Our Team

Ani Nishanian

Founder and President

Ani Nishanian is an 8th grader at Rocky Run Middle School. In 2023, she was recognized for Outstanding Academic Excellence by the President’s Education Awards Program. Ani founded 'We STEM the Future', a nonprofit aimed at empowering kids to pursue STEM careers. Ani has a notable track record in environmental advocacy, having been involved in numerous projects and innovations aimed at safeguarding the environment. She has been invited to participate in many STEM events and has competed in numerous STEM competitions across the United States, where she presented her work to various professionals. Ani was honored as a “National STEM Champion” by EXPLR for her contributions to the field. Deeply committed to combating climate change and pollution, Ani integrates her STEM knowledge with dedication to developing sustainable solutions, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting eco-friendly practices. Ani believes in the power of collective action and strives to inspire and support others in building a better future. Through her roles and activities, she aims to make a significant positive impact on the world and encourages others to join her in this vital mission.

Leadership Team

Luciana 'Lucy' Nishanian

Luciana 'Lucy' Nishanian is a dedicated STEM advocate who won the 2024 Jason Learning Recycling PSA competition, showcasing her commitment to sustainability.

Vice President

Milena Hayrapetyan

Secretary

STEM has always been one of Milena Hayrapetyan greatest passions and has always fascinated her. She would like to use STEM to make a meaningful impact on society.

Radhika Deshpande

Global Chapter Head

Radhika Deshpande is a creative and driven middle schooler who leads a pre-med and biology club at her school. She enjoy hands-on STEAM activities, and has a love for discovering new things.

Priya Deshpande

Priya Deshpande is a passionate student, involved in leading AI and STEM clubs in her school as well as partaking in debate. She also actively pursues other creative projects to fuel her passion for innovation.

Outreach and Marketing Coordinator

Namira Meghla

Treasurer

Namira Meghla is an incredibly driven STEM advocate and enthusiast. She is a part of her school's Science Olympiad club and has partook in various environmental advocacy initiatives

Advisory Team

Dr. Anna Seferian

Dr. Anna Seferian is the Associate Dean of the School of Business at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), where she brings over 20 years of experience in education, marketing, and research. With a PhD in advertising and a focus on marketing and psychology, Dr. Seferian is renowned for her ability to integrate technological advancements into business education, preparing students for an innovative and rapidly changing workforce. Her leadership style is characterized by a people-focused, mission-oriented approach, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and empowerment within her teams. Dr. Seferian is dedicated to fostering a supportive academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary learning between STEM and business fields.

A passionate advocate for human rights and education, Dr. Seferian is committed to supporting women and children from disadvantaged backgrounds, drawing on her own experiences as a displaced refugee. She believes in the transformative power of education and actively works to empower marginalized communities. Dr. Seferian is also fluent in multiple languages, which enhances her ability to connect with diverse student populations and enriches the global perspective within her academic programs. Through her work, she aims to inspire the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in both business and STEM-related careers.

Logan Williams

Logan Williams is an innovative educator with 15 years of teaching experience, specializing in student investigations, project coordination, and social justice. Known for her self-directed approach, Ms. Williams has successfully guided students in tackling complex global issues through student-driven projects. Her commitment to maximizing performance is evident in her ability to analyze standardized test results to close achievement gaps, making her a highly effective and organized problem solver.

Ms. Williams is recognized for her dynamic engagement with diverse audiences, whether in government or public settings. She has led impactful initiatives such as the publication "We Hear You, American Kids’ Reflection on Darfur" and organized major genocide awareness demonstrations, including the "Shoes on the Mall" event. Her work has garnered attention from prominent figures, including Maya Angelou, as well as media outlets like The Washington Times, ABC, and NBC. Additionally, her efforts have generated funding to support Darfur’s School of Peace.

Her accomplishments include receiving a finalist designation in the “Think Beyond Plastic Competition” and earning a Silver Medal Award for outstanding student assessment rates. Ms. Williams has also collaborated with writing professionals at George Mason University as part of the Northern Virginia Writing Project. With expertise in leadership, collaborative planning, curriculum development, and public speaking, Ms. Williams is dedicated to fostering a creative and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to make meaningful contributions to society.

Nunik Nishanian

Nunik Nishanian is a passionate educational leader and STEM advocate, currently serving as the principal of Shnorhali Armenian School. Her career is marked by a strong commitment to nurturing students’ academic growth while preserving their cultural heritage. At Shnorhali, she works diligently to foster a community-centered approach to education, supporting both students and staff in their pursuit of knowledge and development.

Nunik has founded and developed a variety of STEM clubs in elementary, middle, secondary, and high schools, providing students with unique opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences. These clubs aim to spark curiosity and foster problem-solving skills, preparing students to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape. Her leadership in guiding students through math Olympiads and academic competitions reflects her ongoing commitment to STEM fields and her dedication to inspiring future generations of leaders, innovators, and critical thinkers.

In all her endeavors, Nunik exemplifies the power of education to inspire, uplift, and transform. Her unwavering dedication to both academic excellence and cultural preservation highlights her unique approach to leadership, one that values innovation and tradition in equal measure. Through her work, Nunik continues to shape the minds of future leaders, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Ambassadors

Sahiba Kaur

Michigan, USA

Nazeli Nahapetyan

Ararat, Armenia

Nazeli leads our international chapter in Armenia, where she advocates for STEM education by engaging with children in her hometown.

Hrayr Semirjyan

District of Columbia, USA

Hrayr assists with workshops for children at his church and leads our chapter in the District of Columbia (DC), promoting STEM education and community engagement among youth.

As the founder of the Math Rocks Academy, Sahiba helped We STEM the Future in hosting a workshop called "Putting the M in STEM" by providing resources and assistance.

Akshaj Deshpande

Maharashtra, India

Akshaj leads our international chapter in India where he creates peer tutoring and study circles and hosts webinars to empower girls and youth in STEM.

Photo Gallery

Interested in becoming an Ambassador?

Becoming a We STEM the Future ambassador or chapter head is a low-commitment way to make a meaningful impact on the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields. In this role, you can inspire young minds to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics without the pressure of a heavy time commitment. You’ll have the flexibility to engage in activities that fit your schedule, while still helping to create inclusive programs that promote accessibility in STEM. Fill the form out below to join us in shaping a brighter future, where every child has the chance to realize their potential in STEM!

“Our children are the future of our world. It's not about what we can get out of them, it's about how we can empower them.”

-Sadhguru