Hi there! My name is Katherine Verrando, and I am a high school senior from Orange County, California. I’m passionate about using technology and civic engagement to tackle social challenges. As the founder of Changemakers, I secured $13,000 in grants for local nonprofits and led projects like creating a STEM waste management curriculum for Liberian students and building a game cart for Casa Youth Shelter. I’ve led The World in Us, an international cultural awareness non-profit, impacting 800 students across 26 countries and securing $16,000 in grants to enhance youth programs. I also developed a marine conservation sign for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and created a pen pal program for Meals on Wheels seniors. My work with MUN Impact has reached over 40,000 students in 171 countries, where I led debates and workshops on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. I’ve also worked on policy development as an intern for the Institute for Youth in Policy, and as a Congressional Intern, I assisted with constituent services and policy research. In addition, I’ve represented my school and community in leadership roles, including serving on the CUSD Board of Trustees, representing 40,000+ students and as the sole Student Voting Commissioner on the Instructional Quality Commission, representing California's 6 million students. At university, I strive to pursue the intersection of my interest for technology, government, and the environment to foster a positive impact.