At BCA and Willows Prep, we set our graduates up for success in education, in life, and beyond. We give our students the tools needed to achieve their dreams and create a difference in the world.
This is exactly what Ria Bahadur, Class of 2019, has done.
Ria attended our sister school, BCA, for Grade 5 and transitioned into Willows Prep, where she graduated from the then-middle school in Grade 8. Ria went on to attend Stanford University with interests in Political Science and International Relations. While there, she also continues to further her passion in STEM.
Recently, the parents of this BCA and Willows Prep graduate reached out to us to share our alumna’s success story. “Ria Bahadur [is] the youngest person in the United States to author a state law. We are deeply indebted to BCA and Willows family for forging her into a lovely human being,” shares Ria’s parents.
Ria’s parents go on to share this heartwarming anecdote with us:
Ria is a trailblazing youth legislator and social justice advocate, recognized as the youngest person to author and pass a bill in Washington State. Her landmark achievement, Senate Bill SB 5355, mandates sex trafficking education in schools, reflecting her dedication to combating human trafficking.
Ria’s advocacy has been highlighted in prominent media outlets, underscoring her influence and commitment to social change. She personally led the team of state teachers, trafficking organization leaders, and victims to author a curriculum that is available globally via the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington State and is being utilized across the state in several school districts.
In addition to her legislative work, Ria is an accomplished researcher focusing on neuroscience and ethical research practices. Her research has led to publications in multiple journals, including a notable article in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Her academic pursuits are complemented by her passion for the performing arts, including Kathak dance and Hindustani music. She balances her scientific endeavors with creative expressions in poetry and painting, aiming to make a global impact through her diverse talents and advocacy efforts.
Currently completing her freshman year at Stanford University, Ria has been awarded a Stanford Fellowship for Research and is the Operations Lead for Stanford’s Space Initiative program.
We are so proud of Ria for all of her accomplishments, and happy that BCA and Willows Prep have helped her along on her journey!
Congratulations, Ria! We are so proud of you. Our community can’t wait to see what else you accomplish.
