To engage communities globally and build mass in key pillar regions, I would focus on a localized-but-connected strategy—growing strong regional hubs while keeping them tied together by RoamCircle’s larger mission of connection and safety for female solo travelers.

First, I’d identify pillar regions based on where female solo travelers naturally cluster (major travel hubs, digital nomad cities, and culturally social destinations). Within each region, I’d collaborate with local female creators, expats, and travel leaders who already understand the culture, safety concerns, and travel norms of that area. This ensures RoamCircle feels relevant and trustworthy rather than generic.

Second, I’d launch city-based ambassadors or community leads who host both online and offline touchpoints—such as WhatsApp/Telegram groups, virtual city guides, casual meetups, or co-working café meetups. These local leaders would act as the “heartbeat” of each region, welcoming new members and sustaining engagement.

Third, I’d use content as a global connector. Regional highlights, travel tips, and member stories from each pillar location would be shared across RoamCircle’s social channels and in-app features, creating curiosity and cross-pollination between regions. This helps newer markets grow by showing active, thriving communities elsewhere.

Fourth, I’d build momentum through referral and incentive loops, encouraging members in pillar regions to invite fellow travelers with perks like exclusive events, featured profiles, or early access to new features. Organic, peer-driven growth is especially powerful in trust-based communities.

Finally, I’d maintain consistent values, safety standards, and moderation across all regions. While execution would be localized, the experience should always feel emotionally familiar—so no matter where a user is traveling, she knows RoamCircle will feel like a safe space.By combining localized leadership with global storytelling and consistent community support, RoamCircle can scale internationally while still feeling personal and deeply connected in each pillar region.

To connect female solo travelers through an app, I would focus on building trust, shared identity, and intentional interaction, not just passive scrolling. Solo travel, especially for women, requires safety, emotional comfort, and genuine connection, so the app experience should feel supportive rather than transactional

.First, I’d encourage small, interest-based micro-communities within the app (e.g. first-time solo travelers, digital nomads, slow travelers, wellness-focused travelers). Smaller groups lower the barrier to engagement and help users feel seen and understood. I’d pair this with guided conversation prompts and weekly discussion themes to help break the ice and spark meaningful interaction.

Second, I’d prioritize storytelling and vulnerability. Highlighting real user stories—where they traveled, what they learned, challenges they faced, and how they found community—creates emotional resonance and helps new users feel less alone. Featuring these stories in-app and on social platforms builds credibility and trust.

Third, I’d facilitate low-pressure connection opportunities, such as virtual coffee chats, city-specific meetups, and “travel buddy” matching for short-term plans. Giving users structured ways to connect makes initiating conversations feel safer and more natural.Finally, I’d ensure consistent community presence and moderation. Having an active community leader who welcomes new members, celebrates wins, and maintains a respectful environment is key. When users feel genuinely supported and heard, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and invite others.

Overall, my approach would be to create a space where female solo travelers feel confident, protected, and emotionally connected, turning RoamCircle from an app into a trusted travel companion.

 I work closely with a Westchester-based nonprofit called Hearts and Homes for Refugees, whose mission is to aid refugees in finding homes and local resettlement. Last September, I pushed to create a club at my school to raise awareness and donations for the nonprofit, but was denied due to funding issues. Nevertheless, by maintaining persistent contact with the organization, in November of 2022, I was offered the privilege of tutoring children from two Afghan refugee families, who had both recently settled into a neighboring town. During the first few sessions with each family, it was evident that all the children were struggling, and fell sufficiently below their grade level standard. The kids didn't possess adequate fundamental knowledge of English and mathematics and could not understand the content being taught in school. I took it upon myself to select and organize the content I would teach, and to tailor every lesson to each individual. I work with every child one on one, enabling me to devote personal attention to each child and use teaching skills that resonate best with their individual methods of learning. Practically six months have already passed since I began, and already I observe immense improvement in each student. For instance, during our first few sessions, I noticed a boy named Altaf had a heavy stutter while speaking in English. He is shy, timid, and felt meager confidence in his abilities. However, over the course of several months, our relationship and trust strengthened, he retained the content I was teaching him, and each week he continuously built his confidence with his verbal and written skills. Currently, Altaf can read most five-letter words, and his spelling has substantially improved. His stutter has also reduced. Even the learning environment has greatly transformed. During the first month of lessons, the kids tried to stall me, unmotivated to learn or study. Now, the instant I enter the doorway, they are eager to begin the lesson, bickering over who will go first. Knowing that their newfound eagerness to learn and their growing confidence with the English language is attributed to my time spent working with them truly satisfies me. That is virtually the entire reason why I dedicate such a substantial amount of time to volunteer work; witnessing the effect that my actions and efforts have on others is heartwarming and fulfilling. I feel fulfilled knowing that my actions are entirely transforming these kids’ futures.