Our Bureau
Ocean City, NJ
Anika Deshpande, a passionate young student from the Indian American community, is making waves in sustainability, education, and philanthropy, all while pursuing her dreams of creating a better future for her community. From designing eco-friendly apparel to publishing a thought-provoking book, Anika is proving that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact.
Anika’s latest project with Bowfish Kids, a local sustainable brand for children’s clothing, reflects her drive to combine fashion and purpose. As the sustainability intern at Bowfish, she helped create a special line of shirts, with part of the proceeds going to the ASM Materials Education Foundation, which brings hands-on materials science education to underserved children. “It’s more than just clothing,” Anika explains. “It’s a way to connect environmental consciousness with education, empowering the next generation to explore STEM fields.”
Anika’s efforts at Bowfish extend beyond product development. She plays an integral role in evaluating suppliers to ensure compliance with eco-friendly standards, leveraging both her creativity and business acumen. Her commitment to promoting sustainability has led to Bowfish Kids being recognized by the NJ Sustainable Business Registry, a notable achievement for the small business.
But Anika’s passion for education doesn’t stop there. She recently published a book on materials science and sustainability, called “Marvelous Materials” aimed at igniting curiosity in young readers about this field and their ability to make a difference. This book was the silver winner of the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) 2024 Visionary Awards, a national award given to entries selected yearly from among the best new products, electronic media, music and books in the Mind/Body/Spirit marketplace. Anika hopes to inspire others to become changemakers in their communities, noting that she “wants readers to know that no matter where they start, they can create meaningful change,” she says.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Anika is actively involved in various community leadership initiatives. Alongside Bowfish founder and owner Caitlin Quirk, she’s working on launching a composting program in schools across New Jersey, teaching students the importance of waste management and environmental responsibility.
With her hands in multiple projects, Anika credits the important people who have helped her in this journey. “I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met along the way—teachers, mentors, and friends,” she reflects. “It’s all about building connections and working toward something bigger than yourself.”
As Anika prepares for the next chapter—both in her academic journey and her mission to make a difference—one thing is clear: her passion, drive, and commitment to sustainability and education will continue to leave an indelible mark on the community and beyond.
Anika’s story is a reminder that meaningful change starts with young people who dare to care—and she’s only just getting started.
Anika Deshpande is a senior at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood, NJ. She wants to study engineering and aims to promote sustainability and environmental conservation. She has been appointed by the mayor of Ocean City as an official student liaison to the Environmental Commission of Ocean City and uses her position to spearhead and contribute to environmentally conscious initiatives and educational opportunities for the city.
