Passionate high schoolers interested in engineering, dedicated to inspiring the next generation
UpDraft Engineering is powered by a diverse team of engineers, educators, and volunteers who believe in making engineering accessible to all. Our team brings decades of combined experience in education, technology, and community building.
President & Founder
Sonu Rao is a junior at Lake Travis High with a passion for computer science, engineering, and business. She loves to challenge herself with hard classes, participate in many competitions, and host classes (like UpDraft)! When she's not busy researching Brain Computer Interfaces or learning about Quantum Entanglement and engineering innovations at MIT, she draws, swims, plays the piano, and volunteers with the American Red Cross. Sonu hopes to serve her community and spread her love for engineering, showing its potential and amazing uses while mentoring the next generation of future leaders, innovators, and creators.
Vice President/Director of Marketing
Emma James is a high school student based in Austin, Texas who enjoys both academic challenges and creative pursuits. Alongside her rigorous coursework, Emma plays the guitar, an experience that has helped shape how she approaches learning—through persistence, self-discipline, and breaking down complex problems into manageable parts. She enjoys exploring new ideas, improving her wide range of skills, and pushing herself beyond her comfort zone through performances, competitions, and community service.
Chief Operating Officer
Elora Sekour is a junior and is excited to be a part of the UpDraft team. She is a proficient coder with experience with Java, python, and C#. Her hobbies include Model UN, choir, and art. She hopes to someday become a product manager, leading teachnical and logistical team operations. She is ready and willing to help anyone start on their path to a career in STEM.
Director of Curriculum
Liana Aaron is a rising sophomore and is learning a bit of engineering along with you. She's well versed in the world of robotics and code (especially python). She's hoping to pursue a career in electrical engineering. She's had experience with both engineering and manufacturing. She welcomes everyone who comes with open arms into the world of STEM.
Outreach Coordinator/Social Media Manager
Hi, my name is Ayesha Jain and I'm a rising senior! I enjoy problem solving, public speaking, and connecting ideas through visualization and activities. Updraft has presented me the perfect opportunity to help connect these principles and I'm so excited! In my free time I love to read, draw, and shop. I'm proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, R, and Pandas Python! I love connecting technology with business and my passion is to hopefully to pursue a mix of both.