CHAYA BALASURIYA

Globally-Minded Student Leader | STEM & Social Innovation Advocate

Dilijan, AM.

About

Highly accomplished and globally-minded student leader with a strong record in STEM, social innovation, and community advocacy. Proven ability to initiate and manage complex projects, drive impactful change, and foster inclusive environments, demonstrated through leadership in robotics, educational reform, and international youth initiatives. Seeking opportunities to leverage interdisciplinary skills and drive positive global impact in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Work

UWC Dilijan

Orientation Planning Committee Member

Dilijan, Tavush, Armenia

Mar 2024→ Present

Summary

Part of a committee dedicated to the orientation and induction of new first-year students, creating programs and leading tours to ensure a seamless transition.

Highlights

Designed and structured comprehensive orientation programs for incoming first-year students, facilitating a smooth transition to UWC Dilijan.

Led engaging tour groups through Dilijan and organized workshops focused on safety and local integration for new students.

Collaborated effectively with committee members to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for a diverse international student body.

UWC Dilijan

Anti Racism Diversity Equity Inclusion Committee (ARDEI)

Dilijan, Tavush, Armenia

Mar 2024→ Present

Summary

Organizes and facilitates workshops for staff and students, fostering dialogue and managing difficult conversations related to diversity and inclusion.

Highlights

Organize and facilitate impactful workshops for diverse staff and student populations, promoting understanding and empathy on complex issues.

Develop and implement strategies for managing difficult conversations, enhancing the community's capacity for respectful dialogue.

Actively contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within the UWC Dilijan community.

UWC Dilijan

DiliWomen Committee

Dilijan, Tavush, Armenia

Jan 2024→ Present

Summary

Organizes and facilitates events and workshops focused on women's rights, including awareness campaigns and community support initiatives.

Highlights

Organized and facilitated high-impact events and workshops on women's rights, including FemmeX Focus Week sessions and Domestic Violence & SA Awareness.

Spearheaded 'The Pad's Project' initiative, successfully bringing free feminine hygiene products to the school community.

Enhanced awareness and access to critical resources, contributing to improved well-being and education on women's health.

United Nations Youth Australia

United Nations Youth Student Ambassador

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Sep 2022→ Present

Summary

Raised awareness about UN Youth, managed workshops on global issues, and participated in Model UN summits and state conferences.

Highlights

Successfully raised awareness about UN Youth initiatives and global issues among diverse audiences.

Managed and facilitated interactive workshops, fostering discussions and learning about diverse perspectives on international affairs.

Actively participated in Model UN summits and state conferences, demonstrating strong diplomatic and public speaking skills.

Student Robotics Club of South Australia Inc. (RoboRoos)

FIRST Lego League Mentor

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Jan 2021→ Present

Summary

Mentored FLL teams by sharing 5 years of international competition experience and teaching mechanical and research skills to young students.

Highlights

Mentored multiple FLL teams (ages 9-14), transferring advanced mechanical and research skills to young competitors.

Leveraged 5 years of international competition experience to guide teams in strategic planning and problem-solving.

Contributed directly to one team's advancement to the Moroccan World Championships, showcasing effective mentorship and coaching.

FIRST Australia

FIRST Lego League / FIRST Tech Challenge Tournament Referee

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Nov 2021→ Nov 2023

Summary

Volunteered as a referee and administrator for South Australian FIRST events, including FLL and FTC, ensuring fair play and efficient operations.

Highlights

Officiated games as a certified referee for both FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge events, ensuring adherence to rules and fair competition.

Managed administrative roles for major robotics tournaments, contributing to seamless event execution for hundreds of participants.

Supported the overall success of South Australian FIRST events, fostering a positive and competitive environment for young innovators.

Student's Robotics Club of South Australia Inc. (RoboRoos)

Club Captain

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Jan 2022→ Aug 2023

Summary

Led and managed STEM outreach initiatives and comprehensive FIRST Robotic Competition builds, overseeing design, prototyping, and testing phases.

Highlights

Organized and executed STEM outreach programs for schools and the community, expanding access to robotics education and inspiring future innovators.

Project-managed the full lifecycle of complex FIRST Robotic Competition builds, including design, CAD, prototyping, mechanical, electrical, and software development.

Directed testing and competition strategies, leading the team through successful participation in high-stakes robotic competitions.

Department of Education

Commissioner for Children and Young People SA, South Australian Students Representative Council

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Jan 2022→ Jul 2023

Summary

Represented South Australian students in a key committee, addressing systemic issues within the education system and leading curriculum reform initiatives.

Highlights

Represented the voice of South Australian students in a committee collaborating with the Department of Education and youth leaders statewide.

Led a critical project to rewrite the Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights Curriculum, directly addressing concerns regarding a lack of appropriate consent education.

Contributed to policy discussions and advocated for student welfare, influencing educational reforms within the state system.

Student's Robotics Club of South Australia Inc. (RoboRoos)

FIRST Robotics Competition Competitor

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Dec 2021→ Jul 2023

Summary

Competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition, specializing in mechanical build and participating in national and international tournaments.

Highlights

Designed and constructed a 60 kg competition robot, specializing in mechanical build components and systems.

Competed annually at the Australian National Event in Sydney and Melbourne Robotics Tournament, engaging with teams nationwide.

Applied advanced mechanical engineering principles to solve complex robotic challenges, enhancing system performance and reliability.

Student's Robotics Club of South Australia Inc. (RoboRoos)

Outreach Students Robotics Club Coordinator

South Australia, South Australia, Australia

Aug 2017→ Aug 2022

Summary

Mentored a FIRST Lego League team to world championships and spearheaded major science outreach initiatives across South Australia.

Highlights

Mentored a RoboRoos FIRST Lego League team, guiding them to advance to the Moroccan World Championships in 2022.

Organized and ran the largest stall at National Science Week's Science Alive, engaging thousands of attendees and promoting STEM education.

Coordinated and executed successful stalls at rural science fairs (e.g., Mount Barker, Victor Harbour) and workshops in schools (e.g., Seymour Girls College), expanding STEM accessibility.

Student Robotics Club of South Australia Inc. (RoboRoos)

FIRST Lego League Competitor

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Aug 2017→ Apr 2022

Summary

Competed in FIRST Lego League, designing SMART Lego robots and conducting research on global issues, earning national and world recognition.

Highlights

Designed and programmed innovative SMART Lego robots to successfully complete complex challenges on a competition table.

Conducted annual research projects focused on addressing critical global issues, contributing to problem-solving and innovation.

Earned multiple national awards and advanced to world competitions in Houston, Detroit, and the Asia Pacific, demonstrating consistent high performance.

Volunteer

Horizons Fundraising Club Organizer

Glenunga International High School

Jan 2020→ Aug 2023

Organized fundraisers in partnership with local NGOs, supporting homeless individuals and facilitating community events.

Highlights

Organized and executed successful fundraisers in collaboration with local NGOs, including Hutt St Centre for the Homeless.

Facilitated community events such as 'Walk a Mile' fundraiser, enhancing community engagement and support for charitable causes.

Contributed to raising resources and awareness for vulnerable populations through strategic partnerships and event management.

Live Below the Line Fundraiser

Oaktree

Jul 2020→ Jan 2023

Participated in an annual fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for national hunger and poverty by living on $2 a day for one week.

Highlights

Participated annually in the 'Live Below the Line' fundraiser, living on $2 per day for one week to simulate poverty conditions.

Successfully raised awareness about national hunger and poverty, engaging the community in critical social issues.

Generated direct funding for Oaktree, a non-profit organization supporting individuals living in poverty across Australia.

Cooking for a Cause Volunteer

Burnside Council, OzHarvest

Dec 2022→ May 2022

Participated in weekly cooking and packaging food sessions, contributing to food distribution for OzHarvest soup kitchens across the state.

Highlights

Contributed to weekly cooking and packaging sessions, preparing meals for distribution to vulnerable communities.

Supported OzHarvest's mission by ensuring efficient preparation and transport of food to soup kitchens across the state.

Aided in reducing food waste and providing essential nourishment to those in need.

Education

United World College Dilijan

Dilijan, Tavush, Armenia

Jan 2023→ Dec 2025

Diploma International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Glenunga International High School

South Australia, South Australia, Australia

Jan 2020→ Aug 2023

Program IGNITE Program

University of Newcastle, University of South Australia

N/A, Australia, Australia

Jan 2022→ Feb 2022

Program Participant STEM Programs

Courses

Science and Engineering Challenge @ University of Newcastle

STEM for Humanity @ University of South Australia

Awards

Australian National Champions Award

FIRST Lego League

Achieved national championship status in the FIRST Lego League competition, demonstrating superior performance and teamwork.

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Recognized for personal development, community service, and skill acquisition.

UN Youth Global Citizenship Award

United Nations Youth Australia

Awarded for demonstrating outstanding global citizenship and engagement with international issues.

UN Youth Voice Competition State Finalist

United Nations Youth Australia

Achieved finalist status in a state-level voice competition, showcasing strong public speaking and advocacy skills.

UN Youth Model UN State Finalist Evatt

United Nations Youth Australia

Recognized as a state finalist in the Evatt Model UN competition, demonstrating exceptional diplomatic and debate skills.

1st Place Programming Award

Global FIRST Lego League Competition

Awarded first place for outstanding programming achievements at the Global FIRST Lego League Competition.

1st Place Innovative Solution Award

Global FIRST Lego League Competition

Recognized with first place for developing an innovative solution at the Global FIRST Lego League Competition.

FIRST Robotics Competition Engineering Excellence Award

Jul 2023

FIRST Robotics Competition

Awarded for exceptional engineering design and execution in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Certificates

South Australian Certificate of Education Stage 1

SACE Board

Aviation Studies

SACE Board

Skills

Leadership & Management

Project Management, Event Management, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Management, Program Development, Mentorship, Committee Leadership, Logistics Coordination.

Robotics & STEM

Robotics, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Mechanical Design, Electrical Systems, Software Development, Prototyping, X-ray Technology, Programming, STEM Education, Robotics Competition.

Advocacy & Social Impact

Community Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion (DEI), Youth Advocacy, Policy Development, Fundraising, Human Rights, Global Issues Awareness, Curriculum Development, Social Innovation.

Communication & Collaboration

Public Speaking, Workshop Facilitation, Networking, Cross-functional Collaboration, Negotiation, Intercultural Communication, Presentation Skills, Diplomacy.

Problem Solving & Innovation

Design Thinking, Research, Creative Solutions, Process Improvement, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis (implied), Strategic Problem Solving.

Interests

Athletics

Swimming (State Squad, Kent Town Swimming Club, UWC Dilijan Swimming), Basketball (Glenunga Rams Club Basketball), Netball (Glenunga International High School Division 1 Netball), Volleyball (Glenunga International High School Division 1 Volleyball).

Community Service

Volunteer Work, Fundraising, Social Justice, Environmental Sustainability.

Projects

TakToon Project

Aug 2024→ Aug 2024

Summary

Created to address multidimensional issues of poor insulation and lack of recycling facilities in Armenia by reusing plastic bottles for insulation sheets.

TedXYouth UWC Dilijan

Nov 2023→ Nov 2023

Summary

Co-Headed the Event Preparation Department for the organization of TedXYouth @UWCDilijan events.

DiliSwim

Mar 2023→ Mar 2023

Summary

Co-founded a program at UWC Dilijan to provide swimming skills and new opportunities for local youth and refugees in Armenia.

Bomb Detector Robot Base Build MicroX

Aug 2022→ Dec 2022

Summary

Supported the base build of a robot designed for emerging x-ray technology through MicroX.