posters to effectively spread the message throughout the community. By leveraging various communication channels, including social media platforms, I distributed the self-made content to maximize its reach and impact. The content not only emphasized the significance of child abuse prevention but also provided educational resources, tips, and support services for those in need.
Through powerful imagery and thought-provoking messages, we aimed to ignite conversations, promote awareness, and encourage community members to take an active role in protecting vulnerable children. Recognizing the importance of holistic development and equal opportunities for foster children, I sought to go beyond awareness campaigns. In collaboration with IBM, a leading technology company, we implemented an innovative program to deliver STEMÂ kits to foster children in our community. These kits were carefully curated to provide engaging and educational activities that fostered a love for learning and exploration in the fields of STEM.
Young Writers Poetry Competition - Placed and published writing
2021
In the realm of creative expression, I took up the task of crafting a poem that delves into the challenges faced by a young girl as she strives to achieve her dreams. Through carefully chosen words and heartfelt verses, I sought to capture the essence of her struggles and her unwavering hope of one day achieving the seemingly impossible—to fly. To my joy and surprise, the poem I created caught the attention of the selectors for the Young Writers book, "Through Their Eyes." This book, dedicated to showcasing the talents of young writers, offered me the incredible opportunity to have my poem published alongside other aspiring voices.
GenCyber Cyber Security Camp - Participant
June 2021
Hosted at a local college, this summer program proved to be an invaluable experience in deepening my understanding of the intricate world of coding and the crucial role it plays in safeguarding digital systems. Focused specifically on the coding behind firewalls, this course provided me with an immersive learning environment where I delved into the intricacies of cybersecurity and gained hands-on experience in implementing various strategies employed by white hat hackers. One of the highlights of the summer course was the opportunity to collaborate closely with industry professionals who are actively involved in the field of cybersecurity. By engaging with these experts, I gained firsthand knowledge about the latest advancements. Their guidance and mentorship allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry, as well as valuable insights into the real-world challenges and innovative solutions employed by professionals in the cybersecurity field.