woman in gold dress holding sword figurine

Our Team

Ani Nishanian

Founder and President

Ani Nishanian is a freshmen at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. She is a student leader, nonprofit founder, and youth advocate passionate about bridging STEM, civic engagement, and public impact. She is the founder of We STEM the Future, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth with hands-on STEM education and mentorship. Through national outreach programs and school-based initiatives, Ani has helped inspire hundreds of students to explore careers in science and technology. Recognizing the importance of civic literacy and youth voice in legal spaces, Ani also founded Amicus Youth, a student-led organization focused on law, advocacy, and civic action. The platform provides educational resources, community campaigns, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world legal and policy issues. Under her leadership, Amicus Youth is building a pipeline for the next generation of young changemakers in justice and public service. Ani served as a Virginia Senate Page in 8th grade, where she gained firsthand experience with legislative processes and public policy. She continues to support her community through public speaking, mentoring, and potential internships with state delegates. She is also involved in research, writing, and public discourse, including authoring a paper on the geopolitical conflicts happening in her home-country Armenia. Ani is passionate about equity in education, and committed to building platforms where youth voices lead the way. Her work reflects a deep belief that civic awareness, interdisciplinary learning, and action-oriented leadership can transform communities and the world.

Student Leadership Team

Reem Mohamed

Reem Mohamed is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology with a strong interest in policy, law, and government, recognizing them as the backbone of society. Reem seeks to inspire her generation to take an active role in shaping the legal system, knowing that the future of law rests in their hands.

Nuna Azjargal

Nuna Azjargal is a Mongolian teen and first-generation American with a strong interest in all aspects of law. Fascinated by how laws shape society and individual rights, she aims to engage and educate others by creating fun, impactful social media content through Amicus Youth Leadership.

Aaira Gambhir is a first-generation Indian bilingual student driven by a passion for civic life, technology, human rights, leadership, and storytelling. Aaira aspires to close cultural divides, amplify marginalized voices, and use innovation and advocacy to create lasting change for both this generation and the next.

Aaira Gambhir

Alisha Oberoi

Alisha Oberoi is a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA. She volunteers for restorative justice cases and is active in leadership roles through Boy Scouts and martial arts instruction. She is passionate about youth advocacy, civic engagement, and making law more accessible for teens.

J. Ignacio Mendez

J. Ignacio Mendez is a bilingual Ecuadorian first-generation student and change advocate passionate about criminal law, patent law, genetics, leadership, and medicine. He believes law is essential for a well-functioning society and should be understandable to all. He strives to improve communities for current and future generations by offering help wherever it is needed.