Electrical engineering
High school -
Fort Zumwalt West High School
O'Fallon, MO 08.2023 - Current
Venkata Aditya Unnam
President
O'Fallon,MO
Summary
My name is Venkata Aditya Unnam, and I am a high school student with a strong interest in electrical engineering, driven by a passion for designing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. I have honed problem-solving, teamwork, and networking skills through national academic competitions, and deepened my knowledge of electronic systems, coding, and engineering principles through both academic and extracurricular programs. I am especially interested in applying electrical engineering concepts to sustainability, product design, community-centered innovation, and emerging technologies. I believe that progress is built on humility, hard work, and perseverance—values I apply daily in both my academic pursuits and personal growth, regardless of the setbacks and failures I encounter along the way.
Education
Extra-Curricular Activities
I competed in Academic World Quest, placing 1st in Missouri against 30+ of the best schools and 9th nationallycompeting against 30+ top schools in Washington, D.C., where I interacted with international ambassadors and spoke with Representative Bob Onder. In FBLA, I placed 7th at State and 1st at District in Introduction to Business Procedures. In the National Economics Challenge, I placed 2nd in state and helped 4 teams prepare and take the exam for the first time in FZWH history.
As co-founder and officer of Econ Club, I managed communications and information for 20+ members, organized groups for NEC, and ran events such as Investopedia Stock Market Simulation, Mini Shark Tanks, and economic discussion sessions. In Math Club (9th–10th grade), I explored STEM careers, meeting professionals including a Boeing engineer, a baseball analytics coach, and a forensic psychologist, while serving as Officer of Social Experiences. In athletics, I played high school JV tennis, ranking 18th in 9th grade and 15th in 10th grade.
Academics
Academics
- Cumulative GPA : 3.833
- Cumulative Weighted GPA : 4.367
- Total Credits Earned : 15.00
- PSAT: 1330
Cumulative Coursework: 8 AP, 7 total weighted
Community Service
Prestigious and service-driven organization where members actively support the community through various activities (e.g. Tutoring, Volunteering, Environmental Cleanups), Top 10% of the school student population, Participant in the veteran interview program where high school students interview veterans - their interviews are displayed on the Library of Congress website, Joined Find The Light, Increased involvement and participation - gained crucial responsibilities and recruited 3 active members, Volunteered at events such as: Pack the Classroom, FTL Music Festival, Secretary, Attended 5+ community events, Shared Resources and expanded the largest online mental health resource library in the world through interactions with non-profits and affiliated organizations, Managed a newsletter that has reached 150+ members of the community and corporate sponsors, Began a grant writing class in which 5 members are actively learning about the grant writing process and are learning how to apply for grants reaching up to $25000, Participated in a student advocacy trip to the state capital at Jefferson City and talked with state representatives and senators about mental health legislation
Work History
President
Find The Light Foundation
10.2025 - Current
As President of Find the Light Foundation, a student-led nonprofit in St. Louis focused on peer-driven mental health support and education, I lead the organization’s strategic direction and daily operations. I oversee the staff structure, election process, and committee system, ensuring that leadership roles are clear, efficient, and aligned with our mission. I work closely with both students and adult advisors to define committee leadership, cross-training, and accountability strategies, maintaining continuity and impact across Programs, Governance & Development, and Events & Outreach.
I drive initiatives to strengthen organizational capacity, expand our reach, and enhance program effectiveness, including major projects like the annual Find the Light Festival. My goal is to create sustainable, high-impact peer support and mental health education programs, empowering both students and the broader community while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
Secretary
Find The Light Foundation
07.2024 - 11.2025
I am actively involved with Find the Light Foundation, a student-led nonprofit in St. Louis focused on peer-driven mental health support and education. I help shape the organization’s staff structure, election process, and committee system, streamlining roles to maximize impact while integrating professional guidance. I define committee leadership and cross-training strategies, ensuring accountability, continuity, and efficiency across Programs, Governance & Development, and Events & Outreach.
I focus on strengthening leadership capacity and operational effectiveness, preparing for upcoming staff elections, and supporting key initiatives like the annual Find the Light Festival. My goal is to expand the organization’s reach and impact, creating meaningful peer-driven support and mental health education that benefits the community.
Skills
- Leadership – Guiding clubs, teams, and nonprofit initiatives toward clear goals
- Problem-Solving – Tackling complex challenges in competitions, engineering, and community projects
- Strategic Planning – Designing systems, events, and organizational structures for long-term impact
- Team Management – Coordinating, mentoring, and motivating peers to achieve collective success
- Communication & Networking – Engaging effectively with peers, professionals, and policymakers
- Project Coordination – Planning and executing events, programs, and initiatives efficiently
- Research & Analysis – Applying critical thinking to economics, engineering, and social issues
- Technical & STEM Skills – Coding, electronics, and engineering design applied to real-world problems
- Advocacy & Community Engagement – Promoting mental health, education, and social awareness initiatives
- Perseverance & Resilience – Maintaining focus and effort through challenges, setbacks, and competitions
Accomplishments
- Academic World Quest 1st place in Missouri Regionals (10th grade) 9th place nationally in Washington, D.C., competing against top schools Engaged with international ambassadors and Representative Bob Onder
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) 1st place at District (Introduction to Business Procedures) 7th place at State (Introduction to Business Procedures)
- National Economics Challenge (NEC) 2nd place in Missouri State Competition (10th grade) Assisted 4 teams in preparation and testing for the first time in FZWH history
- Econ Club Co-founder and officer managing communications and information Expanded club to 20+ members Organized Investopedia Stock Market Simulation, Mini Shark Tanks, and economic discussion sessions
- Math Club Officer of Social Experiences (9th–10th grade) Participated in STEM career exploration events with professionals from Boeing, analytics, forensic psychology, and more
- Find The Light Foundation Joined as 9th grader and progressively took on leadership roles Secretary (10th grade), now President Recruited and engaged new members Managed newsletter reaching 150+ community members and sponsors Expanded mental health resource library through outreach with nonprofits Led a grant-writing class for 5 members, preparing grant applications up to $25,000 Participated in state advocacy trips to Jefferson City to discuss mental health legislation Currently developing a mobile app for FTL as part of a Conrad Challenge project, integrating AI and resource access tools
- National Honor Society (NHS) Top 10% of school population Volunteered in tutoring, environmental cleanups, and other community service projects Participated in veteran interview program for Library of Congress
- 8 AP courses completed with cumulative GPA 3.833 / Weighted GPA 4.367
- Expanded knowledge in engineering, electronic systems, and coding through academic and extracurricular programs
- Developed skills in sustainability, product design, and community-centered innovation
Interests
Circuit systems
Semiconductors
Energy systems
Materials Science
Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Timeline
President
Find The Light Foundation
10.2025 - Current
Secretary
Find The Light Foundation
07.2024 - 11.2025
High school -
Fort Zumwalt West High School
08.2023 - Current