About Me
My name is Diya Somnali
Hi, I'm Diya. I am a student-advocate and researcher dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional schooling and the practical skills needed to thrive in the real world. I believe that literacy extends far beyond reading; it encompasses financial independence, health advocacy, and the initiative to lead one's own learning. My commitment to this mission is backed by alongside a proven track record of impact: I founded Bookwormz, a social platform with 480+ users , and Tweenvest, where I have taught investment fundamentals to over 40 students. As the founder of the Orlando Reading Circle, I registered a non-profit that raised over $1,000 in supplies for rural schools in India , and my scientific research on honeybee health earned 1st Place at the county level and an invitation to the ISEF State Science Fair. Whether competing at the national level in Speech & Debate or performing on the professional stage with Opera Orlando , I focus on creating hands-on resources that empower my peers to move past homework and start mastering their own futures.
Stop waiting for the syllabus. Start leading your own learning.
My Mission
To create a sustainable network of learners where functional literacy—including financial, health, and executive function—is developed through hands-on initiative rather than forced homework. We aim to level the playing field for underserved children by making essential life skills engaging and accessible.
My Leadership
My leadership focus is on creating student-led networks that drive measurable impact, from funding rural education to mentoring the next generation of financial and scientific thinkers.
01
Founder & President, Orlando Reading Circle (ORC)
Lead a registered non-profit providing resources and literacy support to students in the US and India.
03
President, Science Olympiad
Grew the school chapter from 2 to 24 active members.
02
Founder, Tweenvest
Lead a financial literacy program for youth aged 10–14.
04
Vice President, Laker Times
Manage the school newspaper and podcast production.
My Research Projects
I conduct award-winning research that bridges the gap between environmental sustainability and medical science, from investigating honeybee health to publishing literature reviews on complex neurodegenerative diseases.
Honeybee Health
Award-winning studies on hive supplements and the effects of medication on hive health (1st Place, Ying Science Exposition).
Prion Diseases
Published literature review in Curieux Magazine (2024 Fall/Winter Issue).
Environmental Studies
Field research and seed bank inventory conducted at Bija Vidya Peeth with Dr. Vandana Shiva.
My Activities
Bookwormz
A social reading platform with over 480 users designed to make reading a shared, proactive activity.
Coral Restoration
Surveying and maintaining reef transplant sites with the Reef Association.
Speech & Debate
National-level competitor and 1st place winner in Varsity Public Forum. Won “Best Small School Award” at an Invitational
Laker Times
Vice president of the school newspaper. Conducted interviews, edited videos, wrote features, and edited articles.
Linguistic Equity Advocacy
Developing toolkits to translate complex medical jargon into plain language for youth.
Opera Orlando
Successfully auditioned for the only youth opera organization in Orlando.
Past and Upcoming Events
Interactive Functional Literacy WorkshopsWed, Mar 18Orange County Library System
Brazil Community Engagement InitiativeSat, Mar 21São Paulo
Navdanya Earth University: Return to Bija Vidya PeethWed, Jul 01Dehradun
Global School Supply DrivesAugust 2025Hassan
Financial Literacy SeminarsConducted in 2024Orange County Library System
