Aug 2026 · Toronto, ON
Top 10 Under 18: Future is NOW!
Children First Canada · National Finalist
Recognized among outstanding youth leaders across Canada for courageous leadership and impact in building a more inclusive future for young people.
Sir Winston Churchill High School · Class of 2027
Vasundhara Joshi
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IB student at Sir Winston Churchill High School, founder of SWC Women in STEM, and a national youth leadership finalist, working to make STEM, civic life and sport more open to everyone.
50+WIST members since founding the club
1 of 30WISEST researchers, from 2,000+ applicants
200+volunteer hours with Western Mechatronics
4years on the Calgary Mayor's Youth Council
01 · Recognition
Awards & honours
Oct 2026 · University of Toronto
National Book Award
Nominated by her school
Given to one outstanding Canadian high-school student per school for academic excellence, creativity, intellectual curiosity and community involvement. Comes with eligibility for U of T's National Scholarship.
Sept 2026 · New Orleans, LA
100-One Award
Youth Volunteer Corps HQ
For 100+ hours of community service in 2025–26 through the Mayor's Youth Council and Youth Are Awesome, and sustained leadership across Calgary.
May 2026 · Calgary, AB
Youth of Distinction
Sportsmanship Finalist
For athletic leadership as school MVP, and for promoting gender equity in sport by teaching baseball to young girls through Girls at Bat.
2021 – 2026 · Calgary
Science fair, every year since grade 6
- 2020–21Enbridge Young Scientist Award · Silver
- 2021–22Science Youth Technology Award · Bronze
- 2022–23Calgary Youth Science Fair · Silver
- 2023–24Calgary Youth Science Fair · Silver
- 2025–26Calgary Youth Science Fair · Silver
02 · Research & programs
In the lab, and in the room where decisions get made
Paid research internship
WISEST Summer Research Program
Selected from more than 2,000 applicants as one of 30 students. Worked in a Civil and Environmental Engineering lab under May Ghazal, getting hands-on experience in academic research and engineering applications.
Research fellowship
Research Exploration Opportunity
University-level research through experiments, seminars and mentorship from graduate students, postdocs and Dr. Emma Spanswick.
National STEM program
SHAD
STEM, entrepreneurship and leadership: hands-on team projects and university-level problem solving alongside peers from across Canada.
Civic & leadership programs
- Forum for Young CanadiansOttawa · Feb 2026
- She GovernsCalgary · Mar 2025
- SUNIAEdmonton · Aug 2024
- YMCA Youth Summer LeadershipCalgary · Jul 2024
03 · Leadership & service
Building the things she wished existed
Founder & President · Jan 2026 – present
SWC Women in STEM
Founded WIST to make STEM inclusive for every student. She leads the executive team, brings in professionals and runs workshops that connect students with real STEM work.
- 50+ members
- 3 guest speaker events
- $200+ raised for a women's shelter
- 1st STEM Fest
- Next: a city-wide hackathon
May 2026 – present
Women in STEM (WiSTEM), global
Event Coordinator & Global Ambassador
Plans and hosts monthly events for a student-led organization supporting 20,000+ students in 25+ countries.
Sept 2023 – present
Calgary Mayor's Youth Council
4-year returning member
Civic Engagement Group, then Careers & Opportunities and Health & Well-Being committees, giving youth a voice in local decision-making.
Sept 2025 – present
Youth Leaders in Law
Head of Marketing (previously General Ambassador)
Runs promotion and the website for a program that opens up legal careers to youth.
July 2024 – present
Western Mechatronics Robotics Club
Volunteer Coordinator
200+ hours, including the Calgary Stampede STEM booth and volunteer coordination for Mecha Mayhem, Canada's largest robotics competition.
Sept 2024 – present
Mustard Seed Club
President
Organizes fundraisers and awareness events for The Mustard Seed, raising $200+.
Sept 2024 – present
Youth Are Awesome
Blog Editor
Writes and edits 2–4 articles a month for Calgary's youth-written blog, often about STEM.
Sept 2022 – present
Paalavi Youth Club, Calgary Marathi Association
President (previously Secretary and Vice President)
Four years of programs that teach and celebrate Marathi culture with Calgary youth.
04 · Beyond the résumé
On the court, on stage, at the keys
Since 2016
Dance
Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Western dance, performing across Calgary and Fort McMurray.
1st place, IIFA Dance Competition (2021)
Since grade 1
Basketball
Team captain, three straight provincial championships (U11/12, U12/13, U13/14), now on the Sir Winston Churchill High School senior girls team.
Jr. team MVP · Athlete of the Week
Since 2016
Piano
Royal Conservatory of Music, levels 1–7 complete in technique and theory.
Working toward Level 8
At school
And also
Yearbook photographer, cross country, junior girls field hockey, Model UN, Interact, Student Leaders, Cancer Society Club, Volunteer Churchill and Citizens of Churchill.
05 · What's next
Building what comes next.
Next up: a city-wide hackathon with SWC Women in STEM. For WIST partnerships, speakers and chapters, reach the club.