OUR PEOPLE
Project Ripples is run by people with the passion to change the world.
Diana Benedicto-Jimenez
Founder/CEO of Project Ripples/Web Designer/Blogger
Diana Benedicto-Jimenez is currently a sophomore in high school. Her yearning for the betterment of the human condition not only lead to the creation of Project Ripples but is also significantly reflected in her personal interests. Her love for science allowed her the opportunity to win numerous achievements in Division B Science Olympiads, including that in the categories of Anatomy and Physiology, Rocks and Minerals, Parasitology, and Bottle Rocket. She is a current participant in the STEP Science Research Program at Adelphi University, under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Lichtman. Diana is a CSHL STARS (Science and Technology Research Scholar). If she is not in the laboratory, Diana would most likely be found training for track and field competitions. Diana is a USATF Long Island, New York member and competes as an unattached athlete for the 55-meter hurdles. In 2018-2019, she won a gold medal at the Long Island Youth Indoor Association Championships, a silver medal at the Armory Youth Championships, and a bronze medal at the Pre National Invitational. Aside from her track and field experience, Diana has trained in multiple disciplines of martial arts. She is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a third phase in Jeet Kune Do, and is currently training Traditional Krav Maga. Her concern for the preservation of the environment and her vision of providing opportunities to disadvantaged children is the backbone of Project Ripples.
Maria Christina Salientes
International Blogger
Maria Kristina Salientes is a sophomore in college and is currently studying geology. She attends the University of Southeastern Philippines. She has just recently joined the Project Ripples family as the International Contributor and Blog Writer. She is extremely passionate and knowledgable about science and climate change, and it is greatly reflected through her writing.
Justin Li
Executive in Training
Justin Li joined Project Ripples in November 2019. Justin Li is currently a freshman in high school. His desire to help people that are in need has led him to joining the effort of Project Ripples. His love for science, and his desire to learn has helped him win numerous awards in the Division B Science Olympiad on both the regional and state level. This includes awards in Anatomy and Physiology, Crime Busters, Hovercraft, Density Lab, and Circuit Lab. He has also won many awards in different math competitions, including being ranked 11th in the state in the 7th grade NYML competition which qualified him for a math competition during the month of July.
