Initiative
We co-founded the Illuminate Journal to help involve youth tackle current problems in various fields, ranging from social and racial inequality to and environmental sustainability. Youth participants are also highly encouraged to document innovations within STEM related fields as well. We accept a variety of submissions, such as artwork pieces, poems, and literature reviews.
Advisory Board
Perisa Ashar
Perisa has always been an enthusiastic STEM leader, researcher, and advocate! She has been a Broadcom MASTERS semi-finalists, Discovery/3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner, and a two time award winner at the international Intel ISEF competition. She can't wait to write about innovations in STEM and health-related fields.
Diya Ram Mohan
Diya is a rising junior at the Maggie L. Walker Govenor's School in Richmond, VA. Her main interests are debate, french, coding, and politics. She is a two time state qualifier and 1st place regional winner in debate as well as a past Walker Model Congress director. She is ecstatic to start writing about social and racial justice!
Rae Trainer
Rae is a rising junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA. She has many passions, but she especially enjoys biology, Latin, music, and creative writing. She was selected as a gold medalist in the National Scholastic Writing Competition this past year. She's very excited to work with us on this project!
Jasmine Mason
Jasmine currently attends the Columbus College of Art and Design, majoring in Interior Design. In the future, she aims to be a Production Designer. She always has a passion to paint for herself as well as for others, and she cannot wait to help out as part of the Illuminate advisory board team!
Pranaya Sripathi
Pranaya is a rising senior at the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies. Her interests include art, Latin, and medical studies. She's in multiple honor societies, like the Mu Alpha Theta and Science National Honor Societies. She volunteers with a group called Kids are Scientists too, is very interested in the STEM fields, and wants to spread that interest onto more people.
Quinn Green
Quinn Green is a senior at the Maggie Walker High School in Richmond, Virginia. He's had the fortune of being the Co-president of his school's Environmental & Science Club, aka Club SECSEE, as well his school’s a cappella club known as Deadbeats. He was recognized as the state champion of the 2020 American Legion Oratorical Contest!