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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 08, 2024 | The Indian Eye 26
Local Teen Anika Inspires
Change with Sustainability, Education,
and Entrepreneurship
OUR BUREAU sustainability has led to Bowfish Kids
being recognized by the NJ Sustain-
Ocean City, NJ
able Business Registry, a notable
nika, a passionate young stu- achievement for the small business.
dent from our community, is But Anika’s passion for educa-
Amaking waves in sustainabil- tion doesn’t stop there. She recent-
ity, education, and philanthropy, all ly published a book on materials
while pursuing her dreams of creating science and sustainability, called
a better future for her community. “Marvelous Materials” aimed at
From designing eco-friendly apparel igniting curiosity in young readers
to publishing a thought-provoking about this field and their ability to
book, Anika is proving that age is no make a difference. This book was
barrier to making a lasting impact. the silver winner of the Coalition of
Visionary Resources (COVR) 2024
Anika Deshpande is a senior at Visionary Awards, a national award
Mainland Regional High School given to entries selected yearly from
in Linwood, NJ. She wants to among the best new products, elec-
tronic media, music and books in the
study engineering and aims to Mind/Body/Spirit marketplace. Ani-
promote sustainability and en- ka hopes to inspire others to become
vironmental conservation. She changemakers in their own commu-
has been appointed by the may- nities, noting that she “wants readers
or of Ocean City as an official to know that no matter where they
student liaison to the Environ- start, they can create meaningful
change,” she says.
mental Commission of Ocean In addition to her entrepre-
City, and uses her position to neurial ventures, Anika is actively
spearhead and contribute to involved in various community lead-
environmentally conscious ini- ership initiatives. Alongside Bowfish
tiatives and educational oppor- founder and owner Caitlin Quirk,
tunities for the city. she’s working on launching a com-
posting program in schools across
New Jersey, teaching students the
Anika’s latest project with Bow- importance of waste management
fish Kids, a local sustainable chil- and environmental responsibility.
dren’s clothing brand, reflects her With her hands in multiple proj-
drive to combine fashion and pur- ects, Anika credits the important
pose. As the sustainability intern at people that have helped her in this
Bowfish, she helped create a special journey. “I’ve learned so much from
line of shirts, with part of the pro- the people I’ve met along the way—
ceeds going to the ASM Materials teachers, mentors, and friends,” she
Education Foundation, which brings reflects. “It’s all about building con-
hands-on materials science education nections and working toward some-
to underserved children. “It’s more thing bigger than yourself.”
than just clothing,” Anika explains. As Anika prepares for the next
“It’s a way to connect environmental chapter—both in her academic jour-
consciousness with education, em- ney and her mission to make a differ-
powering the next generation to ex- ence—one thing is clear: her passion,
plore STEM fields.” drive, and commitment to sustain-
Anika’s efforts at Bowfish extend ability and education will continue to
beyond product development. She leave an indelible mark on the com-
plays an integral role in evaluating munity and beyond.
suppliers to ensure compliance with Anika’s story is a reminder that
eco-friendly standards, leveraging meaningful change starts with young
both her creativity and business acu- people who dare to care—and she’s
men. Her commitment to promoting only just getting started.
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