Sienna Dhariwal

Sienna is a change-agent for under-represented communities—a voice for those without resources or advocacy in today’s world with a too-slow-pace-of-change. Sienna has been a voice in her community advocating for the environment, gender equality, racial equity, and mental health awareness. 

In 8th grade–as part of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Minnesota Youth Entrepreneurship Academy–she launched her own swimwear enterprise, Bikini Blend, with swimsuits made from 100% recycled material. Her vision was to be both a business owner and a changemaker by selling a product that promotes sustainability, gender equity, and body positivity for women of all colors, shapes, and sizes. With the help of the ABF Grant, she led the business’ growth to include four bikini collections, website visitors across 15 countries, and sales across 10 states. She’s promoted sustainable consumption through local media interviews–including a TV segment–and being featured in Minnesota Swim Week runway shows in 2023 and 2024. 

Sienna’s gender advocacy work includes co-founding and co-chairing the first-ever Twin Cities Girl Up Gala with five schools across the Twin Cities. She took a leadership role in securing $5,000 in sponsorships and the first indigenous Miss Minnesota since the early 1900s as a keynote on diversity, and the venue and catering services. The event raised over $10,000, which was donated to three charities. While active in advocacy, she’s challenged herself with an AP-centric course load and has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.