Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano, a 17-year-old Mexican computer science student, has been recognized as the best student in the world. She just won the prestigious $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024.

This Latina prodigy was selected from over 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries. Ángela has gained international acclaim for her groundbreaking contributions to STEM and her advocacy for girls in science and technology.

The young genius accepted the award in New York during the UN General Assembly week.

Leading the way in STEM education with an AI-powered medical assistant

Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano is a student at the National College of Technical Professional Education (CONALEP), Papantla de Olarte, Veracruz, Mexico. She developed an AI-powered virtual medical assistant named Ixtlilton. This innovative tool can diagnose 21 diseases based on a series of questions.

Created alongside local medics during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ixtlilton’s goal is to support individuals in remote or underserved areas by determining if they need medical attention. In Papantla, where Ángela lives, some communities need to travel over an hour to reach the nearest health center.

“Without a doubt, and it is true, women have fewer opportunities to access STEM education,” Ángela said during her acceptance speech at the UN. “That’s why this needs to be visualized. We need to be recognized. We have the same potential, but we don’t have the same opportunities. And that’s a reality. We offer a different perspective on these great challenges and global issues. We need to be prioritized, and we need investment in education. Not only in learning but also in equity. This is a very important topic that needs to advance in every country, in every community.”

Even more impressive, once Ixtlilton is downloaded onto a device, it does not require internet access. This makes it particularly beneficial for Mexico’s rural populations, where only 56% have internet connectivity.

Papantla’s local government is currently working to connect Ángela and her team with pharmacies and medical centers that may want to recommend Ixtlilton to patients.

A leading light of STEM across Mexico and Latin America

Ángela’s accomplishments extend far beyond her groundbreaking AI tool. She’s a medal winner in both national and international robotics competitions and a strong advocate for STEM education. In 2021, Ángela’s team secured first place at the National Robotics Competition in the “Home Care Challenge” category. She later won the STEM Talent Award: National Student Prize Mexico 2022, organized by Movimiento STEM+.

In 2023, Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano competed in the RoboRAVE World Championship. She brought home two silver medals while competing against teams from China, Australia, and Canada.

Ángela has also represented Mexico on international stages, speaking at the Mexican Senate of the Republic about the importance of incorporating STEM careers into the Mexican curriculum and fostering socio-emotional skills in students. Earlier this year, she and her Nakú Robotics team virtually participated in a conference on AI and Space Education at NASA’s Houston Space Center.

Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano is using her platform to inspire and create change

With her $100,000 prize money, Ángela plans to create and install a dedicated STEM classroom in Veracruz. This space will serve as an innovation hub for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, providing a space for hands-on learning and experimentation.

Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano has been recognized as a role model and an inspiration for youth, especially girls, in Mexico and Latin America. She continues to advocate for gender equality in STEM and encourages young women to pursue careers in science and technology.

“Ángela, You Are a Force of Nature”: Reactions to her win

Ángela’s win has sparked international recognition and praise. Nathan Schultz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Chegg, Inc., who presented Ángela with the trophy, said:

“I am truly honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ángela on winning the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024. In a time when innovation and bold thinking are crucial, students like Ángela are leading the charge in finding solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. Whether it’s developing an AI medical assistant or encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers, Ángela’s commitment to making a difference is remarkable.”

Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, echoed the sentiment, expressing his pride in Ángela’s achievement:

“Ángela, your remarkable achievements are not only a source of immense pride for Mexico but also a testament to the boundless potential of young minds. We celebrate this incredible accomplishment and look forward to the brighter future that you will undoubtedly shape.”

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, emphasized the significance of Ángela’s success: “Congratulations Ángela. Your story highlights the incredible power of education and the vital role that it plays in bringing people together to build a better tomorrow for us all.”

Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano: A trailblazer in a new generation of global leaders

Ángela joins an impressive list of previous winners, including South Sudanese refugee Nhial Deng, who empowered refugees in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya through peacebuilding, education, and entrepreneurship programs, and Ukrainian teenager Igor Klymenko, who developed a mine-detecting drone. Ángela’s achievement places her alongside these extraordinary students, showcasing her as a leader in creating positive change.

Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano’s story is a reminder that the youth of today are reshaping our world for the better. Through her work, she’s not only transforming healthcare in rural communities but also inspiring the next generation of young innovators. She is truly a force to be reckoned with and a shining example of what young minds can achieve when given the opportunity.

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