Hello, my name is Alexandra Mancusi and I am a junior at Saint Anthony's High School in Long Island, NY. I am currently enrolled in the Science Scholars Program at school which enhances my voracious interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields of study. In learning about my roots, I decided to develop a nonprofit organization called Empower Through STEM, Inc.

I feel my story is a unique one. My grandparents, Roy and Sheila Persaud, were born in Guyana, South America and worked as educators at Lachmansingh Government School in Bushlot Village, West Coast Berbice.  In April 1975, my grandparents and their four daughters, all under the age of 9, immigrated to the United States of America.  My grandparents continued their education, allowing them to find opportunities and success in America.  They raised four daughters who each attended college and medical school. Today, they are all practicing physicians in the top fields of medicine. The youngest of those four daughters is my mom, Aretha Persaud.

My mom and three aunts have all been a tremendous inspiration to me.  Their perseverance, dedication, and strong emphasis on education are what encourage me to pursue a career in medicine and the sciences.  The values instilled in me by my grandparents, parents, and my Catholic school education continue to motivate me.  The basic principles of valuing education, working hard, being proud of your heritage, giving back to your community, and giving thanks and praise to God are the pillars that I use to uphold my life.  These beliefs are what inspired me to pursue my Guyana Passion Project!  It is my hope and dream to bring more STEM education and opportunities to not only young girls in Guyana, but to all students.