Meet the Team
Hey! I’m Siyona. I am a student at the University of Illinois of Chicago. My older brother is my motivation behind starting Kenec. Through being a constant representative of the neurodivergent community, I’ve witnessed firsthand how efficient one-on-one peer motivation can be towards fostering inclusion, empathy, and community connection. Outside of running Kenec, I enjoy dancing, playing the violin, and making new connections.
TEAM
TEAM
Meet the Team
TEAM
Meet the Team
President -
Aviya Pinto
Aviya Pinto
Hey! I’m Siyona. I am a student at the University of Illinois of Chicago. My older brother is my motivation behind starting Kenec. Through being a constant representative of the neurodivergent community, I’ve witnessed firsthand how efficient one-on-one peer motivation can be towards fostering inclusion, empathy, and community connection. Outside of running Kenec, I enjoy dancing, playing the violin, and making new connections.
High School Board Members - 2026/27
President -
Aviya Pinto
Aviya Pinto
Hi my name is Aviya and I’m a junior at Waubonsie Valley! Outside of KENEC, I love to play volleyball, hang out with friends, and try new foods! As president, I can’t wait to see strong one-to-one friendships develop!
Vice President -
Sarah Thomas
Sarah Thomas
Hey I’m Sarah, a junior at Waubonsie Valley. I believe each person deserves the special friendship and support Kenec provides. Beside Kenec, I enjoy writing, drawing, and cooking.
Volunteer Ambassador - Sanjana Ramesh
Hi, I’m Sanjana! I’m a junior at Waubonsie Valley. I’m excited to help create meaningful connections throughout the community and make a difference! Besides Kenec, I love to play basketball, read new books, and spend time with family.
Social Media Manager- Sophia Contreras
Hi, I’m Sophia! I am a sophomore at Waubonsie Valley! Outside of KENEC, I do cross country, wrestling, track, and I also play cello! I joined Kenec to help kids recognize their amazing talents and problem-solving skills!
Hey! I’m Siyona. I am a student at the University of Illinois of Chicago. My older brother is my motivation behind starting Kenec. Through being a constant representative of the neurodivergent community, I’ve witnessed firsthand how efficient one-on-one peer motivation can be towards fostering inclusion, empathy, and community connection. Outside of running Kenec, I enjoy dancing, playing the violin, and making new connections.
Hi my name is Aviya and I’m a junior at Waubonsie Valley! Outside of KENEC, I love to play volleyball, hang out with friends, and try new foods! As president, I can’t wait to see strong one-to-one friendships develop!
Vice President -
Sarah Thomas
Sarah Thomas
Hey I’m Sarah, a junior at Waubonsie Valley. I believe each person deserves the special friendship and support Kenec provides. Beside Kenec, I enjoy writing, drawing, and cooking.
High School Board Members - 2026/27
Volunteer Ambassador - Sanjana Ramesh
Hi, I’m Sanjana! I’m a junior at Waubonsie Valley. I’m excited to help create meaningful connections throughout the community and make a difference! Besides Kenec, I love to play basketball, read new books, and spend time with family.
Social Media Manager- Sophia Contreras
Hi, I’m Sophia! I am a sophomore at Waubonsie Valley! Outside of KENEC, I do cross country, wrestling, track, and I also play cello! I joined Kenec to help kids recognize their amazing talents and problem-solving skills!
President -
Aviya Pinto
Aviya Pinto
Hi my name is Aviya and I’m a junior at Waubonsie Valley! Outside of KENEC, I love to play volleyball, hang out with friends, and try new foods! As president, I can’t wait to see strong one-to-one friendships develop!
High School Board Members - 2026/27
Vice President -
Sarah Thomas
Sarah Thomas
Hey I’m Sarah, a junior at Waubonsie Valley. I believe each person deserves the special friendship and support Kenec provides. Beside Kenec, I enjoy writing, drawing, and cooking.
Volunteer Ambassador - Sanjana Ramesh
Hi, I’m Sanjana! I’m a junior at Waubonsie Valley. I’m excited to help create meaningful connections throughout the community and make a difference! Besides Kenec, I love to play basketball, read new books, and spend time with family.
Social Media Manager- Sophia Contreras
Hi, I’m Sophia! I am a sophomore at Waubonsie Valley! Outside of KENEC, I do cross country, wrestling, track, and I also play cello! I joined Kenec to help kids recognize their amazing talents and problem-solving skills!
Founder - Siyona Ayakkad
Founder - Siyona Ayakkad
Founder - Siyona Ayakkad
