Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group
Celebrates 14th Annual DreamMakers and RiskTakers Awards
Tri-Valley ‘Culture of Innovation’ fuels next generation of leaders
PLEASANTON, CA – 11.11.24 – For the past 14 years, Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV) has brought together the region’s business, innovation and government leaders to celebrate the next generation of change-makers driving real-world solutions from the Tri-Valley.
The DreamMakers and RiskTakers Awards event celebrates the grit, resilience, ingenuity, and empathy of the region’s youngest entrepreneurs from each of the Tri-Valley school districts, the Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program (TVROP), and Las Positas College. From app development to AI analysis to food security initiatives, this year’s winners are true thought leaders, each setting a standard for what’s possible through personal dedication and support from the Tri-Valley’s award-winning educational institutions.
“We get feedback that this is the ‘most inspiring two hours of the year’ for many of our attendees,” says Katie Marcel, CEO of ITV. “This year’s cohort of awardees demonstrate how partnering and engaging with their communities can further leverage their impact.”
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 Coats
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: Rojan Vij
A student at Dublin High School, Rojan 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, Rojan invented TRIKALA, an app that integrates geospatial analysis for sustainable land use.
This year’s event will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at Dublin’s Shannon Community Center, Tickets are available at InnovationTri-Valley.org.
About Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group
Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group (ITV) is at the forefront of a $49B innovation economy in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regional ecosystems. As the only business-centered regional nonprofit focused solely on the Tri-Valley, ITV is powered by the region’s biggest employers, top investors, and community influencers. We are driving a thriving economy powered by innovation and an unparalleled quality of life.
For media inquiries or press registration, please contact:
Katie Marcel
Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group
kmarcel@innovationtrivalley.
(925) 337-2859
