Chapter Leaders
Aarav Tiwari - Metro West of Boston, MA
My name is Aarav Tiwari, and I am a 17-year-old high school student at Brookline High School. I first discovered the HEAT Squad while searching online for volunteer opportunities. As I explored the website, I realized that this experience could be much more than just a way to complete my service hours—I could contribute meaningfully to a cause I truly care about. I believe helping our elders, especially with technology, should be a common practice. Many of us can relate to seeing our grandparents or parents struggle with using the internet or sending messages. This is a universal challenge, and I want to be proud of playing a part in addressing it. I am committed to putting 110% and going above and beyond—to help older generations develop the skills that will benefit them in today’s world. Supporting them in this way not only empowers individuals but also strengthens our community as a whole.
Orhan Yildiz - Newton North, MA
My name is Orhan Yildiz, and I’m a student at Newton North High School. I joined HEAT Squad because I wanted to use my interest in technology to make a meaningful difference in my community. After helping my grandparents and older family members navigate smartphones, computers, and online services, I realized how overwhelming technology can feel without the right support. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to stay connected and confidently use the tools that have become such a vital part of everyday life. I’m committed to creating a welcoming environment where seniors can ask questions, build new skills, and discover that technology doesn’t have to seem so intimidating, with the ultimate goal of making technology more accessible, approachable, and empowering for the older generation. By helping older adults become more comfortable with technology, I hope to strengthen generational relationships and make a positive impact in my local community.
Jensen Wu - Quincy, MA
I’m Jensen Wu, and I’m a 17 year old student attending North Quincy High School. Technology has always fascinated me, ever since I was a child. Being the oldest among my 2 siblings and coming from a more traditional household, I was used to helping out my parents and grandparents with anything tech related. Over the years, I saw how intimidating modern tech can be for older generations. I believe technology should inspire people, not overwhelm them. I joined HEAT Squad with my goals set clear, to change the way older generations view technology. I want to help others build confidence when using common tools such as smartphones and laptops, making it easier for families to stay connected and for communities to grow closer.
Sophia Killoran - Newton South, MA
My name is Sophia Killoran, and I’m a 17 year old junior at Newton South High School. I’m passionate about helping others feel more confident using technology, especially those who didn’t grow up with it. Through spending time with my grandparents and older relatives, I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating and disheartening it can be to navigate smartphones, computers, and the internet without guidance. Those experiences inspired me to volunteer with HEAT Squad and support seniors as they learn new skills, from sending emails to staying connected with family online. I’m patient, approachable, and committed to making technology feel more accessible and less intimidating for everyone I work with.
Senior Technology Specialists
Gerry Meng - Boston, MA
My name is Gerry Meng. Before joining the HEAT Squad as a Technology Tutor, I served as a Subway Communication Systems Engineer over 11 years, specializing in designing and commissioning on-board Passenger Information Systems (PIS). While my career was built on managing complex communication devices, my current mission is to simplify technology for the seniors in our community. Having witnessed the anxieties and challenges my own parents face when using smartphones, I deeply empathize with the frustrations seniors experience in this fast-paced digital era. I understand how a confusing app interface or a sudden pop-up message can feel overwhelming and even intimidating. I am truly passionate about helping you overcome these hurdles and empowering you to discover the convenience and joy that technology can bring to your daily life.
Rim Araya - Boston, MA
Rim Araya is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and has experience as an IT Consultant and Language Annotator. She is passionate about using technology to help others and enjoys supporting seniors in learning digital skills. Through her volunteer work, she helps make technology more accessible and empowering for people of all ages.