About Me
ANI SOPHIA NISHANIAN
Student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Founder of Amicus Youth and We STEM the Future
Ani Nishanian is a student leader, nonprofit founder, and youth advocate passionate about bridging STEM, civic engagement, and public impact. She is the founder of We STEM the Future, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth with hands-on STEM education and mentorship. Through national outreach programs and school-based initiatives, Ani has helped inspire hundreds of students to explore careers in science and technology. Recognizing the importance of civic literacy and youth voice in legal spaces, Ani also founded Amicus Youth, a student-led organization focused on law, advocacy, and civic action. The platform provides educational resources, community campaigns, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world legal and policy issues. Under her leadership, Amicus Youth is building a pipeline for the next generation of young changemakers in justice and public service.
Ani served as a Virginia Senate Page in 8th grade, where she gained firsthand experience with legislative processes and public policy. She continues to support her community through public speaking, mentoring, and internships with state delegates and senators. She is also involved in research, writing, and public discourse, including authoring a paper on the geopolitical conflicts in her home-country Armenia. Ani is passionate about equity in education, and committed to building platforms where youth voices lead the way. Her work reflects a deep belief that civic awareness, interdisciplinary learning, and action-oriented leadership can transform communities and the world.
Professional Experience
Internship at Senator Srinivasan's Office
July 2025-August 2025
I interned at Senator Srinivasan’s office at the Virginia State Capitol, assisting with legislative tasks and attending key policy events
Internship at Delegate Helmer's Office
July 2025-August 2025
I interned at Delegate Helmer’s office at the Virginia State Capitol, supporting legislative work and assisting with campaigning.
Virginia Senate Page, Class of 2025
January 2025-Febuary 2025
I served as a Senate Page under Senator Pekarsky in the Virginia State Senate, gaining hands-on experience with legislative processes.
Projects and Initiatives
Founded the "Amicus Youth" nonprofit organization
June 2025 - present
I founded Amicus Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to legal education, youth advocacy, and civic action. Through interactive programming and community outreach, we empower young people to understand the law, and use it to create meaningful change.
Founded "We STEM the Future"
July 2024 - present
I founded We STEM the Future, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth through STEM education, mentorship, and innovation. We aim to break barriers, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of changemakers in science and technology.
Research on Electromagnetic Mass Driver Technology
October 2024 - March 2025
I conducted research on the impact of coil and payload geometries in mass driver technology to improve launch efficiency for sustainable and cost effective space travel. My effort won me the title of 2025 National STEM champion and 2025 Invention Convention National Finalist.
Research on Sugarcane and Casein Plastic
September 2023-April 2024
I conducted research on combining sugarcane and casein plastic to find the optimal blend that maximized the quantity and quality, helping replace synthetic plastic. My work won me the title of 2024 National STEM Champion and 1st place in the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Invitational Science Fair
Research paper on the Armenia-Azerbaijan-Turkey conflict
April 2025
As a passionate advocate, I’ve been deeply engaged in raising awareness for Armenia since childhood. I wrote a research paper on the ongoing conflict, focusing on presenting an unbiased and comprehensive perspective to better understand the full scope of the situation.
Next Genprenuer Pitch Competition
October 2024
I presented a compelling pitch at the Next Genprenuer pitch contest on my nonprofit organization We STEM the Future during the DCSTW24. I earned finalist recognition for my efforts in breaking the gap in STEM and received a grant to continue my efforts.
Capitol Advocacy
June 2023 - April 2024
On two occasions, I visited the U.S. Capitol to advocate for sustainable legislation, including the use of recycled asphalt concrete (RAC) in road construction and the recycling of EV batteries. We met with several legislators, including Senator Mullin, Congressman Connolly, and others, to discuss the environmental and economic benefits of these initiatives.
ReMA (prev. ISRI) Recycling Advocacy
March 2022-April 2024
Attended the ReMA Annual Convention twice. In 2022, I won first place in the Jason Learning Environmental Science & Stewardship Competition, delivering speeches and interviews on the dangers of plastic pollution. In 2024, I returned as a panelist for 'Partnering in Building a Strong Foundation of Future Leaders' and participated in the Tire & Rubber Division meeting, where ReMA recognized my work with a donation to WCK in my honor.
Zoom meeting with Senator Warner's Staff
May 2022
Helped organize a Zoom meeting with Senator Warner’s staffer, Adam Kubsike, to discuss and promote rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) for sustainable road construction. When we realized he was unfamiliar with RAC, it inspired us to take our advocacy further, eventually leading to our visit to the Capitol to champion youth-driven environmental policy.
Presenting at the National Girl Scouts Symposium
April 2021
At just nine years old, I created virtual learning lesson plans to support young children whose education was disrupted by COVID-19. This early initiative to promote accessible education earned me a nomination to present at the National Girl Scout Symposium.
Leadership Roles
Amicus Youth, Founder and President
June 2025 - Present
We STEM the Future, Founder and President
July 2024 - Present
Rocky Run Middle School Model UN Leadership Team
September 2024 - June 2025
Rocky Run Middle School TSA Treasurer
September 2024 - June 2025
Bhavna Foundation Secretary
September 2024 - present
Willow Springs ES Science Olympiad Assistant Coach
August 2024 - December 2024
BSA Assistant Senior Patrol Leader
March 2024 - September 2024
Willow Springs ES Student Council Vice President
September 2021 - June 2022
Memberships
Technology Student Association
The Scientific Research Honor Society (Sigma XI) Explorer
National STEM Honor Society
Get in touch
571-549-0975
Aninishanian@gmail.com Clifton, VA