01
Access
Networks, mentors, and opportunities should be available before a student learns how to ask for them.
About Arjun / Austin, Texas
I learned earlywho gets access.
Now I build organizations, arguments, and systems that make access less accidental for the next young person.
Current focus
Youth power
The longer version
Why this work
One introduction can change a life.
Too much of a young person's future depends on whether the right adult happens to notice them.
I began programming at seven and building conversational AI at nine. By 12, I had seen how quickly doors opened once someone credible took me seriously. I also saw how arbitrary that moment was.
I founded TLEEM to make access less dependent on luck. The same question now follows me into schools, public policy, media, and technology: who gets heard early enough to shape the decision?
5,000+
TLEEM members
11
countries
25,000+
hackathon participants
5M+
people reached
The throughline
I care about who gets through the door, and what changes once they arrive.
02
Representation
Young people should help shape decisions in schools, cities, companies, and nonprofits while those decisions are still open.
03
Public argument
I write and speak with the directness young people are often expected to trade for a seat at the table.
04
Structure
A good meeting creates momentum. A policy, program, or institution can keep working after the meeting ends.
Selected experience
Work with a point of view.
Different rooms. The same goal: give young people access, responsibility, and a response.
TLEEM
Founder & Executive Director
2023 - Present
I started TLEEM at 12 because access to the right people should not depend on who your family knows. Today, our youth-led nonprofit connects 5,000+ members across 11 countries through free clubs, career skills, and relationships that can change a student's direction.
HowToHackathon
Executive Chairman
2026 - Present
I help lead a student technology platform whose portfolio has collectively reached 25,000+ participants, secured $2.7M+ in sponsorships, and brought together 150+ judges from major companies and universities.
Snap U.S. Council for Digital Well-Being
Councilmember
2026 - Present
I bring a teen perspective to national conversations about online safety, healthy digital habits, and the choices technology companies make for young users.
Austin American-Statesman
Guest Columnist
2025 - Present
I write about education, technology, and civic life, especially what public debates miss when young people are treated as subjects instead of participants.
Round Rock ISD
Student Advisor & Committee Member
2025 - Present
I bring student experience into district decisions through RRISD VOICE and the Safety & Security Committee. Those decisions affect a school system serving 47,000+ students.
DevNetwork
Management Advisory Board Member
2026 - Present
I advise one of the world's largest professional developer communities after becoming the youngest speaker in its conference history.
Selected recognition
Recognition opens doors.
Awards matter because they can open the next door. The work on the other side matters more.
Five Who Care
KVUE
Youngest honoree
2026
Young Changemaker
Ashoka
Youngest member of the cohort
2025
Student Hero
Texas State Board of Education
One of 15 students honored statewide
2024
Mayor's Award
City of Round Rock
Youth leadership and community service
2025
Speaking / writing / collaboration
Bring me in while the decision can still change.
I work with schools, conferences, nonprofits, companies, and public institutions ready to take youth participation seriously.