OUR FOUNDERS
DIYA TRIPATHY
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
I’m Diya Tripathy, a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Founder and President of Triangle STEM Foundation. I am deeply passionate about female empowerment and motivated by a strong belief in the vast, often underrecognized potential of young women in STEM. I co-founded TSF in response to persistent gender gaps within these fields, with the goal of providing mentorship, educational resources, and meaningful opportunities that empower girls to pursue their interests with confidence and resilience while breaking down barriers to long-term success. Outside of my academic work and leadership at TSF, I enjoy learning new languages, traveling, and practicing martial arts, including Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
VARNIKA SHANMUGA
CO-FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT
I’m Varnika Shan, Co-Founder of Triangle STEM Foundation and a 2025 graduate of North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management, where I earned a B.S. in Finance. I am deeply committed to advancing gender equity and fostering inclusive communities, particularly within STEM. TSF was founded in response to the persistent underrepresentation of girls in these fields and a shared belief in the importance of early access to support, mentorship, and opportunity. Through our work, we aim to empower girls to realize their full potential and pursue STEM pathways with confidence. Outside of TSF, my interests include reading classic literature and practicing yoga and meditation.