ámaxa

Meet ámaxa: Mission & Team

strokeLinecap="round"

Our vision is a world where anyone who wants to make a difference can do it.

For the first time in history, we can see in crystal clear detail the challenges faced by others across the world. Also for the first time in history, we can change that person's life across the world easier than ever before. But, it's not quite that easy. Who do you help? What's the best way to help? How do I raise the money or spread the word? How do I find others who want to do it with me? We want to build a world where anyone who wants to make a difference can do it. That's why we set out to build the only place where we take you from start to finish of what's needed to truly effect change.

To accomplish this, we take our members from start to finish of what's needed to truly effect change.

We provide end-to-end support for every step needed to actually effect change, while alternatives often focus on just one. We match you with a high-impact nonprofit or ámaxa initiative, connect you to a team, and provide a coach to guide you with 1-1 support. We train you in proven project management methods and build features in our web app to solve the problems, however minute, you identify. You drive the impact, and we ensure the tools and support are in place to make it happen.

Our work is vital because it democratizes social impact, empowering individuals of any background or location to become active agents of change.

Over 240 students have applied to our Cohort Program from 48 countries and counting. Fundamental to our mission is that our $150 program fee for the high school Cohorts pathway is accessible, with scholarships available for any student in need, closing the extracurricular gap for low-income students. Upon securing funding, we aim to get rid of the program fee entirely.

Supporting teen mental health is also an innate part of our mission.

According to new research, such as this article in Scientific American, teens who help others experience reductions in depression and anxiety. One of the most striking findings, for example, is that, in one study, after 30 hours of volunteer work, de­pressive symptoms [for teens aged 14-20] reduced an average of 19%. Our high school Cohort program averages 50 hours over the 3 month period and offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes while connecting with peers and mentors globally which in turn fosters self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Meet the team

strokeLinecap="round"

Lauren McMillen

Founder & CEO

Lauren, a New York University Abu Dhabi graduate in Computer Science and Arabic, is now pursuing a Master's in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh. With a strong foundation in technology and experience in over a dozen non-profits, she's driven by a powerful mission: empowering others to recognize their potential to make a real difference in the world.

Photo of Lauren McMillen

Alexi Jones

COO

"The world is a crazy place right now. I love that Amaxa empowers students and young professionals to face it head on, and to come up with creative, innovative and energetic solutions to the problems we are facing. Getting to be a part of the Amaxa team is a chance for me to tell students, young adults and dreamers what I wish I'd been told: 'Your ideas matter and you can make a difference; now let's get started." Lexi grew up in central Illinois, where cornfields stretch to the horizon and Friday nights are for football. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in International Studies with a Political Science minor at the University of Tampa. Lexi's journey includes internships at CHANGE Illinois and United Way Suncoast, volunteering on the Polish-Ukrainian border, and contributing to the North America for Ukraine leadership team.

Photo of Alexi Jones

Aniketh Chenjeri

CTO

Ani drives the development of the ámaxa platform, tackling key challenges and creating innovative software solutions. A junior in high school, he has invested thousands of hours in programming and problem-solving. His skills have earned national recognition, with multiple state and national titles in programming and cybersecurity.

Photo of Aniketh Chenjeri

We want to build a world where anyone who wants to help the world can do it.