My Passion for Sciences, My Passion for Educating Children and My Global Upbringing Makes

My passion for sciences, my passion for educating children and my global upbringing makes me a strong candidate for the Washington Science Olympiad board. Over the past 15 years I have developed a breadth of experience in the research & development industry and product management as well as successful event management for a non-profit organization.

I have an undergraduate degree in Nutrition & Dietetics andstarted my career in research and development in the food industry in Chicago. I have worked in multiple categories of food research & development – refrigerated prepared salads, frozen pizzas and shelf stable baking mixes. While savoring this productive and practical experience, my desire to enhance and strengthen my science foundation led me tosimultaneously pursue a Master’s degree in food science from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Just as technical skills are important, I truly believe that leadership and soft skills are important in rounding out a person’s character. As my career brought me to Seattle and took me to management positions, I decided to bolster my experience with an M.B.A. from The Foster School of Business, University of Washington which furthered my conviction of holistic leadership.

I am also passionate about helping children be successful in school and developing a keen interest in lifetime learning. I am particularly interested in encouraging young girls to develop a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) and have strived to share my knowledge and time with them. As parent of 2 girls in the Lake Washington School District (2nd grader at Mead Elementary & 6th grader in the Quest program at Evergreen Middle School), I practically see the importance of a solid foundation laid in these formative years. Most recently, I was the coach for my middle schooler’s 6th grade science Olympiad team and had the pleasure of going to the State Competition in Cheney, WA. Mentoring these kids has given me yet another opportunity to see the enthusiasm kids have when they have someone to guide them.

Serving as the center president for the Sammamish chapter of the Sathya Sai organization, a spiritual non-profit organization emphasizing the holistic development of every individual, I have led a diverse group of people and managed the events for a 2oo member center. I have also been a mentor and guide for high school children in the Lake Washington School District, through my experience as a Sunday school teacher in the Sathya Sai Organization where I share my practical experiences with them and guide them as they apply to colleges and grow up into great individuals.

I believe my passion for ongoing learning and encouraging children to follow their dreams in a meaningful way through quality education and learning opportunities as well as “can do” attitude will contribute to the efforts of the Washington Science Olympiad board. I really look forward to being part of this organization beyond a parent and being involved in this socially meaningful experience.

Kind Regards,

Lavanya Venakteswar