In Her Own Words: Anika Iyer Leads with Grace and Purpose
Leadership doesn't always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it moves quietly, creating space for others to grow and be heard. Anika Iyer, an 11th grade student at Carrollwood Day School, exemplifies this powerful, thoughtful kind of leadership. She has distinguished herself through her advocacy for individuals with divergent talents, bringing a deep sense of social responsibility to everything she does. Through her leadership, Anika has inspired her peers to pursue good deeds for the betterment of society, showing how one voice, used with compassion and conviction, can spark broader change.
Recently, Anika was recognized by the Athena Society with the prestigious Dr. Sylvia Richardson Young Women of Promise award, an honor that celebrates her promise, passion, and impact. Her story, and the way she tells it, reflect a leader whose voice is both compelling and deeply needed. Today, we are honored to share Anika's journey - in her own words.
Anika, what inspired you to get involved with advocating for diversity, and what impact are you making through your work?
"What inspired me to advocate for diversity wasn’t a single moment—it was a growing awareness that some of the most thoughtful, creative individuals I knew weren’t being given the space to be heard. When I began tutoring students with Down syndrome, I wasn’t prepared for how much they would teach me. Not just about patience or perspective—but about the quiet kind of brilliance that often goes unnoticed when the world only listens to the loudest voices. I saw potential being overlooked not because it wasn’t there, but because it didn’t fit into the boxes we’re taught to recognize.
That’s what led me to create Arts for Care, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of neurodivergent individuals through visual art, storytelling, and poetry. We create platforms where neurodivergent youth can share their work and perspectives without being filtered or simplified. We center their narratives, not as inspiration, but as truth.
The impact we’re making is quiet but transformative. We’ve seen people who once hesitated to speak suddenly light up with confidence when their art is showcased. We’ve heard from families who finally feel their children are being seen for who they are—not just how they’re labeled. And we’ve begun to shift conversations in our community—from mere awareness of difference to genuine appreciation of it. At its heart, my work is powered by a belief that every voice deserves to be heard—not just because it adds to the conversation, but because it changes it."
In what ways has being a student at Carrollwood Day School helped you develop the confidence or skills to become a leader and make a difference in your community?
"Carrollwood Day School has shown me that leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight—it’s about shaping the space around you so others can shine. In the classroom, in the hallways, and in the quiet moments between lessons, I see the power of leadership in those who don’t seek attention but quietly empower those around them. It’s the teacher who listens not just to words, but to the silence behind them; the peer who notices someone being left out and makes an effort to include them; the staff member who doesn’t wait for a problem to escalate but steps in with intention and care. These people aren’t just leaders—they are the ones who create an environment where others feel seen and supported.
What I’ve learned from them is that leadership is about making an impact that endures—it’s about the decisions we make and the actions we take to shape the world around us. I discovered that leadership is more than a title—it’s a privilege to make a difference. It’s the opportunity to stand in the spaces where others are overlooked, to listen when no one else does, and to turn silence into action. True leadership comes from the courage to create change, from challenging the status quo with integrity, and from knowing that every small act of kindness, every moment of listening, has the potential to spark something bigger. Leadership isn’t about dominance or recognition—it’s about creating the conditions where others can find the confidence to act and become leaders in their own right. It’s about making those around you feel capable, empowered, and ready to contribute to something greater than themselves.
Leadership doesn’t just change the world—it unleashes the power in others to change it themselves."
Anika’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of what it means to create space for others, not just to speak but to be truly heard. Her commitment to equity, her thoughtful approach to service, and her ability to elevate the voices of those often overlooked speak to a future shaped by purpose and integrity. As she continues to lead with quiet strength and clarity, Anika is already helping build a world that recognizes the full spectrum of human potential and honors the dignity of every individual. The Carrollwood Day School community is inspired by the example Anika sets, and cannot wait to see the difference she makes in the world.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at marcom@carrollwooddayschool.org.