There is no magic formula to make a leader. It takes time, dedication, and resilience to become one. A leader, when knocked down, will dust oneself off and face the challenges head on.
Ira Sharma, a high schooler from Memphis, did just that. She felt that her mathematical ability was being questioned on the basis of her being female. She decided to turn this into an opportunity, first, by participating in an all-girls math club for two years.
“Math Invitational for Girls is a wonderful Memphis organization that aims to increase girls participation in mathematics with an annual contest and seminar series,” says Sharma. “I remember feeling much more confident in my mathematical abilities and wanting to pursue it more after participating in the contest from 2016 to 2018, and so my hope is that every girl that participates comes out feeling the same way. It’s an incredible force for change to show girls that they are capable of anything they put their minds to.”
The club committee organized STEM activities and seminars for girls. The club virtually conducted competitive events, even during the pandemic, reaching more than 300 females from all over the world.
In 2020, Sharma also co-founded an organization — Young Women Against Injustice — for girls to get involved in political and social causes. “Now more than ever, young people, especially young women, should have a chance to make their voices heard in our political and social spheres,” she says. “In my view, it’s important for young people to learn to serve their communities, as that’s what makes effective future leaders.”
To celebrate her achievements, Sharma was awarded the Notorious RBG Women of Tomorrow Scholarship by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). In her application essay, she aimed “to convey the parallel structure between the sexism I have experienced in mathematics to the sexism the late Justice Ginsburg fought against … to highlight the complex issues of being female and doing advanced mathematics, where your intellect may be seen as less than.
“I was excited to apply for the NSHSS RBG Scholarship after years of admiring the late Justice’s work and rulings,” she says. “It was about a year after her death that I applied, and so I was honored to learn that I received the award. I am excited to continue my community service, and appreciate the judges’ recognition.”
The Notorious RBG Women of Tomorrow Scholarship by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) was established to recognize female scholars who have demonstrated leadership skills and their efforts to embody the spirit of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG) — the Supreme Court Justice who tirelessly advocated for gender equality.
This award recognizes 10 high schoolers for their efforts to embody the spirit of RBG within their own communities. Sharma was one of the 10 students who won this $1,000 scholarship for demonstrating leadership in her community.
For more information on this award and NSHSS, please visit nshss.org