Eighteen-year-old Ishani Kumar Srivastava grew up with a deep love of problem-solving. Math, physics, and biology came naturally to her, and she enjoyed finding new ways to arrive at an answer.

But even as she dreamed of a career in science, another possibility lingered in the back of her mind:

Politics.

That interest was rooted in her family’s story—particularly in the legacy of her grandmother, who was the first woman in her state in India to earn a Ph.D. in Hindi. Her grandmother dreamed of entering politics herself but never pursued it. For Ishani, that unfulfilled ambition became quiet motivation. “My grandma is my inspiration,” she says.

Ishani is a graduate of Kent Denver and a first-year student at Stanford University, majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in political science. She credits Girls Inc. of Metro Denver—especially the Leadership Out Loud (LOL) program—with reinforcing how her love for STEM and her passion for public service could coexist.

“I always dreamed of running for office someday—public policy has always interested me,” she tells us. “But Girls Inc. taught me that I could pursue my love for science and still use my voice to create change.”

Ishani was looking for ways to get involved in her community. Volunteering with Girls Inc. of Metro Denver led her to LOL, where she found herself surrounded by peers who were eager to share ideas, challenge one another, and learn together. For someone who describes herself as more of a listener, the program elevated her confidence to speak up. “Growing up, it’s not always easy to say what you want to say,” she explains. “But LOL created a safe space where I could share my opinions and realize that my voice mattered.”

That sense of empowerment prepared her for a semester in Washington, D.C. during her junior year of high school. Ishani lobbied on Capitol Hill, met lawmakers, and connected with groups like the Women’s Policy Institute, where she interacted with leaders who had established careers bridging science and policy. “Being in D.C., dressed up, walking into congressional offices—it was fun for me,” she recalls. “I realized I could share my perspective and people would listen.”

One encounter stuck with her in particular: meeting a Stanford alumna who had studied chemical engineering before moving into public policy. That conversation reinforced what Ishani had always known. “I could merge my two passions,” she says. “There’s so much opportunity to use technology to inform policy and enact change faster.”

At Stanford, Ishani plans to get involved in advocacy for women in computer science, pursue public policy internships, and stay connected with her LOL peers, who remain an important support system. “I’m still in group chats with LOL participants,” she says with a smile.

Her ambitions are clear: to one day serve as a U.S. senator or even run for president. And woven into those dreams is the influence of her grandmother. Just as her grandmother used education to break barriers in India, Ishani hopes to use her education to make change in the U.S.—not only as a scientist but as a public servant.

For younger girls considering Girls Inc., she offers simple advice: “Take advantage of every opportunity. Be open. Find mentors. Girls Inc. was there for me at every moment, guiding me through challenges and celebrating my achievements. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”

Between cheering for the Golden State Warriors, playing guitar, watching movies, and spending time with her family, Ishani is already building the foundation for a life of leadership. Looking back, Girls Inc. empowered Ishani with more confidence to carry her grandmother’s unfinished dream forward—proof that with the right support, one girl’s voice can echo across generations.