International V💡ices of Impact Conference 2025
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Teens helping teens to change the world.
GIC 2025
FROMÂ VISION TO IMPACT
The Voices of Impact International Conference brings together students from three continents, nominated for the unusually meaningful impact they have made in their communities.
We hope sharing their stories will inspire other teens to take steps down the courageous path of making a positive difference in the world.
The Voices of Impact International Conference (VOIIC): inspiring a new generation of global leaders and innovators.
INTRODUCING
THE EXPERT PANEL
This year's lineup includes innovators saving lives in Ukraine, the founder of the Civil Discourse Initiative, and outstanding researchers and youth thought leaders.
Speaker 1
Building FPV Interceptor Drones to Save Lives in Ukraine
ILLIA DENISOV
Illia designs, develops, and creates cost-effective FPV interceptor drones to protect lives in Ukraine. These drones provide a cheaper and more efficient alternative to traditional missile defense systems. Illia is currently building/testing a new prototype for a Ukrainian brigade general, demonstrating how innovation and technology can be used for real-world impact.
- Contact Illia:
[email protected]
Speaker 2
Kuska Trips (Youth Entrepreneurship in Peru)
ASHER STUBBS
Asher’s organization, Kuska Trips, is a youth program that brings teens to Peru for a hands-on experience in culture, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Inspired by his abuelita, Asher helps students engage directly with local micro-entrepreneurs while learning about global citizenship and leadership through real-world problem-solving.
- Contact Asher:
[email protected]
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Speaker 3
Free STEM Enrichment Camps for Kids
MATTHEW KIM
Matthew provides free STEM enrichment camps for elementary school students. His camps help spark curiosity and creativity through hands-on activities such as spaghetti towers, hovercrafts, and catapults. His goal is to make STEM education accessible and fun for everyone.
- Contact Matthew
[email protected]
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Speaker 4
Engineering Solutions for Refugees and Underserved Communities
MOHAMMAD AARISH KHAN
Aarish focuses on empowering refugees and underserved communities through innovation and medical technology. As lead of medical tech at Nushur, he applies AI-driven protein modeling and molecular simulations to develop tools that address real-world health challenges.
- Contact Aarish:
kmohammadaarishÂ
Speaker 5
Bridging the Gap in Epinephrine Access for Underserved Communities
AAVI PATEL
Aavi's efforts make EpiPens more accessible for families in need. Motivated by his own experience with severe allergies, he partners with manufacturers to provide affordable or free life-saving medication to underserved communities.
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- Contact Aavi:
[email protected]
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Speaker 6
Voices Unmuted (Empowering Youth Through Public Speaking)
AVA DINAPOLI
Ava founded Voices Unmuted, an organization dedicated to helping youth find and share their voices. Through her podcast and Junior Speakers program, she’s built an international community of over 200 families, empowering young people to speak with confidence and purpose.
- Contact Ava
[email protected]
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Speaker 7
Civil Discourse Initiative (Bridging Political Divides)
Toby Hou
Toby founded the Civil Discourse Initiative, which promotes respectful and constructive political dialogue among high school students. Through guided discussions and workshops, his program builds empathy, understanding, and communication across differences.
- Contact Toby:
[email protected]
Speaker 8
Emergency Alert System for Local Communities
SCARLETT SWEYER
Scarlett introduced a new emergency alert system in her town to enhance safety and community awareness. As an aspiring filmmaker, she draws inspiration from these real-life stories and turns them into meaningful narratives through film.
- Contact Scarlett:
[email protected]
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Speaker 9
Preserving What Matters: Language, Culture, and Health
ABBAS SHAKIR
Abbas focuses on preserving what matters in science and faith. He successfully pushed for official world language proficiency credits and the State Seal of Biliteracy for speakers of his heritage language, Lisan ud-Dawat, and creates opportunities for others to connect with their roots. He also hosts a podcast, Conversations in Science and Faith, and leads research and advocacy projects that bridge tradition and innovation.
- Contact Abbas
[email protected]Â
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Speaker 10
AI-Driven Energy Optimization
AKILAISH VELAMATI
Akilaish uses AI to predict lifetime energy consumption and environmental impact for residential HVAC systems. His algorithm helps homeowners make sustainable, cost-efficient choices through data-driven insights.
- Contact Akilaish:
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GIC CONFERENCE 2025Â
(Recording)