Nila Elangovan
Nila Elangovan is a recent graduate of Chantilly High School and an incoming freshman at William & Mary. In 2024, she founded the N-Lighten Tutoring Program, a nonprofit organization that provides free English and Math tutoring to underprivileged students in grades 5–8 who struggle with fundamental pre-algebra, algebra, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Inspired by her experience tutoring students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nila recognized that many families face financial barriers to accessing academic support. Through N-Lighten, she leads a team of volunteers who develop personalized lessons, projects, games, and assessments to help students build confidence and strengthen their fundamentals. The program currently serves students from diverse backgrounds and emphasizes both academic growth and self-esteem.
In addition to leading N-Lighten, Nila is a published author who enjoys encouraging young people to express themselves through writing and creativity. Her long-term goal is to expand educational opportunities for underserved communities and empower students to become confident, lifelong learners.
The Claes Nobel Future Female Leader Scholarship was established to encourage and empower young women to assume future leadership roles in their colleges and universities, their careers and communities, and to become mentors for the young women following in their footsteps. Leadership doesn’t have to mean being the head of a club. Actions, not titles, make leaders.