An Eagle Scout and outdoor enthusiast since he could barely walk, Tanish’s lifelong love for the environment has deep roots. However, it took on even more importance when the Bighorn Fire in 2020 scorched hundreds of thousands of acres in the Santa Catalina Mountains near his home. Those flames sparked a new passion for climate advocacy and public policy.

“I wouldn’t have gotten any opportunities that I have unless someone mentored me,” said Tanish.

Tanish is now the outreach director for the AZ Youth Climate Coalition. Since schools are often the largest public energy users, his team is working with Tucson Unified School District, the third largest district in the state, to implement a full climate action plan that includes solar panels, geothermal energy and green energy. The Coalition was also heavily involved in Tucson’s successfully-passed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. He is also working on a climate curriculum, so that high schoolers and even middle schoolers can learn the science behind the climate crisis.

In addition to his environmental work, Tanish is on his school’s mock trial team. He started a  Statistical Analysis Club and his Banned Book Club is now operating in two schools and two libraries. He is part of the Indian Society of Southern Arizona’s first youth board, the Metropolitan Education Commission Youth Advisory Council, the Oro Valley Youth Advisory Council, and the Governor’s Youth Commission. He also launched Jaguar Tutoring Company to help other students who may be struggling.

“There is never too young of an age,” said Tanish. “The earlier you start thinking about careers and entrepreneurship, and making an impact, the more prepared you are to actually go out and have that impact.”