PERISA ASHAR
UNITED STATES, 18
Project: STEMinate & Illuminate
Basic Human Needs: Education, Environment, Health
Perisa recognized the large disparity of STEM enrichment opportunities in her Richmond, Virginia community. In September 2017 Perisa founded STEMinate – a nonprofit organization that encourages people from all backgrounds to pursue STEM careers, delivers free STEM curriculum to underprivileged communities worldwide, facilitates youth to take on leadership positions and inspires them be STEM advocates. In January 2019, when Henrico’s Educational Board discontinued funding for a local STEM Innovation Center, Perisa campaigned and led a petition to fund educational opportunities in Virginia’s underserved communities. Recognizing legislation as the key to lasting equity, Perisa expanded STEMinate’s mission to include advocacy and launched “Illuminate” – an online journal highlighting submissions from students exploring the intersection of STEM with topics like social justice. In June 2020 STEMinate launched Project Infinity to teach students about space education, including the very first student-run summit focused on STEM research in space and aboard the International Space Station (ISS). STEMinate has impacted 3,500+ students worldwide with their workshops, 10-week summer camp, educational app, advocacy and resources, and has grown to 8 youth-led chapters in 5 countries. A pioneer in STEM education, Perisa was the only high school student invited to present at the ISS Research and Development Conference in September 2020, a winner of the Straubel Foundation Leadership Award, recognized by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, and a 2x winner of the Gold President Volunteer Service Award in 2020/2021. Perisa aspires to continue growing STEMinate’s network of global chapters, and to engage youth in STEM, research, social justice and advocacy.