USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian-American teen inventor Gitanjali Rao, at the age of 17, received esteemed recognition from US First Lady Jill Biden. She was one of 15 young women leaders celebrated during the inaugural “Girls Leading Change” event at the White House, coinciding with the International Day of the Girl. These young women, handpicked by the White House Gender Policy Council, were honored for their significant contributions to their respective communities.
In a White House press release, First Lady Jill Biden expressed her privilege in acknowledging this remarkable group, emphasizing their roles in environmental conservation, the power of storytelling, and turning personal challenges into purposeful change. She lauded their innovation, strength, and hope, highlighting their potential to inspire youth across the nation.
The First Lady said, “It is my honor to celebrate this exceptional group of “Girls Leading Change” at the White House. These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and it is my hope that others can learn from the power of their innovation, strength, and hope”.
Gitanjali Rao, hailing from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has garnered recognition as a scientist, with her groundbreaking lead contamination detection tool earning her an EPA Presidential Award and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist by Discovery Education/3M. Her book, ‘Young Innovator’s Guide to STEM,’ which provides a structured five-step innovation process, is utilized globally as part of STEM curricula in select schools.
Recognized as Time Magazine’s inaugural Kid of the Year in 2020, Rao is dedicated to not only advancing her career as a scientist and inventor but also progressing in her STEM education initiative, which has already benefited over 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students. Further, as a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she has earned a place on Forbes’ list of 30 Under 30 achievers.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl, the Biden-Harris Administration has reaffirmed its dedication to creating a future that recognizes the capabilities and aspirations of all girls, offering them limitless possibilities for the realization of their dreams and talents, as underscored in a statement shared on the White House’s social media platform. The statement from X read: “On International Day of the Girl, the Biden-Harris Administration renews its commitment to building a future worthy of the abilities and ambitions of all girls – one with no limit to how far their dreams and talents can carry them”.
