Tell us a little about yourself.  

Hi there curious minds, I am Layal Alwan. In my free time you would see me surfing the internet for topics that grab my interest. Speaking of interests, I am an active community leader who thrives with aspire to inspire and a curious person where every question in mind transforms into a new opportunity to learn. Whether leading youth initiatives, organizing local events, or directing a student-led organization, I have learned to act with resilience, intention positivity. I am passionate about advocating for others, learning quickly, and finding ways to uplift my community.

Why are you excited to participate in Shad? What are you most looking forward to?

I am so privileged to be a part of SHAD 2026. Being surrounded by like-minded people in a positive environment. I believe that this opportunity will provide an environment that will help me grow, challenge my thinking, push me out of my comfort zone, and strengthen my problem-solving skills! I am most looking forward to the hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to meet a diverse group of friends who share my passion for growth. Altogether, I am looking forward to building lasting connections and gaining the tools necessary to bring valuable knowledge and sustainable solutions back to my community.

What sparks your curiosity or interest in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?

My curiosity is sparked by the desire to turn big ideas into meaningful, sustainable solutions that create real world impact. Through my leadership experiences, I have discovered that meaningful change starts with intention and effort, not necessarily a perfect plan. I am drawn to STEAM and entrepreneurship because they offer innovative solutions to tackle complex problems, and I am eager to explore how these fields can be beneficial to address community challenges and empower others.

How do you envision your future?

Looking into how my future could possibly look like, I envision a future where I am a grounded, impactful changemaker who continuously seeks out new learning opportunities and uses innovation to serve others. I see myself leading initiatives that bridge gaps in accessibility, advocating for my community, and applying creative problem-solving to complex global issues. No matter where my career takes me, I plan to remain rooted in community service and sciences ensuring that my growth always translates into inspiration and progress for those around me.