18 Women 18 and Under: OHS Edition
Modeled off the Forbes “30 Under 30: Women to Watch,” this article spotlights 18 incredible young women who are a part of the OHS community. The OHS community is composed of so many astounding young women, from athletes to artists to activists. In honor of Women’s History Month, “18 Women 18 and Under: OHS Edition!” will provide a non exhaustive list of 18 wonderful young women in the OHS community who are taking the world by storm!
1. Pooja Kalyan, 18: Competitive Figure Skater
Pooja is a dedicated athlete who discovered figure skating when she was only six years old. Twelve years later, she is still pursuing her passion for figure skating, explaining that from the moment she was introduced to this sport, she fell “increasingly in love with the athletic and artistic sides of figure skating.” Pooja advises young women, no matter their interests, to “stick to what you are passionate about, regardless of the barriers or stigmas you may encounter along the way.”
2. Sasha Surkin, 18: Founder of ClearCare
From the moment that she read an article in The New York Times about the lack of vision care experienced by so many, Sasha was moved by this little-known problem. With a strong desire to provide accessible vision care for people across the globe, Sasha founded ClearCare, a company that manufactures and distributes self-prescribing lens kits to those without easy access to vision care. Sasha encourages all young women to “never, ever let anyone tell you it’s not possible, even if that person is you.”
3. Ikera Olandesca, 18: Published Author of Homesick
Written over the course of three years, Homesick, a published book written by Ikera “Kee” Olandesca, is a collection of poems that Kee wrote as she was faced with loss. Initially fearful of sharing her work with the world, Kee was hesitant to publish Homesick, but as soon as she made the challenging decision to do so, she found that her work was something that so many others resonated with. With this in mind, Kee advises all young women to “remember to not limit ourselves, and that sometimes, the biggest hurdle between where we are and the lengths we can go is our own self-perception.”
4. Sophia North, 18: Competitive Surfer
A competitive surfer from Costa Rica, Sophia North is an accomplished athlete who is truly passionate about her sport. When she first moved to Costa Rica, Sophia was in awe of the surfers that she saw. Inspired by their abilities, she learned how to surf. Sophia explains that, “Through years of paddling through the impact zone and a male-dominated machismo lineup, I’ve learned to find confidence within myself, regardless of my surroundings.” Learning from the challenges that she faced and continues to overcome, Sophia advises young women to “know that you are strong, beautiful, and capable of anything you put your mind to.”
5. Francesca Noviello, 18: Competitive Diver
An athlete from Palm Beach, Floria, Francesca is a dedicated and nationally competitive springboard diver. She began diving when she was only seven years old, and since then, she explains she “love[s] the feeling of being in rhythm with the springboard and flipping and twisting through the air.” Her biggest piece of advice to young women, no matter what they are passionate about, is the following: “You can do anything you put your mind to! It is amazing to have big goals and to work hard and persevere to reach them!”
6. Maddy Manning-Bi, 16: Musician and Singer
Inspired by the musical talent of her mother, Maddy learned to play the piano at only four years old, and from there, she learned to play the violin and the cello. In addition to a passion for playing instruments, Maddy is a classical singer who plans to major in voice performance. Maddy encourages all young women “to follow your passion no matter what others say and to be fearless in forging your own creative path.”
7. Ilana Nguyen, 17: Cofounder of Innoverge International
A teenager from San Mateo, California, Ilana helped to create a nonprofit organization called Innoverge International. With a desire to share her love of STEM with other young people and to encourage diversity in STEM fields, Ilana was inspired to become a part of Innoverge. Ilana advises all young women to “find what you’re passionate about by asking yourself what gets you angry about the world- and what can you do about it?” She advises young women to “never let anyone (including yourself!) make you feel like you are not worthy of your accomplishments, opportunities, or classes.”
8. Zoë Huml, 17: Alpine Ski Racer
Meet Zoë Huml, a competitive alpine ski racer, who despite being born in California, is also a citizen of the Czech Republic, leading her to train with the Czech National Ski Team. Since she could walk, Zoë has been skiing, and her passion has only grown since she first learned to ski. Inspired by her time spent skiing, Zoë’s “advice to young women is to keep pushing your limits in whatever you pursue: You got this!”
9. Alina Rahim, 17: Leader of Youth Activism Society
Inspired to become involved in activism since she attended March For Our Lives, Alina, with the help of her older sister, founded Youth Activism Society, also known as Y.A.S. Alina recognizes the need for change within her hometown, and through Y.A.S., she was able to create a space for youth activists to work together. With regard to advice for young women, Alina explains, “Don't judge your own worth and value because so many other people do that to women already, be secure in yourself and your skills!”
10. Halle Hunt, 16: Competitive Rugby Player
Beginning rugby on a whim, Halle Hunt soon fell in love with and became incredibly passionate about the sport. Halle, now a nationally ranked rugby player, was quickly inspired by the shared drive, determination, and desire to grow that rugby players, like herself, have. Halle advises young women to “put yourself out there and maintain a growth-mindset,” even though it is not always easy to persevere.
11. Christine Sinn, 16: Founder of ScolioBend
Diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of twelve, Christine saw her dreams of becoming a professional tennis player crumble as she became aware of her diagnosis. However, she turned this experience into a positive one, creating a company and an accompanying app called ScolioBend that helps scoliosis patients to navigate their treatment plans. Christine shares that her advice to readers, especially young women, is to be bold and to remember that your ideas have the power to help others.
12. Katherine Viala, 16: Artistic Creator
Inspired by art and its limitless boundaries, Katherina has learned to “see, perceive, and express the world around [herself] in a new and wonderful way.” Katherine shares that as an artist, art has helped her to grow as a person. Katherine’s advice to readers is as follows: “Be proud of who you are.... It’s ok if you put yourself first, when you feel best is when you can give your best... [because] you are enough.”
13. Elane Kim, 16: Cocreator of Gaia Lit
Ever since she was young, Elane always enjoyed storytelling, and this love of storytelling eventually inspired her love for writing. As a lover of writing, Elane founded a literature magazine called Gaia Lit, which spotlights current environmental issues through literature. Learning from her own experiences, Elane explains that her advice to the reader is “to always keep your voice yours, and to tell your truth the way you think it should be told.”
14. Grey Peters, 15: Competitive Equestrian
A competitive equestrian, Grey Peters is a dedicated athlete who not only values her experience as an equestrian but also the bonds that she has been able to form with horses. Grey explains that “having a bond with a 1000+ lb animal that is both your athletic teammate and your best friend is a feeling I don’t think you can get anywhere else.” Truly passionate about horseback riding, Grey advises that “I think it’s always important to follow your heart.”
15. Kiko Cortez Funaki, 15: Competitive Ballerina
When she was only three, Kiko began ballet, explaining that at first, she solely became a ballerina for the tutus and tiaras. However, she soon came to love the commitment that ballet required, and eleven years later, she is still competing as a ballerina. With this experience in mind, Kiko explains that her advice is that “confidence as a young woman is key! Believe in yourself and just go for it!”
16. Dashmi Singh, 15: Nonprofit Ambassador for Women in STEM+
From a very young age, Dashmi always knew that passion in life was related to medicine, but as she learned that women face obstacles particularly in STEM+ fields, she wanted to become a part of something that helped to combat sexism in STEM+ careers. Joining WiSTEM+, a nonprofit organization empowering women in STEM+ fields, Dashmi is now an ambassador for the organization and works to create gender equity. Dashmi states that “My advice would be to find your people. I was so incredibly lucky to be a part of the WiSTEM+ community so early, and uplifting other women who support you is extremely valuable in this male-dominated society.”
17. Suhavi Kaur, 15: Leader of Coding Programs
Suhavi, currently a freshman in high school, became involved in coding at a young age. Initially required to take coding classes throughout elementary school, she soon learned about the value of this skill. Since then, she has continued to pursue this skill, astonished by all that coding and a computer can accomplish. To those who are interested in coding, Suhavi advises that as with all things in life, “[d]o not be discouraged when first being introduced to it all.”
18. Chloe Williams, 13: Creator of Authorship Programs
At thirteen years old, Chloe discovered her passion for writing at a very young age when she found that she wanted to create a lasting impact through the written word. With a strong desire to create a community for fellow writers and those interested in authorship, Chloe started the Future Author’s Club as Stanford Online High School. Her advice to young women, no matter what they are passionate about, is as follows: “Pick a goal and stay focused on it.”