14th Annual Dreammakers and Risktakers Awards

Honoring Young Innovators Changing the World

Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group’s 14th Annual Dreammakers & Risktakers Awards brings together the regional innovation ecosystem with the young innovators influencing the future of the Tri-Valley and beyond. Join us for this thrilling tribute to students from Tri-Valley public school districts and Las Positas College who are innovating the future as they fearlessly pursue their dreams.

There may be nothing more important any of us can do than enthusiastically support our youngest innovators.

LINK TO NOVEMBER 11, 2024 PRESS RELEASE 

The 2024 Tri-Valley DreamMakers and RiskTakers Slate of Awardees:

Dublin Unified School District: Presha Dutt

Senior and President of Dublin High School’s DECA program, Presha Dutt developed CIVEE, a social media management consulting service powered by tech-savvy teens, to help small businesses reach Gen Z audiences. CIVEE worked with local Dublin business, Mimi’s Chocolates, to help the company increase sales and social media engagement.

San Ramon Valley Unified School District (Danville): Sonia Sharma

A Junior at Monte Vista High School, Sonia Sharma launched Project emPOWER Train the Trainer, a program making self-defense education accessible in schools to bolster student confidence and safety. Her model, which trains PE teachers to integrate self-defense skills, has reached approximately 25,000 students across several Bay Area school districts.

Las Positas College: Raza Ali

Raza Ali’s research project, titled “Bioactive Molecules in Islamically Recommended Foods,” merges traditional wisdom from his Muslim community with cutting-edge biological research. Notably, Raza was one of only two community college students in the nation selected to present his original research at the National Research Conference (NRCP) hosted by the University of Pennsylvania in early October. His innovative approach to bridging disparate disciplines not only earned him national recognition but also made meaningful contributions to an underexplored field.

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District: Kerigan Coates

A Senior at Livermore High School, Kerigan Coates tackled student-athlete mental health by launching a peer support project and collaborating with the Kevin Love Fund to host an assembly promoting self-care. Her mental health website and resources for coaches have made a significant impact on campus.

Pleasanton Unified School District: Noah Small, Aryan Das, Jeffrey Ma, Colin Jennings

This team of students from Amador Valley High School designed an AI Fact Checker capable of real-time validation of statements. The team demonstrated their tool with the 2024 Presidential Debate in September, where it successfully provided accurate fact-checking on political claims.

San Ramon Valley Unified School District (San Ramon):  Vedant Kathrani, Noor Tozulahmad, and Robi Tozulahmad

These Dougherty Valley High School students co-founded Plate to People, a community-centered platform addressing food insecurity. By partnering with community organizations such as White Pony Express, they work to combat food waste and support local families in need.

Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program: Sophia Sucato

A talented photographer, writer and student currently studying in TVROP’s Middle College High School Program, Sophia Sucato honored her Italian heritage through her published book of photography and photography exhibit in Italy.

Tri-Valley 2040 Visionary Industry Award: Rohan Vij

A student at Dublin High School, Rohan worked with global energy services company, ENGIE North America when the company upgraded the Dublin Unified School District’s energy efficiency through renewable energy solutions. Through this program, Rohan invented TRIKALA, an app that integrates geospatial analysis for sustainable land use.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS:

2024 DreamMakers & RiskTakers Award Winners

Photo Gallery: https://innovationtrivalley.org/dreammakers-and-risktakers-awards-2024-photos