Meet Shireen Arora | Youth Founder Pathways to Potential

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shireen Arora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shireen, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In winter of 2024, I attended a science camp, hoping to immerse myself into the world of biotechnology skills and enhance my research skills. There, I met a deaf student who was equally passionate about research and science. As the camp progressed, however, the student became increasingly discouraged due to the lack of translation into American Sign Language (ASL) and lack of educational resources. I learned how to fingerspell in 2nd grade, so I tried my best to translate and provide support. This, paired with my visually-impaired cousin’s poor experience engaging with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), motivated me to address this disparity and start Pathways to Potential (P2P), a nonprofit that helps sensory-impaired students pursue STEAM. Through this nonprofit, I started multiple sub-initiatives, notably donating Visually Accessible STEAM Kits throughout Arizona, hosting STEAM demonstrations, recording accessible videos detailing experiments, writing Braille Book series, and interviewing professionals from similar backgrounds. Through the concerted efforts of over 30 volunteers and 3 national chapters, we have impacted over 1000 students directly, with teachers reporting that our kits and demonstrations “have become a core memory for students” as well as raised over $5000. Furthermore, I wanted P2P to address a significant barrier by decreasing the negative stigma around sensory-impaired students entering these fields while increasing acceptance and inclusivity. Fascinated by the nuances and complexities of deaf culture, I founded the 1st Intro to ASL Club at BASIS Chandler and Sunset Library, where through guest speakers, lectures, and real-world experiences, I help guide people of all ages learn ASL and foster communication with these groups of students. In addition to supporting sensory-impaired students in their journey with STEAM education and educating the general public, through P2P, I have fostered collaborations with notable STEAM education organizations to implement these programs at a larger scale. Through attending conferences like the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice as one of only a few high schoolers and being invited to present at South x Southwest Education (SXSW), I have shared this work with educators and organizations nationally. What began as a local response to a problem in a camp has evolved into a collaborative effort to bridge the disparity in STEAM education to make it a space where sensory-impaired students are empowered to make a difference.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since 2nd grade when I first conducted an experiment extracting DNA of a strawberry, STEAM has become an integral part of my life. From exploring science in various competitions and Olympiads to teaching younger students, I have fostered this love and passion in a variety of different ways. Through qualifying for nationals in competitions like Science Bowl and Science Olympiad, I have satiated my curiosity and learned about mechanisms that power the world as well as made lasting friendships and connections. Fueled by volunteering at Parkland Memory Care, I used over 3200 fruit flies to find an accessible alternative treatment for Alzheimer’ Disease, winning numerous accolades of Governor’s Future Innovator and qualifying to the International Science Fair. This took a year of constant work, balancing with school, yet it has immense potential to improve the lives of millions. Each of these experiences have made such a profound impact on my life, motivating my intense desire to give back to my community and provide sensory-impaired students these opportunities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to some of my favorite aesthetic hang-out spots, including George & Gather and Bottle & Bean, which feature a variety of fresh bowls, pastries, and refreshing drinks. For activities, I would check out the Arizona Science Center’s various exhibits, Barnes & Nobles for the interesting books, and Top Golf for a fun athletic evening!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From an idea in winter 2024 to now, Pathways to Potential has evolved significantly and overcome multiple challenges through the support of multiple people and organizations. I would love to shout out my inspiring leaders and mentors in the STEMNext Flight Crew and the Arizona Chief Science Officers Program. Both of these programs have provided me a forum to increase my leadership and confidence, especially in advocacy for STEAM education, as well as inspiration to make a difference. I would also like to recognize all of the students, educators, and organizations, who have participated in the programs and provided their feedback to keep iterating, as well as the volunteers who have donated countless hours to supporting P2P’s mission. I am so grateful to my teachers at BASIS Chandler who have nurtured my skills with unwavering support and my mentors. P2P would not have achieved all that it has without the support from all of these people and organizations, and I am so privileged to have these opportunities and role models.

Website: https://www.pathways-2-potential.com/

Instagram: pathways_2_potential