Ava DiNapoli
A passionate speaker helping others to find their voice.
Core Values:Ā Passion, Accountability, Risk-taking, Innovation
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Bio
Iām Ava, a student at Valencia High School in California. My love for public speaking began when I joined Speech & Debate, but over time, it has evolved into something much more meaningful. What started as a passion for competition has turned into one of the most valuable tools Iāve developed. While it is a skill that I have found nothing but joy in, I realized that its also something lacking in schools and many people are scared of it.Ā
This inspired me to start Voices Unmuted. Split into the podcast and workshops, it is an organization dedicated to inspiring confidence in youth through public speaking. Through Voices Unmuted, I launched Junior Speakers, a series of public speaking workshops for kids. What started as a small class of just five kids last year has now grown to reach over 150 elementary school students. Each workshop is designed to help young people build confidence, improve communication skills, and find their unique voice. In addition to Junior Speakers, I also host the Voices Unmuted Podcast. This platform allows people to share their stories, offer advice, and voice their opinions, creating a space for open communication.Ā
Additionally, I helped found the Curiosity Labs, a part of the Ivy League Challenge. The Curiosity Lab was created with the intent of inspiring curiosity and passion in youth. It was designed for the students too young to join the Ivy League Challenge yet already asking big questions in order to teach a series of units about big ideas. These big ideas are taught by passionate Ivy League Challenge members, giving us a chance to share our passions to those looking to learn.Ā
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I aim to inspire others to embrace the power of their voice and share it with the world in any way that I can. I believe everyone has a voice and deserves to use it. Iām excited to work with everyone!
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Work with Ava
IMPACT PROJECTS | HIGHLIGHTS
Junior Speakers Workshops
Junior Speakers is a series of workshops for students in grades 4-7. Growing to a community of over 150 kids, it has given me the opportunity to teach valuable public speaking skills and build bonds with a lot of my students. Watching students transform throughout each workshop is by far the best part and has provided me with an experience Iāll forever be grateful for!
Check her website
Voices Unmuted Podcastšļø
I am currently working on starting a podcast that interviews people on the importance of public speaking. The podcast episodes range from everything between everyday societal problems to the importance of public speaking in youth. My goal is to help people find their voice and give them a platform to not only share it on, but inspire others to do the same. I also hope to use these episodes to share advice on public speaking and hear from people that have found great success and happiness in it.Ā
The Curiosity Labšļø
The Curiosity Lab is a part of the Ivy League challenge that I founded alongside Steve Gardner. It introduces future high schoolers to the ILC through big ideas taught by us. So far, The Curiosity Lab has taught units on Public Speaking, Coding, and Design Thinking with many more to come.
Mentorship experience
- I am currently the president of my Speech and Debate team at school. This has given me the opportunity to work a lot with students one-on-one to develop their speeches, provide meaningful feedback, and most importantly to create a supportive team.Ā
- Iāve been an active member of the Global Impact Council for the past few years and it has allowed me to work with teachers for The Curiosity Lab, mentor other teens, and collaborate with many students in the GIC. This has all prepared me well for any future collaborations and I am beyond excited to work with more people!
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Q&A withĀ Ava
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What surprised you as you and your project evolved?
What is your vision for future impact? In other words, where do you think this is going?
What kind of people do you think you work well with?
How would you describe your strengths as a mentor?
What others experienced
" I loved the entire experience. I was stuck with my project for a LONG time and I'm glad my mentor helped me. Not only did she help me with my project but she helped me connect with other researchers and experts."
—Amanda
8th Grade
YES, I WANT IN!