FIRST For Youth

OFFICERS

Inspiring students through robotics, teamwork, and real-world learning.

FIRST For Youth's Officers

Our team aims to inspire young children by engaging with them in projects that foster creativity and learning. Through our collaboration and communication skills, we can carry out several goals that FIRST For Youth strives to accomplish. By encouraging curiosity and problem-solving, we aim to develop an interest in engineering and innovation from an early age.

Ronit Manchanda

Ronit Manchanda is the Founder and Advisor of First for Youth. He started the organization to expand access to hands-on STEAM and robotics education for students across the community. Through First for Youth, Ronit has helped launch and mentor robotics teams, organize camps, build partnerships, and create opportunities for students to explore engineering, coding, teamwork, and leadership. 

As an advisor, Ronit continues to support the officer team by guiding program planning, outreach, partnerships, and long-term growth. His goal is to help First for Youth remain student-led while making STEAM education more accessible, engaging, and impactful for younger students. 

FOUNDER


​Ishaan Khatri

Ishaan Khatri is the President of First for Youth and a senior at Fairfax High School. He is dedicated to expanding access to STEAM and robotics education. He oversees all major initiatives, from program development and outreach to team coordination and community engagement. Passionate about making STEAM opportunities accessible to all students, Ishaan works to build partnerships, mentor youth participants, and promote hands-on learning that fosters creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Under his leadership, First for Youth continues to grow its impact and strengthen its mission of helping students thrive through innovation and collaboration.

PRESIDENT

Instagram: ishaan_khatri_
Contact: ishaanxkhatri007@gmail.com


Charles Lagdameo

Charles Lagdameo is a senior at Fairfax High School and serves as the Vice President of First for Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students through STEAM and robotics education. In his role, Charles helps lead strategic initiatives, build community partnerships, and expand access to hands-on learning opportunities for young people. With a passion for innovation and youth development, he works to ensure that every student has the tools and encouragement to explore engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving. His leadership continues to strengthen First for Youth’s mission of inspiring the next generation of creators and leaders.

VICE PRESIDENT

Instagram: charles22.z
​Contact: charles.lagdameo22@gmail.com


​Arushi Das


Arushi Das is the Communications Lead at First for Youth and a junior at Fairfax High School. In her role, she manages the organization’s outreach, social media, and public relations efforts, helping share First for Youth’s mission and impact with the community. Arushi is passionate about using communication to inspire more students to explore STEAM and robotics opportunities. Through her creativity and leadership, she ensures that the organization’s message stays engaging, accessible, and empowering for youth everywhere.


COMMUNICATIONS

​LEAD

Instagram: arushidasss
​Contact: dasarushi.05@gmail.com

Doniyor Mahmudov

Doniyor Mahmudov is the Communications Lead at First for Youth and a senior at Fairfax High School. He helps manage the organization’s social media presence, community outreach, and public communications, ensuring that First for Youth’s mission reaches and inspires a wide audience. Passionate about technology and youth empowerment, Doniyor uses his creativity and leadership to highlight student achievements and promote opportunities in STEAM and robotics. His commitment to clear and engaging communication helps strengthen the connection between First for Youth and the communities it serves.

COMMUNICATIONS

​LEAD

Instagram: doniyor678654
​Contact: donik777p@gmail.com

Samuel Kim

Samuel Kim is the Fundraising Director at First for Youth and a senior at Fairfax High School. In this role, he leads efforts to secure funding and resources that support the organization’s STEAM and robotics programs. Samuel works closely with sponsors, community partners, and school organizations to expand opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning. With strong leadership and a passion for giving back, he plays a key role in sustaining First for Youth’s mission and helping the organization grow its impact across the community.

FUNDRAISING

​DIRECTOR

Instagram: N/A
​Contact: samuelkim0313@gmail.com

Matthew Lush

Matthew Lush serves as the Program Director of First for Youth, where he oversees the planning and execution of the organization’s STEAM and robotics initiatives. He is a senior at Fairfax High School. He coordinates workshops, competitions, and mentorship programs that give students hands-on experience in engineering and teamwork. With a strong background in program management and youth engagement, Matthew ensures that every event and initiative supports First for Youth’s mission of making STEAM education accessible, exciting, and impactful. His dedication and organization help create meaningful learning experiences that inspire students to explore innovation and leadership.

PROGRAM

​DIRECTOR

Instagram: lush7101
​Contact: lushmatthew9@gmail.com

Rachael Cho

Rachael Cho is the Media Manager at First for Youth and a senior at Fairfax High School. In her role, she leads the organization’s media strategy, managing photography, videography, and digital design to showcase the achievements of students and teams involved in STEAM and robotics. Rachael works closely with the communications team to create engaging content that highlights First for Youth’s events, outreach efforts, and community partnerships. With a passion for creativity and visual storytelling, she plays a key role in shaping the organization’s public image and ensuring its mission continues to inspire students to explore innovation, teamwork, and leadership.

MEDIA MANAGER

Instagram: rachullchoo
​Contact: rachaelcho0602@gmail.com

Sleshma Pant

Sleshma Pant is the Volunteer Coordinator at First for Youth and a junior at Fairfax High School. In her role, she organizes and manages volunteers for STEAM and robotics programs, ensuring that students and mentors have the support they need to succeed. Sleshma coordinates schedules, training, and outreach to engage volunteers effectively, helping the organization run smoothly and expand its impact. With a strong commitment to community service and youth development, she plays a vital role in connecting passionate volunteers with opportunities to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.

VOLUNTEER

​COORDINATOR

Picture
Instagram: sleshmapant
​Contact: sleshmapant@gmail.com

Build what’s next

Ready to make an impact?