In December 2021, I secured $8,233 to build a school rehab well with a hand pump in Zimbabwe to serve 150 people (sponsored by CharityWater and Welthungerhilfe). The project is complete and it is heart-warming to hear the kids’ appreciation.
Avery Rothchild, a passionate young New Yorker and vibrant 14-year-old, calls the city of New York home. With a heart full of compassion, Avery had a unique journey that has shaped her into who she is today. Avery is currently a freshman who attends the Dwight-Englewood School. Previously a dedicated competitive gymnast, Avery showed her discipline and perseverance through rigorous training. However, a back fracture forced her to step away from gymnastics, leading her to discover a new passion: soccer. Now, she embraces the thrill of the game, finding joy in teamwork and the camaraderie of her teammates.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Avery has a deep-rooted love for children. Her empathy and kindness shine through as she interacts with young people, making a positive impact on their lives.
With a hopeful outlook on the future, Avery is committed to making the world a better place. One of her primary concerns is ensuring access to clean drinking water for all. She believes that this essential resource is a fundamental human right and is passionate about advocating for initiatives that promote clean water accessibility.
Shloka Bhattacharyya is a current junior at Great Valley High School in Malvern, Pennsylvania and Vice President of Day Zero Water. Driven by a sense of social responsibility, Shloka has been a part of service projects like blood drives, feeding the homeless, raising money for flood reparations, tutoring, clothing donations, and more. Shloka has been interested in advocating for water security since visiting India in 2019 and witnessing the conditions that make access to clean water very challenging. Shloka is passionate about applying her interests in mathematics and AI to solving the water equity crisis. By combining her technical skills with her concern for water accessibility, she intends to develop AI models that can revolutionize the way we monitor and address water-related challenges. Beyond all this, Shloka also has a deep love for tennis and music. She has been playing tennis for fun since she was eight, and is on the school tennis team. Shloka also plays three instruments, starting with the violin at 4 years old to the piano at 11 to learning the guitar herself at 14. As Vice President, Shloka hopes to make an enduring impact on the global water crisis and inspire others to get interested in the cause.
Kemar Martin is a senior at Monsignor Scanlan high school in the Bronx, NY. He is a competitive basketball player and has received state-level acclaim. Kemar cares deeply about clean water and is a valued member of the Day Zero Water team often bringing ideas, local connection and contacts.
Tendai Mukaringe is a 23-year-old Zimbabwean based in South Africa, balancing her work as a server with full-time studies in Web Development. Tendai is passionate about addressing water challenges in her community and has been actively trying to engage with local authorities. Her dedication extends beyond her studies, as she works long hours to save for a car to launch an Uber profile, supporting her education and future endeavors.
Om Sanan is the founder and CEO of Day Zero Water, a student led non-profit organization that helps raise clean water awareness and implements water filtration projects in schools locally in New York and in high water-stress areas around the world. Om has been an advocate and blogger for clean water and water security since 2017, and has fundraised to implement several water filtration projects in New York, Africa and India. Since April 2022, Om has been working part-time at Millwood Water Treatment Plant, which provides clean water to Westchester County and parts of New York City. Om is also interning with National Renewable Energy Labs in Colorado in summer 2023 doing research on water-energy nexus. Om has more than six years of computer programming (Python, Java, AI/ML) experience and is working on combining his expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with his real-world experience in water treatment to find practical solutions to optimize the cost and greenhouse gas emissions from water treatment (including desalination). Om tutors underprivileged kids in math and computer programming and has run numerous charitable events. Om is a member of National Alliance for Water Innovation, International Desalination Association, Water Environment Federation and American Chemical Society, and is an active member of the Green Club, Robotics Club and BYTE Club in high school. Om is passionate about boating, water sports, traveling, and basketball; his basketball club team won the 15U Nationals in Boston in 2022.
