Children Spotlight for the Week: Archika Dogra – A Young Innovator Empowering Future Generations through STEMxHumanities

This week, our Children’s Spotlight shines brightly on Archika Dogra, a remarkable young social entrepreneur from the Greater Seattle Area. At just 17 years old Archika is a testament to the power of youth leadership and the profound impact one individual can have on a global scale. Her unwavering dedication to using technology for social good, combined with her passion for education and social impact, has already uplifted thousands of young lives around the world.

Archika’s journey into STEM was not immediate. Initially drawn to the social sciences, her perspective shifted after attending the Stanford AI4ALL program in 2017. Under the guidance of leaders like Professor Fei-Fei Li, she discovered the tangible ways in which machine learning could be intersected with social good. This experience not only sparked her interest in computer science but also connected her with a supportive community of women in STEM and phenomenal mentors.

Innoverge: Bridging Divides Through STEMxHumanities

Archika’s personal experience of feeling an “imposter syndrome” and noticing the homogeneous representation and unimaginative curriculum in STEM classrooms ignited her drive for change. She realized her story was not isolated, but rather a symptom of broader inequities. In response, Archika co-founded a local community project in Bellevue, Washington, offering free, hands-on STEM workshops to youth from underrepresented backgrounds. This initial endeavor blossomed into Innoverge, an international nonprofit organization.

Innoverge stands out for its unique STEMxHumanities model, intentionally emphasizing the crossroads of STEM education with empathy, storytelling, leadership, ethics, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach allows for programming that ranges from “CSxPolitics” to “NeurosciencexEthics,” providing a holistic and socially conscious understanding of technology.

Since its inception, Innoverge has made a significant impact:

• Global Reach: The organization has impacted over 8,000 students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds across 14 countries and 56 regions.
• Extensive Programming: Innoverge has delivered over 300 free workshops, events, and camps. This core programming involves establishing long-term partnerships with community centers, schools, and libraries to cater to students who need it most.

Innovative Initiatives:

1. During the pandemic, Innoverge shipped free STEM kits to families across the U.S. for a 3-week Remote Learning program.
2. They launched an online incubator mentorship program, where high school students mentor younger students in developing interdisciplinary STEM projects for social good.
3. Innoverge also hosts a fireside chat series featuring innovators, publishes a monthly newsletter for high school opportunities, and collaborates with other organizations on virtual STEMxHumanities events.

Archika’s dedication to using technology for social good also extends to her research. She has interned under prestigious organizations like NASA, the University of Washington, and Stanford University, focusing on computational and machine learning projects with a social good orientation. This past summer, she further expanded her global impact by interning with CityTaps, a Parisian startup developing technologies to bring affordable running water to urban households in developing countries.

Leadership and Recognition

Archika’s leadership extends to her role as Co-President of the Princeton Entrepreneurship Club, demonstrating her commitment to fostering innovation and problem-solving among her peers.

For her groundbreaking work, Archika has received significant recognition:

1. 2019 Global Teen Leader
2. 2019 The Mars Generation 24 under 24 Awardee in STEM
3. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, Elite Daily, and Geekwire.

Archika is a strong advocate for the “power of the youth narrative,” having spoken at the 2019 World Innovation Summit for Education in Qatar and the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City.

Advice and Aspirations

When asked about advice for female students concerned about gender disparities in STEM, Archika emphasizes the importance of finding a strong community of women. She highlights that many women are actively working to support and uplift each other, providing valuable resources and opportunities.

Beyond STEM, Archika is deeply interested in community education and social impact from a nonprofit and policy perspective. She enjoys adventures with friends, playing with her dog, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Ultimately, Archika envisions a future where technology is used as a powerful tool to uplift marginalized communities and equalize opportunities for everyone. Her incredible achievements at such a young age make her an inspiring role model for children and adults alike, proving that passion, empathy, and innovation can indeed change the world.