About Anya

Anya Gupta is an 8th grader with a mission. A true environmentalist at heart, this bright and compassionate young woman is spreading awareness in her community about ocean wildlife protection.

Her interest in ocean studies began at the age of 4, after learning about the environmental threats that endanger her favorite animal, penguins!

Anya has since proceeded to publish three children's books about ocean conservation, she's won numerous awards, founded the Youth Council for Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards, hosted beach cleanups, e-waste collection drives, and she even partnered with the mayor of Boca Raton to pass a proclamation for the city's official E-Waste Awareness Day.

Anya is passionate about penguins, climate change and human impact on the natural world. She loves reading, music, cooking, dancing and singing. But above all, she loves fighting for those who need protection. She is a diplomat who stands up for injustices and strives to resolve conflict.

3-time Author and Environmentalist

Anya Gupta has published 3 children's books, highlighting some of the environmental threats to ocean life. Her books address issues such as such as plastic pollution, global warming and toxic run-off from electronic waste. Anya's books encourage children to make small changes in their daily lives that will help them become part of the global solution. Her books are available on Amazon or on her website, PenniesForPenguins.com

Official E-Waste Proclamation

Anya played a key role in the official declaration for October 14th as E-Waste Day in Boca Raton. She worked with Mayor, Scott Singer to pass the proclamation and help spread awareness about the harm caused by electronic waste in landfills.

Gumbo Limbo Youth Council | Children making a difference in their community | Boca Raton

Founder of the Youth Council for Gumbo Limbo

Anya has worked closely with Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to develop a youth council, which empowers children in the community to discuss the environmental issues that matter to them and organize events to spread awareness.

Green Student of the Year for PBC Green Schools Program

Anya was chosen to be the Green Student of the Year Nominee for 2020 by the Green School Coordinator and the FAU Team.

youth service America | Young Hero Award

YSA "Everyday Young Hero" Award 2023

Anya was awarded by Youth Service America for taking action in her community to make a positive change in the world. Anya is proud to pave the way for other young people, inspiring them to find their voice and take action.

recycle, reuse, e-waste collection drive

Collection Drives for Electronic Waste

Anya has hosted several collection drives for electronic waste in her community. Collectively she was able to gather over 800 pounds of e-waste, ensuring that it gets reused or recycled rather than sent to landfills. She has partnered with Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and also Delray Beach Children's Garden for these highly successful collection drives. Her latest e-wast drive was even featured on the CBS 12 morning news!

science fair awards, youth environmentalist

Science Fair Regional Award Recipient 2023

Anya received 2 specialty awards and one placement award in the 2023 Regional Science Fair. Her project researched the impact of electronic waste on the mortality rates of Daphnia magna, a well-studied ubiquitous zooplankton.
She reached second place for Environmental Sciences Category Overall and received Honorable Mention for the Pollution Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County award.

2023 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge

Anya was selected as one of the Top 300 Junior Innovators, one of only 7 in Florida, for her science fair project submission to this program of Society for Science.

Most recent publication, addressing E- Waste

This book tackles the issues caused by electronic devices being disposed of into landfills, rather than re-used or recycled. The story features a penguin family who is feeling the effects of the toxic run-off from e-waste, which has seeped into the fish, which they consume. This book is a great way to teach children how interconnected we all are and how important it is to properly dispose of our waste.

STEM science, technology, engineering, and math

National Toshiba NTSA Exploravision Science Competition 2021

This national science competition engages the next generation in real world problem solving through STEM. Anya's was selected as one of the 24 regional winning projects. She won a chromebook and a banner for the school.
Anya participated in the national round, winning second place and a $5,000 scholarship towards college.

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit Grant Recipient

The YOCS grant program provides young ocean stewards with the tools and resources to fund their own conservation projects within their communities

Sea World Youth Environmental Excellence award

2020 Youth Environmental Excellence Award

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens award recognizes young protectors and entrepreneurs of environmental conservation. Anya attended an entire educational behind-the-scenes weekend hosted by SeaWorld conservation team. They arranged for Anya to pet a penguin!