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A few key leaders of the Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group had to be enjoying a prideful moment when the group celebrated its 14th anniversary DreamMakers and RiskTakers event recognizing students for outstanding achievement.
The program was launched in 2010 shortly after Dale Kaye co-founded the group and the first program remains one of its signature events. The breakfast event was held Nov. 21 in Dublin.
Kelly Bowers, CEO of the Three Valleys Community Foundation, joined Las Positas College President Dyrell Foster to emcee the event. As co-chair of the education committee in her prior job as superintendent of Livermore schools, she had a major role in launching it. Innovation Chair Stephanie Beasly also was involved as a board member.
“This event is one of the highlights of my year because it reflects the very best of what the Tri-Valley stands for: a commitment to innovation, a spirit of collaboration and a deep investment in the success of our future leaders,” Foster said by email.
Bowers wrote: “Reflecting on the inspiration behind DreamMakers and RiskTakers, I’m struck by a meaningful shift in how we approach youth development and workforce readiness. When many of us were growing up, we were often asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ The response was typically an occupation, a title or a role. But for Generation Z, the question has evolved into something much more profound: ‘What problem do you want to solve? What impact do you want to make?’
“What’s truly remarkable — and deeply inspiring — is that these young people aren’t waiting to be ‘grown up’ to take action. They’re already problem-solving, innovating, and making an impact in their communities and beyond.
“The award recipients are true visionaries, embodying the spirit of Helen Keller’s words: ‘The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.’ These DreamMakers don’t just dream; they act. They transform their aspirations into tangible results, improving the world in the process.”
Katie Marcel, Innovation Tri-Valley CEO, said, “Many of this year’s awardees inspire a wellness through innovation theme, a concept that resonates deeply with the Tri-Valley business sector’s ethos. These students are using the power of innovation to enhance lives.”
“Whether they are improving accessibility, harnessing technology to solve complex problems, or fostering equity in their communities, these students remind us of what’s possible when creativity meets determination,” she added. “Having so many of the region’s biggest companies there to present the awards to the kids was particularly special as we hope to foster meaningful connections between the regional business community and this next generation of leaders.”
2024 honorees
Raza Ali, presented by Irena Keller, professor of psychology at Las Positas College. Ali’s research project, titled “Bioactive Molecules in Islamically Recommended Foods”, merges traditional wisdom from his Muslim community with cutting-edge biological research.
Notably, Ali was one of only two community college students in the nation selected to present his original research at the National Research Conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania in early October. His innovative approach to bridging disparate disciplines not only earned him national recognition but also made meaningful contributions to an underexplored field.
Presha Dutt, a Dublin High School senior and president of the DECA program, was introduced by Hazel Wetherford, deputy city manager of Dublin. Dutt developed CIVEE, a social media management consulting service powered by tech-savvy teens, to help small businesses reach Gen Z audiences.
CIVEE worked with local Dublin business, Mimi’s Chocolates, to help the company increase sales and social media engagement.
Amador Valley High School students Aryan Das, Colin Jennings, Jeffrey Ma and Noah Small received their award from Tracy Vogler, engineer and distinguished member of the technical staff at Sandia National Laboratories and a 1992 Hertz Fellow.
The team of Pleasanton students designed an AI fact checker capable of real-time validation of statements. The team demonstrated their tool with the 2024 U.S. presidential debate in September, where it successfully provided accurate fact-checking on political claims.
Mental health was the focus for Livermore High senior Kerigan Coates, who was presented by ITV executive board member Beth McCormick, employer engagement specialist at Las Positas.
Coates tackled student-athlete mental health by launching a peer support project and collaborating with the Kevin Love Fund to host an assembly promoting self-care. Her mental health website and resources for coaches have made a significant impact on campus.
Sonia Sharma, a junior at Monte Vista High in Danville, was introduced by Veena Kaul of Dublin Technology Center Workspaces and vice president of Kensington Labs. Sharma launched Project emPOWER Train the Trainer, a program making self-defense education accessible in schools to bolster student confidence and safety.
Her model, which trains physical education teachers to integrate self-defense skills, has reached approximately 25,000 students across several Bay Area school districts.
The Dougherty Valley High School trio of Vedant Kathrani, Noor Tozulahmad and Robi Tozulahmad — and their Plate to People — were welcomed by ITV board member Pam Galley, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente.
The San Ramon students co-founded Plate to People, a community-centered platform addressing food insecurity. By partnering with community organizations such as White Pony Express, they work to combat food waste and support local families in need.
Sophia Sucato, representing the Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program, accepted her award from ITV’s Sblend Sblendorio of Hoge Fenton. Sucato, a photographer and writer currently studying in TVROP’s Middle College High School Program, honored her Italian heritage through her published book of photography and photography exhibit in Italy.
Tri-Valley 2040 Visionary Award
Dublin High’s Rohan Vij took home ITV’s 2040 Visionary Award, presented by Amar Tiwari, business development manager for ENGIE North America. Vij worked with global energy services company, ENGIE North America when the company upgraded the Dublin Unified School District’s energy efficiency through renewable energy solutions.
Through this program, Vij invented TRIKALA, an app that integrates geospatial analysis for sustainable land use.
Editor’s note: The Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group contributed to this coverage.
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