Hello! My name is Deea Gandotra, a high school senior from Southern California, a voracious reader on public policy, a passionate change maker, varsity swimmer, writer, environmental activist, a big sister and much more. I dream of becoming a lawyer so I can help amplify the voices of others that might not always be heard, and advocate for the kind of change that uplifts our communities, one small step at a time.  

Over the last 10 years, I have competitively swam for Aquazot Swim Club, as well as on the University High School swim team, and look forward to finishing my four years strong this upcoming senior year. Additionally, I have been enthusiastically committed to sharing the fun and benefits of swimming with students of all ages and backgrounds through my work as a private coach, and year-round clinic as well as summer league swim coach!

Beyond my sport, I have experience as an Ethics Research Assistant at the University of California, Irvine on ethics and morality in our economy, as well as through serving as one of the youngest judicial interns for the Los Angeles Superior Court, and contributing the the intern teams of City of Irvine Councilmember Mike Carroll and Melinda Liu. At school, I work passionately to empower and unify my peers, having served on elected student council for the last 4 years. 

I’ve been grateful to be a member of both University High School’s Halo Club, and Best Buddies, as vice president and publicist respectively, working to foster inclusivity and connecting with neurodivergent students through weekly lunches and activities! I have also one-on-one tutored elementary students with down syndrome, working patiently and empathetically to create safe and fun learning environments, and have continued this goal through my volunteer work with JEENA, a non-profit organization committed to serving families with autistic children. 

As the former Events Chair, and now President, of Irvine Talks, a student-led organization committed to offering high school students across Irvine a platform for sharing their personal stories in a safe environment. This enables them to express their vulnerabilities without the fear of judgment, while simultaneously fostering connections with their peers. This empowerment encourages them to move forward in life with confidence. Each chapter of Irvine Talks is centered around a specific theme, with students selected through an audition process. Recently having been defunded, I have been working tirelessly with my Chapter 9 board to raise the $2000 required to put on our event this year. 

All in all, I take pride in my ability to lead and serve my peers for the betterment of our community, as well as my academic and intellectual prowess to continue making a positive social impact every day.