“My upbringing imparted that if I don't have something, create it, and if I want to see something happen, lead it,” says Ahmya Rivera. 

Now that she’s at IYA, this freshman is continuing her commitment to creating opportunities that make an impact. With accomplishments like executive leadership in a first-of-its-kind computer science summit and future plans to revolutionize the tech case industry, Rivera is paving her own path. Already named a “Technology Star of the Future” and a Coca-Cola scholar, she’s leaving her hometown comfort zone, eager to expand her horizons through new learning experiences. Did we mention she’s also the author of a STEAM-related children’s book? Learn all about Rivera’s quest to make a difference below. 

Tell us a little bit about your journey to IYA. What were you looking for in an undergraduate program?

My focus has naturally gravitated toward innovative solutions, particularly in the realm of education. Growing up in a small rural spot where 80% of my life was school, I became fascinated by the new teaching methods and experiences students from bigger cities were partaking in. Some may call it FOMO, but I call it a curiosity to see what is out there and what could be. Thus, I always found myself yearning to create innovative opportunities for underserved students like myself. 

My upbringing imparted that if I don't have something, create it, and if I want to see something happen, lead it. Even if opportunities weren't available to me, I always made an effort to – quite literally – make them a reality. For instance, the creation of my children's book, multiple resourceful websites, and my executive leadership in the federally-funded #IAmComputerScience summits; the first Computer Science Summits in North Carolina. I always found a knack for the innovative, and through this, my passion for business, design, and technology was sparked.

I saw myself within the Academy — not only did the Academy comprehend innovation, but actively fosters it. Simultaneously, it encompassed the ideal mix of creative exploration, interdisciplinary learning in my interest areas, and real-world applicability. Thus, after learning about IYA through a YouTube video, I eagerly started the application process.

What are you most looking forward to at IYA?

I am psyched for the exploration opportunities IYA has in store – not just professionally but personally. I chose IYA, a school all the way across the country from my hometown in North Carolina, because I was aiming to step out of my comfort zone. As I firmly believe that genuine growth thrives in uncharted waters (I just had to throw in a Little Mermaid reference, haha). Personally, I am excited to expand my horizons by learning from the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my peers. Being in one place for a while can create a bit of an echo chamber, so I'm eager to hear the unique stories of fellow students. Whereas professionally, I am looking forward to being provided mentorship toward my career goals. 

Let’s say you were miraculously provided $1,000,000 in seed funding tomorrow. What would you create?

If I magically scored a million dollars in seed funding tomorrow, I'd split it up to pursue multiple ventures. But one that's really close to my heart, and I am already working on, is a tech cases company. I envision the company creating aesthetically appealing, environmentally sustainable, convenient, and durable cases for a range of devices, including computers and smartphones.

What ignites my passion with this venture, is the prospect of integrating a buy-one-give-one model into this company's framework. Or, as the company becomes more settled, I would intend to funnel a portion of its proceeds to support young, underserved girls pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) disciplines. 

What is your proudest achievement to date?

I've had the privilege of achieving a few things that I am genuinely proud of. For instance, becoming the first person in my family to attain a degree, being selected as a Coca-Cola Scholar, advocating for STEAM education to/in Congress, and being named a "Technology Star of the Future" by Bank of America and the National Center for Women & Information Technology. Yet, the achievement that resonates with me the most is the creation of my children's book, STEAM Quest: Story-based Activity Book. 

During my sophomore year, I began to explore the reasons behind my own immense aversion to reading, when I was younger. The research I conducted revealed:

2. Familiarity plays a key role in student engagement – and our books lacked representation.

3. Girls, in particular, often shy away from STEAM-related literary materials and careers, due to a lack of accessible STEAM role models. 

With these insights, I began writing STEAM Quest at the age of 16, securing funding from 60+ backers for publishing at 17, and subsequently sharing its message with classrooms at the age of 18. My book combats these statistics while encouraging leadership-exploration and courage amongst diverse youth. Through speaking engagements and working directly with students, I find immense fulfillment in fostering an inclusive environment that provides all students educational fulfillment.

What is one thing a significant person in your life taught you that you’d like to share?

Although unintentionally, my Nana inspires me to maintain a positive outlook when confronted with adversity.

What is one skill/thing that you learned during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I gained a deeper understanding of how the connection between education, technology, and government, impacts students with special learning needs. I delved further into this topic and came to realize the extent to which students with special learning needs are often disregarded within our educational policies, even before the pandemic. Thus, my time during the pandemic was spent honing my policy writing skills. This provided me opportunities to speak with my Senators about educational equity issues and co-write a policy paper around students' Individualized Educational Programs that placed Second in a Harvard Kennedy School Policython. It is definitely a skill I plan to utilize more in 2024. 

If you could be any kitchen appliance, what would you be and why?

Hmm, maybe a handheld frother – I know it's pretty random, but I just bought one. Haha. I believe I excel in expanding upon concepts and ideas, much like how the frother enhances things.

I am inspired by the idea of what is next. The anticipation of uncharted paths and undiscovered possibilities drives me to continuously seek growth and embrace the excitement of the unknown.

This new IYA student is paving her own path. Already named a “Technology Star of the Future” and a Coca-Cola scholar, Rivera is leaving her hometown comfort zone, eager to expand her horizons through new learning experiences. Did we mention she’s also the author of a STEAM-related children’s book?

Fresh Encounters: Ahmya Rivera