Today we’d like to introduce you to Andra Campos
Hi Andra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been shaped by two defining influences: my grandmother’s unwavering guidance and a transformative internship experience. These moments taught me not only who I am but also what I’m capable of achieving. From my grandmother’s lessons at the kitchen table, where resilience and hard work became second nature, to the discovery of my passion during an internship, these experiences built the foundation for the person I’ve become—a person who sees challenges as opportunities to create meaningful change.
My grandmother played one of the most notable roles in molding my character. From working on math worksheets together at the kitchen table to our endless conversations, she taught me resilience, independence, and the value of hard work. Those lessons became the foundation of who I am.
After my sophomore year of high school, I stepped into a research internship with no prior experience. I was eager but uncertain, especially when tasked with proposing a research idea. That’s when I began thinking about outdoor workers and the high risks they face from melanoma. While exploring this issue, I realized there weren’t many organizations addressing the problem, and I felt a growing need to do something about it.
My mentor played a crucial role in my journey. As I recognized my passion for this subject, she encouraged me to pursue it and showed me that even as a student, I could create meaningful change. Her guidance empowered me to push past my doubts and act on my ideas.
This realization has shaped my approach to challenges ever since. I’ve learned to channel my ideas into tangible solutions. For example, I developed a website, ProjectConnectForum.com, which has since reached 45,000 users. I also created an app called SunScan, which addresses sun safety for outdoor workers and won the Congressional App Challenge. These experiences taught me that the hardest part of making something happen is often just starting—and once you overcome that fear, the possibilities are endless.
Today, when I see a problem or an unmet need, I take action. I don’t let fears or barriers hold me back. This mindset has been the driving force behind everything I do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges was overcoming my own self-doubt. At first, I struggled to believe that I could execute my ideas. Many of them felt intangible or simply out of reach for someone like me—a student without much experience at the time.
For instance, when I first shared my idea of starting my nonprofit, Solace, to support outdoor workers, I confided in my grandmother, who has always been my greatest supporter and advisor. Her initial response was more critical than I expected. She asked, “How do you plan to do this? Are you even able to make it happen?” At the time, her words stung because they echoed my own insecurities.
Looking back, though, I’m grateful for her honesty. Her questions forced me to really think through my plans and pushed me to work harder to prove, not just to others, but to myself, that I could make it happen. That moment taught me to embrace challenges and see criticism as an opportunity to grow.
Overcoming that initial doubt—both from within and from others—was key to achieving what I’ve done today. It showed me that belief in yourself is the foundation for turning any idea into reality, no matter how ambitious it might seem at first
We’ve been impressed with Project Connect Forum, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ProjectConnectForum.com is a platform designed to empower students by connecting them with like-minded individuals, providing access to extracurricular opportunities, and enabling them to build or assemble teams to execute their ideas. The inspiration for this website came from my own experience of starting a nonprofit. I realized how challenging it was to navigate the process alone and how much easier it could have been with the right resources and support.
The platform addresses a common challenge I’ve observed: many students have incredible ideas for creating change, but they often lack the confidence, tools, or connections to bring those ideas to life. Project Connect aims to bridge that gap by offering a space where students can turn their ambitions into action.
What sets Project Connect apart is its focus on fostering collaboration and empowerment. It’s not just a resource hub—it’s a community. We’re helping students realize that they can be changemakers, regardless of their age or experience, and giving them the means to take that first step.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Project Connect has already reached 45,000 users nationwide, making a real impact in helping students connect with opportunities and build their confidence. I hope to continue scaling the platform, incorporating innovative features like AI-based matchmaking for projects, and using what I learn through my college education to enhance its offerings.
Ultimately, I’m passionate about helping others execute their own passions. Starting my nonprofit and this platform not only allowed me to contribute to the world but also shaped me into who I am today. I believe that when students are equipped with the right resources and support, they can overcome their fears, unlock their potential, and create meaningful change. That’s what Project Connect is all about—helping students start their journeys and grow into the leaders they aspire to be.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One additional thing I’d like to share is how important I’ve found it to start young. As a high school student, starting early allowed me to build a strong foundation, and I’ve realized how critical that can be for others as well. To help instill this mindset, I wrote a book titled Math Speaks: Discovering the Wonders of Mathematics in Everyday Life.
The book explores how math is intertwined with our daily experiences and aims to inspire an appreciation for the subject at a young age. Math often carries a stigma, but I’m passionate about breaking that barrier. I’ve donated copies of my book to my local library and plan to give readings at elementary schools to encourage young students to see math in a new light.
My hope is that by helping students see the beauty and relevance of math early on, they’ll feel more confident and excited about exploring it further. Removing the stigma around math is a cause I care deeply about, and this book is just one way I’m working toward that goal.
I thank my family, while I grew up low-income I grew up rich in support. From my aunt and uncle flying all the way to NYU to my dad making weekly hour-long car rides for me each of their sacrifices has built up who I am.
Pricing:
- $5 shoutouts on our Instagram with 20K followers, typically gaining 2,000-2,500 views per story
- $20 passion project counseling sessions, I’ll help guide you in starting your own project
Contact Info:
- Website: https://projectconnectforum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectconnectforum/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andra-campos-861149258/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@projectconnectforum
- Other: personal website: https://andracampos.com
