Ahmad currently resides in Franklin, Massachusetts, has previous Syrian Roots, where he previously lived. Ahmad is pursuing undergraduate studies with concentrations in Biology/ Biotechnology reflecting his strong passion for science and his long-term aspirations in the medical and technological fields. Alongside his academic endeavors, Ahmad has already established himself as a leader in the business and logistics sector. He serves as the Senior Fleet Manager for Dirgam Public Services Inc. (DPS Inc.), a logistics company where he oversees critical operations and contributes to the company’s efficiency and growth. 

Ahmad’s career path demonstrates his versatility: from pursuing a challenging academic track in medicine and biotechnology to leading operations in logistics, he has shown the ability to adapt, grow, and lead across disciplines. His vision is to bridge science, technology, and real-world problem-solving while also building a network of meaningful professional and personal connections. 

Joshua was born and raised in East Los Angeles, California, in a household shared with his mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended Warren High School in Downey, California, where he discovered his passion for serving others. During high school, he dedicated much of his time to volunteering at PIH Hospital, a non-profit healthcare organization. 

To help support his single mother and younger brother, Joshua worked 20–30 hours per week at Taco Bell and for a family friend’s catering business, often commuting more than an hour to work. In addition to his job responsibilities, he also cared for his younger brother, who has autism, as well as his younger cousin. Joshua further demonstrated his commitment to community service by helping develop a website for Solace for Outdoor Workers, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness about sun damage and providing sunscreen to immigrant workers. 

He plans to pursue a combined major in Data Science and Business Administration, with aspirations to join the field of health informatics. His goal is to contribute to and lead future research initiatives that improve healthcare outcomes and positively impact the lives of others. 

Noor was raised by a single immigrant mother from India who inspired her passion for justice, equity, and education. Noor is deeply interested in business and law, with a strong personal passion for psychology that guides her leadership and advocacy work. As a National Youth Advocate for Beyond Differences and Sandy Hook Promise, she was selected as one of 30 exceptional teens nationwide for her academic excellence and community impact-designing an AAPI Microaggressions Awareness Curriculum which is now implemented in over 21,000 schools. As a Marin Youth Commissioner on the Educational Equity Subcommittee, she helped establish five safe study spaces across the county and co-developed a financial literacy and college prep course. With Next Generation Scholars, she secured a $400 youth grant to build a sensory-friendly room, developed public policy proposals, and designed individualized support systems for students with disabilities. 

During her senior year at San Francisco University High School, Noor conducted a yearlong independent research project exploring how race, gender, and socioeconomic status impact access to disability support, resulting in proposed faculty training, survey-based analysis, and policy recommendations to improve equity. A proud first-generation, low-income student living with ADHD, Noor draws from her own experiences to challenge systems, uplift marginalized voices, and drive lasting institutional change. 

Ruth is majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She is extremely passionate about human behavior and understanding the distinct connection between science, health and community. Public work and service have always been at the center of her journey. In high-school, Ruth was able to create her own non-profit project through the LearnServe Fellows Program to provide financial literacy resources to immigrant families in the Washington DC area. She also served as a secretary for Cradle to Care, a nonprofit supporting maternal health by collecting and delivering essential supplies to women in the Georgia Avenue community. 

For the past three years, Ruth has volunteered with Mary’s Center Clinic, dedicating over 200 hours to understanding core elements of youth mental health, drug and alcohol addiction prevention and career planning specifically in the medical field. These experiences helped Ruth deepen her commitment to health equity and inspired her to pursue a career in medicine where she can advocate for vulnerable individuals. 

Dorcas Bosombo is an accomplished recent high school graduate from the Atlanta International School (AIS), where she was celebrated for her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and social advocacy. In 2025, Dorcas was honored with the prestigious Eagle Award, a recognition given to students who best embody the school’s mission and core values. Her extensive involvement in school activities demonstrated her commitment to various causes, including her role as a co-leader for the “Girls in STEAM” initiative, where she helped organize a conference aimed at empowering and inspiring younger girls. Her passion for activism and community was also evident in her work on a Black History Month production that showcased an African fashion show, spoken word, and dance. Her commitment to advocacy extends to refugee aid, cultivated through her experience as a Community Engagement and Event Coordinator Intern at Refuge Coffee. 

As she transitions to higher education, Dorcas is dedicated to pursuing a career in politics, diplomacy, and NGO management. 

Vivian grew up in Flushing, Queens, New York City. From an early age, she was raised by her two parents alongside her younger sibling. She attended Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, where she discovered her passion for forensics through her elective course, ultimately inspiring her to pursue it as a major. Vivian was also a dedicated member of JROTC, where she rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and led a platoon of incoming freshmen, guiding them through their journey in the program. 

Beyond school, Vivian was actively involved with the YCPT Korean American Family Service Center, where she supported Korean American immigrants and collaborated with her peers to organize rallies against sexual assault, as well as raise awareness of issues that Asian American communities often struggle to voice. At Northeastern, Vivian aspires to study criminal justice and psychology, with the goal of pursuing a career that combines these fields. In her free time, she enjoys watching soccer and shopping. 

Faysal is a Somali American born who was raised in Seattle, Washington, where his immigrant upbringing instilled resilience, hard work, and faith where these next four years he plans to pursue a Civil Engineering degree. At UPrep, he has been an active leader in the Black Student Union and Co-founding Muslim Student Association, creating inclusive spaces and mentoring peers. He tutors Somali youth at the Hodan Learning Center and volunteers with Supporting Partnerships in Education and Beyond (SPEB), helping organize fundraisers, toy drives, and community events. 

Through the Young Executives of Color Program at UW, Faysal built business and networking skills while competing in case competitions and receiving professional mentorship, all while Faysal worked as a UPrep Student Maintenance Worker, where he gained hands-on experience in landscaping, painting, and electrical tasks. Looking ahead, Faysal hopes to pursue a career in Civil Engineering with a focus in construction management to improve infrastructure and expand opportunities in underserved communities. 

Christian grew up just south of the city in Renton, where he spent most of his childhood. From an early age, he witnessed the challenges of growing up in a low-income environment, experiences that motivated him to pursue education as a way to create a better future for himself and his family. In fourth grade, Christian joined Rainier Scholars, a program dedicated to developing students’ academic and leadership potential. After completing the rigorous 14-month initial phase, he was awarded the Founders Award (The Bob Hurlbut Award), a recognition that highlighted his hard work and determination. During his junior year, Christian expanded his learning experience by participating in the School for Ethics and Global Leadership, a semester-long program in Washington, D.C. There, he studied global issues, engaged in discussions on ethics, and attended talks with leaders such as Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. 

In his free time, Christian enjoys playing the guitar and spending time with his friends. At Northeastern University, Christian would like to pursue a major in philosophy. He intends to continually expand his knowledge and hopes to one day be able to share it with those who may need it. 

Tamana, an Afghan-American born in St. Louis, Missouri, is the youngest of five and raised by two parents who came to the States fleeing war. She grew up in a culturally traditional Afghan household. Inspired by her parents’ resilience in the U.S. as refugees, she developed a strong sense of responsibility to honor their sacrifices through hard work and service. In a high school where diversity was limited, she Co-founded the Muslim Student Association and served as an active member on the Student Equity Council, creating inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds could feel seen and valued. One of her proudest achievements was establishing her school’s first Cultural Day, creating a lasting legacy that celebrates diversity and fosters belonging. Beyond her school community, she worked alongside her family to raise funds and support Afghan refugee families. 

Her two years as an active participant in Youth and Government further shaped her leadership. By visiting Missouri’s capital and collaborating with peers to draft and debate policies, she learned to courageously advocate for issues that mattered to her while also listening deeply to perspectives different from her own. At Northeastern, Tamana will be pursuing a major in Biology with a minor in Biomedical Engineering, with the goal of contributing to research that advances medical solutions. Motivated by the health challenges within her own family, she aspires to contribute to research that will advance medical solutions and cure significant health illnesses. 

Kwadwo was born and raised in Ghana and now resides in Connecticut. He is currently pursuing a major in Biochemistry, driven by a deep passion for science and a commitment to helping others. During high school, he distinguished himself as Vice President of his school’s National Honor Society chapter, where he embraced both leadership and service. He also served as Treasurer of his school’s HOSA—Health Occupations Students of America—chapter, excelling in the Chemistry competition by earning first place at the Connecticut State Conference. Beyond academics, Kwadwo demonstrated a strong dedication to community service. In collaboration with HOSA and the Interact Club, he participated in a food drive at Stop & Shop, successfully helping collect over 2,000 pounds of canned goods that were donated to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. His curiosity and enthusiasm for science also led him to compete in the Yale Physics Olympics, an experience he greatly valued.

Kwadwo is deeply family-oriented, often drawing strength and inspiration from his loved ones. With a long-term goal of becoming an oncologist, he is motivated to combine his scientific knowledge with compassion to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their families. 

Liz was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, and proudly identifies as a Guatemalan-American and native Spanish speaker. As the oldest of seven sisters, she has embraced her role as a leader and mentor, carrying this responsibility into her community work and academic journey. She has been deeply involved with the Providence Public Library, where she spent summers in immersive programs, creating meaningful connections with local students through hands-on learning and mentorship. Liz also interned at Bibliodiversity Wildlife, where she contributed to research on the Guatemalan rainforest and helped bring that knowledge to youth through community events, including organizing a Guatemalan cultural festival in downtown Providence. At Times Square Academy High School, she served as student body president and helped establish the student government after COVID, raising thousands of dollars and creating lasting opportunities for her peers.

Inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial background, Liz hopes to pursue a career in business, with long-term aspirations of starting her own consultancy firm. Beyond her academic and leadership roles, she enjoys reading, walking, listening to music, and playing soccer. She remains committed to showing others that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. 

Savana was born and raised in Boston, MA, in a Caribbean-immigrant household. Savana graduated from New Mission High School in 2025, after creating her own version of student government for seniors called “Senior Success”, leaving a legacy behind for new classes in the future to participate in prom planning, senior field trips, and celebrations. She worked at 2 major hospitals in the Boston area in high school, Beth Israel, and Brigham & Women’s Hospital. She interned as a radiologist and peri-operative student, working with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and patients. Her goal is to pursue medicine, planning to major in Nursing when starting at Northeastern. She gives thanks and love to her mother, Sharon, for still being here with her and seeing her start her journey to greatness. 

America is a Mexican American who grew up in a trailer park in Compton, CA, where she began helping her undocumented parents sell flowers on the streets at the age of six. When her father passed away from stage 4 liver cancer and her mother faced a serious leg injury, America took on greater responsibility, dedicating more than 30 hours a week to help manage her family’s flower shop while balancing her academics. Despite these hardships, she found the support of her AVID community and in leadership opportunities. She co-founded the First Generation Students Club to build a supportive space for peers like herself and served as outreach co-director for Solace 4 Outdoor Workers, a nonprofit promoting sun safety for laborers. Her own experiences as a street vendor inspired her advocacy for marginalized workers while shaping her empathy and resilience. 

Through her journey, America has transformed challenges into growth, demonstrating leadership, perseverance, and a deep commitment to helping others. At Northeastern, America plans to major in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-med track, to become a doctor and bring hope and healing to her community. 

Born in Accra, Ghana, Sam was raised in a single-parent household by his mother. Rather than letting difficult circumstances hold him back, Samuel turned his challenges into motivation, focusing on building an impressive record of academic achievement and community involvement. Throughout high school, he founded Shared Shelf, a nonprofit initiative created to support young people of color struggling with reading proficiency. Through scholastic resources and independent fundraising, Samuel built a lasting shelf-to-child pipeline—an initiative he intends to continue and expand at the collegiate level. He also established RPFA (Rising Pioneers of Finance and Accounting), which he will carry forward in college to expose youth to greater opportunities in accounting, finance, and other banking-related careers. At the same time, Samuel held presidential and executive leadership roles in his school’s BSU, FBLA, Student Council, and served as a member of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)—all while working to help ease the burden on his family.

Driven by his passion for business and community leadership, Samuel will be pursuing a combined major in business administration and law, with aspirations of building a rigorous career in investment banking or corporate law. 

Taniya is a driven scholar who has already earned an associate degree in software programming and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. With years of coding experience, she has developed projects ranging from Minecraft plugins to practical applications, fueling her long-term interest in cybersecurity. Her academic journey reflects her commitment to continuous growth and innovation, as she transitions from early programming exploration to advanced study in one of the nation’s top programs. Beyond academics, she has held leadership roles in the Black Student Alliance and created her school’s junior student council, experiences that strengthened her ability to collaborate, adapt, and inspire her peers. She has also gained valuable professional skills through retail and service roles, where she trained team members, exceeded sales goals, and demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving abilities. 

Taniya enjoys nu-metal music and making friends. Taniya is eager to bring her passion for technology, leadership, and community building to the Torch Scholars community, where she hopes to make a lasting impact while continuing to grow as a leader and innovator