Diya Rathee

Entrepreneur, Social entrepreneur, Startup, Student

Hi, I’m Diya, and I’m thrilled to be organizing TEDxCentrevilleChicopeeYouth. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been driven by the idea of creating spaces where people can come together, share their stories, and spark change. It’s why I’ve immersed myself in a variety of projects, always with the goal of building something that empowers others to grow and learn. As the founder of Project Phoenix, I’ve been working to help high school students, like myself, connect with mentors, gain real-world experience, and develop leadership skills—particularly in the healthcare field, where innovation is so needed. I started Project Phoenix to fill a gap I saw in my own education: the lack of hands-on opportunities for students to explore their interests in meaningful ways. This project has become my way of giving back to my community and helping others find their path. I’ve also had the chance to run my own small business, Petals and Patterns, which taught me so much about resilience and creativity. From designing products to managing the day-to-day, the experience gave me a new perspective on what it means to lead with purpose. On top of that, organizing a local Diwali celebration was a reminder of the importance of culture, tradition, and bringing people together to celebrate what matters most. As an International Baccalaureate student, I’m always balancing academics with my passion projects, but that’s what keeps me going. I love the challenge of managing multiple initiatives, from helping run our Bollywood club to brainstorming the next big idea for Project Phoenix. And now, as I embark on this journey with TEDxCentrevilleChicopeeYouth, I’m more excited than ever to create a platform where young voices can shine. For me, TEDx is about more than just ideas. It’s about creating a ripple effect—where one talk can inspire someone to see the world differently, start a project of their own, or simply think deeper about an issue. My goal for this event is to bring together passionate, driven people who are ready to share their unique perspectives and spark conversations that matter. This TEDx event is personal to me because it represents everything I believe in: the power of youth, the importance of community, and the ability of each person to make an impact. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds, and I’m so grateful to everyone who will be part of this journey with me!

One of my greatest passions lies in creating opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful initiatives, particularly in the field of healthcare. I believe that young people have an incredible potential to innovate and address the pressing challenges we face in this sector. Through my work with Project Phoenix, I have seen firsthand how connecting high school students with medical professionals opens doors to invaluable mentorship and experiential learning. Witnessing their excitement and creativity when exploring healthcare solutions reinforces my conviction that youth should be empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. It’s essential that we bridge the gap between education and real-world experience, allowing young people to not only gain insights but also to drive change. By fostering an environment where youth can collaborate, learn, and lead, we can inspire a new generation of innovators who are not afraid to tackle complex issues. I am dedicated to cultivating spaces where these ideas can flourish, ensuring that the voices of youth are heard and valued in the healthcare conversation.

The most overlooked yet powerful resource we have is youth, especially in fields like healthcare that desperately need innovation. As the founder of Project Phoenix, I've witnessed firsthand how eager high school students are to make a difference when given the right opportunities. There’s a prevailing misconception that young people need specific credentials or experience to contribute meaningfully, but the reality is that we don’t need to wait until we graduate or reach a certain age to start making an impact. Youth possess a unique ability to approach problems with fresh eyes, unencumbered by the constraints of existing systems. During my work with Project Phoenix, I realized that the gap between students interested in healthcare and the professionals already in the field is vast. This disconnect not only limits students' growth but also stifles the introduction of innovative ideas that could address pressing healthcare challenges. To foster real change, we must actively invite young people into the healthcare conversation by creating spaces where they can engage with seasoned professionals, work on real-world projects, and develop essential leadership skills. This engagement not only demystifies the healthcare field but also opens up pathways for students to contribute unique ideas and solutions that professionals may not have considered. Youth are not just the future; they are the present, and their potential to drive change is immense. By empowering them now to be part of the conversation, we can redefine industries like healthcare and cultivate a culture where youth-led innovation thrives. The challenge lies with institutions, educators, and professionals: let’s not wait for the future to happen to us; instead, let’s actively invite youth to help build it. To all the young people out there—know that your voice, your ideas, and your vision are more powerful than you think. Start now, because the world is waiting for you to share your ideas worth spreading.

Every journey begins with a spark of inspiration, and mine ignited from a simple observation: the gap between youth and the opportunities available to them. Growing up, I was always curious about the world around me, particularly in the realm of healthcare. I watched as friends and peers expressed their aspirations to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, and public health but felt overwhelmed by the barriers that often stand in their way—limited access to mentorship, resources, and real-world experiences. This realization fueled my passion for change and led me to the founding of Project Phoenix. Through Project Phoenix, I sought to create a platform where high school students could connect with medical professionals, gain hands-on experience, and develop their leadership skills. I believed that if we could bridge the gap between education and real-world application, we could unlock a wealth of potential within our youth. The joy of seeing students engage with healthcare innovators, collaborate on projects, and share their unique perspectives was incredibly rewarding. Each story I encountered reminded me of the immense talent that resides within our youth, waiting for the right opportunities to flourish. But my TED story isn’t just about Project Phoenix; it’s about a broader vision of inclusion and empowerment. I want to challenge the perception that youth must wait for their turn to contribute meaningfully to society. The truth is that young people possess a unique ability to view problems through a fresh lens, and their insights can lead to groundbreaking innovations in healthcare and beyond. I aim to spread the message that age should never be a barrier to creativity and leadership. At the heart of my TED story is a call to action for institutions, educators, and professionals: let’s actively invite youth to be part of the conversation. By fostering an environment where young voices are not only heard but celebrated, we can pave the way for a generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders who will shape the future. I want to inspire young people to embrace their passions, knowing that their ideas can ignite change. In sharing my journey, I hope to ignite a movement that empowers youth across communities to take ownership of their futures. My TED story is not just my own; it’s a collective narrative of countless young individuals who are ready to rise, innovate, and make their mark. Together, we can create a brighter future, one where youth are at the forefront of healthcare innovation and community transformation.