Social Impact
Next Genprener Pitch Competition
During the 2024 DC STEM Week (DCSTW), Ani Nishanian, founder of We STEM the Future, was honored as a finalist in the inspiring Next Genpreneur Pitch Contest, an event dedicated to empowering young female entrepreneurs. Competing among other innovative young women, Ani presented her vision for We STEM the Future, an international nonprofit that encourages and empowers youth to explore and pursue careers in STEM fields. Her compelling pitch earned her a finalist spot and a $100 award to support her mission.
The Next Genpreneur Pitch Contest stands out as a platform for young female entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, helping to build a supportive community of women leaders committed to solving real-world issues. Ani’s pitch emphasized the work We STEM the Future is doing to break down age and gender barriers in STEM, creating accessible educational resources and fostering a community of budding innovators worldwide. Her nonprofit’s focus on hands-on activities, STEM education outreach, and an international ambassador program resonated with judges who were moved by her mission to inspire the next generation.
The $100 award is more than just a contribution; it’s a symbol of the support that We STEM the Future has garnered from a community of like-minded changemakers. Ani plans to use the funds to expand her nonprofit’s reach, creating even more opportunities for young students around the globe to access engaging, transformative STEM experiences. Through Ani's Welcome to STEM program, STEM video library, and global ambassador outreach, We STEM the Future is growing as a bridge for students to discover and embrace the endless possibilities in STEM.
Thank you to DCSTW and the Next Genpreneur Pitch Contest for celebrating the voices of young women and recognizing Ani's work in STEM advocacy. With this finalist award, We STEM the Future is one step closer to realizing a future where every child, regardless of background, has the chance to unlock their potential in STEM.
Capitol Hill 2024
In 2024, as an alumna, I returned to Capitol Hill with 5th and 6th graders from Willow Springs Elementary School to advocate for the responsible recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Our mission was to urge policymakers to take decisive action on this critical issue and promote sustainable practices. I mentored and assisted the young students, guiding them in understanding environmental advocacy and preparing them to communicate our cause effectively.
We worked together to develop speaking points and build their confidence for meetings with representatives from Senator Duckworth's and Senator Mullin's offices. We highlighted the environmental challenges of EV battery production and disposal, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legislation. This trip showcased the vital role young people play in shaping environmental policy.
We are grateful to the Recycling Materials Association (ReMA) for funding our trip, which enabled us to bring our message to the heart of government. The 2024 Capitol Hill trip strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for sustainable practices and marked a pivotal moment in our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
Articles:
WSES School Website: https://willowspringses.fcps.edu/features/capitol-hill-trip
ReMA (prev. ISRI) Convention 2024
Attending the 2024 Recycling Materials Association (ReMA) Annual Convention in Las Vegas broadened my understanding of sustainability and recycling initiatives. The convention gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and passionate advocates for environmental stewardship, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning and collaboration.
One highlight was participating in the panel discussions of "Partnering in Building a Strong Foundation of Future Leaders," where I shared my environmental advocacy work. I also attended the Tire and Rubber Division meeting, which provided valuable insights into tire recycling innovations.
The convention allowed me to connect with influential figures in recycling and sustainability, inspiring me to continue pursuing innovative solutions in STEM and environmental conservation. I delivered speeches and interviews, honing my communication and leadership skills.
As a token of appreciation, ReMA made a generous donation to the World Central Kitchen (WCK) in my honor. This gesture was meaningful because WCK's mission aligns with my values of sustainability and community support.
Videos:
National STEM Festival 2024
Attending the National STEM Festival was an unforgettable experience that had a profound impact on my academic journey and future aspirations. This prestigious event brought together some of the brightest young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from across the country, fostering an environment of creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
The festival featured interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, and presentations that showcased innovative solutions and groundbreaking research from fellow young STEM enthusiasts. It was inspiring to see students from diverse backgrounds using their creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills to tackle real-world challenges. The exchange of ideas and the spirit of innovation were evident throughout the event, making it a truly enriching experience.
One of the highlights of the festival was the opportunity to present my project on biodegradable plastics made from casein milk and sugarcane. The positive reception from both peers and experts was incredibly gratifying, and I felt a deep sense of accomplishment when my work was recognized at such a prestigious event. I was particularly honored to receive a hand-signed letter from former President Barack Obama, congratulating me on my success and encouraging me to continue pursuing my passion for STEM.
In addition to the recognition and exposure, the festival provided valuable insights into various opportunities offered by the co-hosting organizations, the US Department of Education and the Department of Defense. Their involvement underscored the importance of STEM education and the support available for young innovators. The event also offered ample networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with students, educators, and STEM professionals from across the country. These interactions were invaluable, as they not only broadened my perspective but also provided constructive feedback on my project and ideas for future research.
Videos:
Capitol Hill 2023
In 2023, I visited Capitol Hill to advocate for sustainable practices, focusing on the benefits of Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) for road construction. This trip provided a unique opportunity to interact with policymakers, including representatives from HOR Connolly, Senator Kaine, and Senator Warner, and highlighted the importance of civic engagement and environmental advocacy.
Our journey began with an inspiring tour of the Capitol, followed by meetings where we passionately presented the case for RAC. We emphasized its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and potential to improve road quality while reducing tire disposal impacts.
Witnessing how the government responds to citizen advocacy was rewarding, showing that even students can influence policy decisions. Our discussions reinforced the idea that youth play a vital role in shaping the future of our environment by advocating for innovative solutions like RAC.
We are grateful to the Recycling Materials Association (ReMA) for funding our trip, allowing us to bring our message to the heart of government. The experience enhanced our knowledge of the legislative process and strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for sustainable practices, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
Videos:
ReMA (Prev. ISRI) Convention 2022
Attending the National STEM Festival was an unforgettable experience that profoundly impacted my academic journey and future aspirations. This prestigious event brought together some of the brightest young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from across the country.
The festival featured interactive exhibits and thought-provoking presentations showcasing innovative solutions from fellow young STEM enthusiasts. It was inspiring to see how students from various backgrounds used their creativity and knowledge to solve real-world problems.
One highlight was presenting my project on biodegradable plastics made from casein milk and sugarcane, which received positive reception from peers and experts. I was honored to receive a hand-signed letter from former President Barack Obama congratulating me on my success in STEM.
Co-hosted by the US Department of Education and the Department of Defense, the festival offered insights into various opportunities they had to offer. The event also provided ample networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with students, educators, and STEM professionals, exchange ideas, and gain feedback on my project.
Articles:
ReMA News: https://www.remanews.org/four-students-win-2021-2022-isri-jason-learning-recycling-contest/
Jason Learning Website (Wrong video has been uploaded, currently working on changing it): https://jason.org/2021-22-recycling-contest-winners/
Videos:
Zoom Meeting with Senator Warner's Staff
After the 2022 ReMA convention, I took the lead in organizing a Zoom meeting with Adam Kubsike from Senator Warner's office to advocate for Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC). I helped to plann and coordinate the session, ensuring a clear agenda and smooth execution.
I organized our team’s efforts, delegating tasks for content creation and visual aids, and managed the technical aspects of the meeting. During the session, I facilitated the discussion, ensuring each team member presented their part effectively and addressing any questions or concerns from Mr. Kubsike.
When we realized he was initially unfamiliar with RAC, I quickly adapted our presentation on the spot, focusing on making the benefits and importance of RAC clear. My leadership ensured the meeting was productive, which motivated us to plan a follow-up visit to Capitol Hill in 2023 to further advocate for sustainable road construction. This experience highlighted my ability to lead and coordinate efforts to drive impactful advocacy.
Get in touch
571-549-0975
Aninishanian@gmail.com Clifton, VA