@fatimahs.guide

Noor Ali is a nationally recognized advocate for educational equity and public health reform. She co-designed a culturally inclusive school lunch program for Gwinnett County, Georgia, impacting over 200,000 students, and started a petition for Muslim and Jewish holiday recognition that reached 15k signatures. Her advocacy contributed to the passage of Georgia Senate Resolutions 425 and 771 and earned her the Senator's Coin of Recognition. She received the 8-year Pre-Med Navy ROTC National Scholarship and was named STAR Student for having the highest GPA and SAT score at her school. After founding AliAcademics, she now works with K-12 students with learning disabilities.

Adam Kogen has launched and scaled multiple ventures, including a snow-sports nonprofit that grew to 120 members and secured five figures in corporate sponsorships. He built a viral financial literacy channel reaching 310K followers and generating six figures in revenue through content strategy and community building. Adam thrives on turning big ideas into real communities, from school-wide stunts to nationwide partnerships. He previously founded a 3D-printing fingerboard business, scaling it to five figures in revenue and international fulfillment before a successful exit.

Nikhil Kotta co-developed AskALICE, an AI chatbot for Princeton University that improves access to relief programs for 37.9M low-income households. He's won prestigious academic competitions including 3rd at World Economics Cup '24, 1st at International Business Olympiad '24, and multiple DECA International victories. As CFO & CGO of FAI (Finance & Investments Org.), he grew the organization to 122+ chapters across 20 states and 3 continents. He led his high school's Navy JROTC program to 3rd place at Nationals and won full-ride Navy & Air Force ROTC Scholarships. Starting high school with no connections, he mastered cold emailing and networking to land research opportunities and over $800K in scholarships.

Deniz was selected for the Simons Summer Research Program (~3% acceptance rate), conducting computational chemistry research that led to a journal publication in the American Chemical Society journal, Langmuir, and a poster presentation at the 2024 MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference. A Regeneron ISEF 2025 Finalist, he earned special awards from the American Chemical Society and U.S. Metric Association. Deniz also won 1st place internationally at the MIT Beaver Works Autonomous Racecar Grand Prix. He led his school's robotics and programming clubs to regional/state victories and tutored 296 students across 46 countries on math and CS topics through Schoolhouse.world. As Student Council Fundraising Co-Chair, he helped raise ~$105,000 for Camp Good Days, supporting children with cancer and sickle cell anemia.

Kristi Chadha founded Guiding Lions and The Pathways Bootcamp through her 501(c)(3) Supplies For Humanity Inc., empowering over 100 underrepresented youth to launch passion projects. She's one of only 15 students nationwide awarded the Cameron Impact Scholarship (0.3% acceptance rate) and secured over $1.4m in competitive funding. As a UC Regents' Scholar, Greenhouse Scholar, and UNCF STEM Scholar, she has presented global health research at USC Keck. She's collaborated with The New York Academy Of Sciences on neuroscience and AI initiatives. Kristi will lead a UC Berkeley grant-funded study on using T cells to regenerate white matter lost from multiple sclerosis.

Liana Zhou contributed to NASA and the University of Michigan's SunRISE project, researching the origin and impact of solar flares. As first author, she presented her findings to over 300 attendees at a national space science conference and was recognized in NASA News. During her nuclear engineering internship, she developed LabVIEW automation software that continues to be used by the research group. She has interned with research teams in space science, nuclear engineering, and biochemistry over three summers. Beyond research, she enjoys teaching younger students how to design and build model rockets, combining software, hardware, and physics.

Rhea Werner founded the Embrace Collective Youth Initiative, an eating disorder and body-image non-profit that has impacted over 1 million children and catalysed $55M+ in policy change. She has extensive experience in media exposure, being featured by The Guardian and ABC, and effective networking that resulted in research opportunities at Harvard and Stanford. Rhea is a recruited D1 lightweight rower who holds the U19 Australian 100m Erg Record and won the U23 National Championships. She was selected by the Australian Olympic Committee and has won the Diana Award and Most Influential Asian-Australian Award. Currently, she interns at a KKR-Portfolio company, working in Private Equity and Unlisted Assets.

As founder and CEO of GreenTennis™, Radha has recycled over 150,000 tennis balls and started chapters in 42+ U.S. states with partnerships across 13 countries. She was selected for a paid software engineer internship at Bloomberg for 2 summers in high school (2% acceptance rate) after completing a 6-interview process. Radha has been awarded over $55,000 in merit-based scholarships, most notably the $40,000 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship (0.06% acceptance rate). She's a 3x NCWIT National Honorable Mention and NCWIT Impact Award Winner. On the side, Radha loves skiing, digital art, calligraphy, reading, and matcha!

Ajay Shah is the CEO of the Road2 Education Foundation, which has secured long-term funding from Google and a statewide partnership with the California Department of Education. He led his high school's StellarXplorers team to a National Championship in 2024 using advanced computer science and aerospace engineering principles. Ajay completed two research internships at UC Irvine, developing a miniaturized ankle device for stroke patients now used in over 1,000 clinics nationwide. He also collaborated on a deep learning algorithm that analyzes zebrafish cardiovascular systems, building a web-based GUI for model visualization. His work focuses on advancing STEM education for foster youth and underrepresented students.

Abeer Alyousef was one of only 30 international students selected for the MIT Research Science Institute (RSI), where she researched quantum dot IR photodiodes. She's a 3-time ISEF Grand Award winner in Materials Science and Chemistry and has completed 3 research fellowships, authoring 5 manuscripts with 2 submitted to Nature and ACS. Abeer is a Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 nominee and recipient of a $1,000,000+ KAUST scholarship covering undergraduate and graduate study. She ranked in the top 1% nationally in the Saudi Chemistry Olympiad and founded She Can KSA, impacting 300+ girls across 10 cities. As a Toastmasters-certified speaker, she has led 30+ workshops and served as a Saudi delegate speaking with ministers on science education policy.

Arin researches social determinants of health at Duke University School of Medicine and is developing an AI-driven pipeline at Emerson Health to analyze urodynamic scans. At Arizona State University, his Convolutional Neural Network for Valley Fever detection achieved 92% accuracy. At Harvard Medical School, he co-developed a bronchoscopic imaging model that classifies lung tumors with over 77% accuracy. A National Merit Finalist, Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist, and USACO Gold Medalist, he also presented at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML). He co-founded Overhead Opportunities, mentoring 70 low-income scholars in tennis and raising over $2,000 for equipment.

Kendall is a two-time ISEF finalist and genomics researcher whose work has earned a Grand Award at ISEF and honors from multiple scientific societies. As a paid research fellow, she sequenced and assembled mitochondrial genomes of uncharacterized coral species for Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology. She collaborated with NOAA to build species distribution models and interactive data tools that identify high-priority sites for marine protection. Her research established a new framework for deep-sea conservation by combining genomics and ecological modeling. Kendall co-founded a high school genomics lab to train peers and was the first student from her school to compete in science fairs.

Michelle Hernandez is a FGLI student at Princeton University and IB Diploma recipient, accepted to 5 Ivy League schools. She won the Prix du Jury (Judges' Top Prize) at Le Congrès de la Culture Française for an original work on La Négritude and earned 1st Place in Declamation with perfect scores. Michelle conducted sociolinguistic research on the linguistic legacy of Africans in America and helped raise $10,000+ for Ukrainian education as an ENGin Ambassador. As a UPenn Early Exploration Program Scholar, she earned $700k+ in scholarships to drive cultural education initiatives.

Elizabeth Liu is VP of Finance for Hope Heroes, helping raise $220K+ to support pediatric therapy dogs and breaking the global Junior Achievement fundraising record. She's the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Introspect, a global digital literary magazine connecting 50+ contributors across 14 U.S. states and 10 countries. Elizabeth has held multiple internships including marketing with former FBI special agent Joe Navarro, public-sector research as Head Intern at her city's Economic Development Department, and AI/ML at Case Western Reserve University. As a first-gen daughter of immigrants, she applied strategically to just 12 schools and earned acceptance to 4. In her free time, she enjoys ceramic sculpting, hand-making pasta, and fitness.

Tanya Mahesh co-founded Chords for a Cause, raising $40k+ and mobilizing 250+ volunteers across nearly 20 countries. She's a Bank of America Student Leader, Morgan Stanley Finance Scholar (capstone winner), Congressional App Challenge winner, and Congressional Award Gold Medalist. As a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist and classical vocalist, she has trained at prestigious programs like Tanglewood and is a 2x Texas All-State Musician. Her performances have taken her internationally as a member of the UNESCO International Dance Council. Tanya has interned at the Harris County DA's Office and defended dozens of teens in Houston Teen Court, developing strong writing and advocacy skills.

Alexis DiPrima founded three organizations including VUELA, an international youth mentorship nonprofit, and the Hispanic Youth Leadership Council. She has represented 8.1 million+ California students on various youth advisory boards and secured three impactful internships in high school. As her school's valedictorian and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Delegate, she won several of the most competitive scholarships in the world. She won the $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship with a 0.14% acceptance rate, being 1 of 150 selected from 105,000+ applicants. Alexis received an Ivy League likely letter and multiple personalized comments from interviewers and admissions officers during her application process. She is a Coca-Cola, Gates, QuestBridge, & HSF Scholar.

Disha Ram is a nationally recognized writer whose college Common App Essay won a Scholastic Writing Gold Key. As a National Student Poet Finalist—one of the highest honors in youth literary achievement with just a 0.0012% acceptance rate—she pairs creative writing with public health research. Her award-winning research on health outcomes by linguistic groups earned recognition from ISEF, Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders, and Yale Science & Engineering Association. Disha earned a perfect PSAT score and received 14 AP scores of 5. She founded Harmony Heals, a nonprofit that empowers youth musicians to host concerts supporting rural health efforts, and served as Teen Media Chair at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

Inesh Rai led his team to a division win at the FIRST Robotics World Championship, competing against 3,300 teams from 31 countries. As a Rhode Island DECA State Officer, he has placed top 12 internationally multiple times. Through strategic cold outreach, he secured three internships and a research role on a $120,000 funded AI project. He's a Columbia University–certified SAT/ACT tutor who has helped 50+ students achieve 300+ point score jumps. He was selected as a Jefferson Scholar—one of just 35 chosen from over 900,000 eligible students—to attend UVA on a full-ride.

Daniel Zakari secured a wet lab research position at the Cleveland Clinic via cold-emailing. He conducted research with the Neuroscience Research Center and Aultman Hospital, publishing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (<10% acceptance rate). Daniel placed 23rd at the NSDA National Tournament in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and ranks 4th in Ohio. As Director of Content, he grew DebateResources.com from 4,000 to 11,500+ users and completed a congressional internship focused on rehabilitation policy. As Class President, he led school-wide initiatives, co-founded the STEM Research and Mediterranean Culture Clubs, and assisted with Arabic translation for ESL students. He ACT tutors students and runs a piano business, teaching and performing throughout his community.

Syed Shafin hosted the first international VEX Robotics Tournament in Southern California in the past decade, with over 1000 participants and 80+ teams. He received a Certificate of Commendation from the City of Los Angeles for competing in the 2023 VEX Robotics Worlds Championship. Syed worked as an intern in the Med-Surg Oncology department of Kaiser Permanente, selected as 1 of 18 from hundreds of applicants. He also served over 160 hours at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles as a camp counselor for children with hemiparesis. Syed was chosen as a Questbridge Scholar out of over 25,500 applicants in 2024 and received a full ride to Brown University. He also made $100K from building a sneaker reselling business.

Maho Gibbs founded KC Rideshare, providing vital school transportation for 564+ local high schoolers amid transit shortages, and is a Civics Unplugged UCLA Fellow. Her entrepreneurial drive powers a digital media initiative uniting 52 designers to produce 500+ free promotional materials for KC-area businesses and nonprofits. As a 13-year violinist, she earned first prize in the New York International Music Competition Jr. Division and qualified as Kansas All-State Orchestra concertmaster both years eligible. Maho holds the Kansas Seal of Biliteracy in Japanese and has studied multiple languages through government-sponsored programs. Her Stanford Admissions Officer listened to her music portfolio 'countless times,' and she has helped students achieve zero college rejections and $1M+ in scholarships.

Sahiba's research work was recognized by the White House and she spoke to educators at the 'YOU Belong in STEM' convening on STEM education policy. She participated in FIRST Robotics, the Chief Science Officers STEM Advocacy network, Kode With Klossy, MIT Mathroots, and the National STEM Challenge. Sahiba hosts math festivals to engage communities in meaningful learning, having organized 20+ events for 2000+ people worldwide. She was selected as a 'Jane Street Women in Math' Certificate Winner for being a top 5 female scorer in Michigan and qualified for AIME. After high school, she was selected as a delegate to the National Youth Science Camp, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science program.

Danna qualified five times for AIME, representing the top competitors out of hundreds of thousands of participants. She has been in the top 5 female scorers nationally of the AMC 10 twice, and in the top 5 female scorers in her tri-state area of the AMC 12 twice. Danna conducted paid biology and physics research at top universities, publishing her work in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences. She's experienced in coding and robotics, building and programming drones from scratch and winning state-wide awards. As a STEM tutor to children in underprivileged areas, Danna has years of mentorship experience helping others craft applications that reflect their unique story.

Arpit Uppal's mentorship through his pro bono college admission club has yielded Berkeley Regents Scholars, a Georgia Tech Stamps Scholar, and admits to top universities including MIT and Princeton. Having edited over 400 essays pro bono, he combines his analytical mind (perfect ACT and near-perfect SAT scores) with genuine care for student success. As an Eagle Scout with over 1,500 volunteer hours, he co-founded his city's Chamber of Commerce and served as Youth Lead of the Covid-19 Response Initiative. A Stanford Math Tournament winner and accomplished Congressional debater, he also founded his school's podcast while balancing varsity water polo. He's currently pursuing a combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Mathematics at UCLA.

Sadie has been a professional actress since age five, appearing on TV shows and national commercials as a member of SAG-AFTRA. Her writing has been recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing competition with a National Gold Medal for Flash Fiction and several regional keys. She was accepted to both the Iowa Young Writers' Studio (<15% acceptance) and The Kenyon Review's Young Writers' Workshop twice. Sadie was selected for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, earning a full merit scholarship to study abroad in India while learning Hindi/Urdu. Her creative work can be found in multiple magazines, and she worked as a prose editor for The Stirling Review.