In a town that’s no stranger to big dreams and even bigger heart, two East Brunswick High School seniors are showing what it means to act on both.
Snigdha and Riya, co-founders of The Femme Voice, are not just students — they are changemakers, curriculum designers, nonprofit founders, and most importantly, girls who saw a need and stepped up. What started in 2022 as a passion project has grown into a youth-led organization with a global impact — from East Brunswick classrooms to rural India, and possibly college campuses across the country in the years to come.
We sat down with Snigdha and Riya in our latest Voices of EB interview, filmed on a quiet Sunday afternoon at the East Brunswick Public Library pond — and walked away completely inspired.
A Mission Rooted in Equity
When asked what lit the spark, Snigdha didn’t hesitate.
“So many women in my family didn’t have access to education… not because of money, but simply because of their gender.”
That realization became personal. And personal became action.
Snigdha and Riya turned their frustrations into focus, creating a nonprofit aimed at empowering young women through STEM education and menstrual health equity. And they weren’t just talking about it — they were building programs, rallying community support, and reaching beyond borders.
From Movies to Movement: Riya’s Why
For Riya, the journey started with a story she couldn’t forget — a film about a girl in India who couldn’t attend school because her family didn’t have a bike to get her there.
“That hit me. It made me realize how small barriers can block entire futures.”
So what did Riya and Snigdha do? They raised money for 15 bikes — and delivered them directly to girls in India, so they could travel to school and continue their education. That’s not a social post. That’s real-world impact from two high school students in Central Jersey.
STEM, Workshops, and the Strix Partnership
The Femme Voice team saw another major issue: STEM programs were often expensive or inaccessible for many local students. So they did something about it.
They partnered with Strix, a local East Brunswick educational platform, to host a free week-long STEM workshop — creating the curriculum themselves, with help from educators and professionals in engineering and business. They taught hands-on projects, used differentiated instruction, and found that their students — even during summer break — were excited to be there.
“We had marshmallows, toothpicks, games, challenges — once the kids got going, they were all in,” said Snigdha.
They even ended the workshop with an affordable fundraiser selling stationery, building both confidence and sustainability into the model.
Not Just STEM — Menstrual Equity and Financial Literacy
The Femme Voice’s mission expanded as they discovered more unmet needs. They’ve:
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Hosted local fundraisers and donation drives for menstrual hygiene products
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Collected school supplies for shelters and children in need
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Organized financial literacy bootcamps for youth at the East Brunswick Public Library — covering topics like budgeting, investing, and 401(k)s
Their thinking? STEM is important, but economic empowerment is the other half of the equation.
“We’re first-gen,” Riya explained. “Our parents taught us these things, but many kids here don’t have that guidance. We want to close that gap too.”
From East Brunswick to India — and Beyond
The Femme Voice already has two chapters in Virginia and New York. They’re in early conversations to launch a presence in India. And as they look toward college, both Snigdha and Riya are clear: this isn’t ending at graduation.
Their five-year plan? Start college chapters, apply for grants, partner with large companies like Google or Microsoft, and continue scaling their work.
They’ve raised over $4,500 already. And they’re just getting started.
How You Can Help
The Femme Voice is open to all — not just the Indian community, not just girls. If you’re passionate about education, equity, or just want to support students making a difference, here’s what you can do:
📲 Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefemmevoice/
📦 Donate school supplies or menstrual products (keep an eye out for future box locations)
🌯 Support upcoming fundraisers — like their Dine-to-Donate with Chipotle (date TBD)
💰 Help them reach their next $3,000–$4,000 goal to fund future workshops and donations
And most importantly — spread the word.
Final Thoughts
Snigdha and Riya are not waiting to be asked. They are leading. From local fundraisers to cross-continental workshops, The Femme Voice is a reminder that real change doesn’t require a title, a budget, or a degree — just heart, drive, and action.
To quote them directly:
“If you see a need in your community, do your best to fulfill it.”
We couldn’t agree more.
🎙️ Watch the full Voices of EB interview with The Femme Voice now — only on Eyes on EB.
📍Filmed at the East Brunswick Public Library
📲 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/thefemmevoice/
Watch On YouTube
