Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Abby Badalov
Hi! I’m Abby, a rising junior in high school and the CEO of THEO. I’m passionate about working with other students and helping them reach their full potential. That’s why I founded this program—to make the nerve-racking high school experience easier and more supportive for everyone involved. When I’m not busy with THEO, you can find me at the gym or spending time with my baby sister, who always brightens my day. In the future, I hope to become a lawyer and continue advocating for causes that matter to me. I’m excited to be part of a team that’s all about lifting each other up and making a difference!
Chief Technological Officer
Jacob Shuster
Hi, I’m Jacob Shuster, a junior in highschool and one of the main technical staff members for THEO. Outside of school and my work with THEO, I’m passionate about Model UN, science research, and anything STEM-related. I’m especially proficient in biology, physics, and chemistry, and I love diving deep into these subjects. When I’m not exploring the world of science, you’ll often find me playing video games or getting lost in a good comic book. I’m excited to bring my technical skills and enthusiasm for STEM to the team, and I’m always up for a chat about anything from the latest research to the newest video game releases!
Chief Technological Officer
Hamzah Ali
Hi, I’m Hamzah Ali. Im a junior at Turner Fenton in the IB diploma program and one of the CTO’s at THEO. I’m really into math and have been diving into coding, particularly exploring AI and machine learning. I love working with anything STEM-related and am always looking for ways to help out the community. Outside of school, you can often find me learning new things and figuring out how to apply them to real-world problems. I also really love sports as I believe life is about balance and you should do what you love. In fact I actually won athlete of the year at my school in my sophomore year at Turner Fenton. I’m excited to bring my passion for STEM and problem-solving to THEO and can’t wait to see what we accomplish!
Chief Fundraising Officer
Julia Xu
Hi! I’m Julia Xu, a junior in high school, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this program! Along with being a YouthLink peer mentor, I’m passionate about business and DECA, where I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a spot at nationals. I also love sharing my skills as a violin tutor and tennis coach. When I’m not mentoring or coaching, you can usually find me reading or diving into something new to learn. I’m always here to help, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Chief Fundraising Officer
Emma Ding
Hello! My name is Emma Ding and I am a junior in high school and the Chief Fundraising Officer of THEO. Besides being a mentor for YouthLink, I am passionate about economics, health equity, and being stress-free! I’m excited to be a part of THEO’s YouthLink program, where I hope to make a positive impact on my peers. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and learning new things. Please feel free to reach out to me any time!
Content and Marketing Officer
Sarah Joseph
Hello! I’m Sarah, a junior who understands the day-to-day challenges that teenagers face. I’m here to help you navigate those situations with the confidence I’ve gained from my own high school experiences. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing soccer, and getting creative in the kitchen with some baking. Aside from being a mentor, my interests include STEM, reading and learning. I’m excited to be part of this program, and I am always here if you need someone to talk to or guide you through tough times.
Chief Administrative Officer
Riaan Kaushik
Hello! I’m Riaan Kaushik, a sophomore from Illinois, and I’m excited to be the CAO of THEO. I’m passionate about creating a collaborative environment where everyone works together to achieve our common goals while empowering each other to reach their fullest potential. In this role, I’m committed to keeping things organized, improving our processes, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Outside of THEO, I’m involved in my school’s business clubs such as BPA and SkillsUSA. I also stay busy through water polo, swimming, and Tae Kwon Do, while volunteering at my local hospital. I’m elated to contribute to THEO’s growth while working with a dedicated team that’s focused on making a positive difference. Let’s make an impact!