We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rayaan Altaf and Sachi Dodamani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rayaan and Sachi below.
Rayaan and Sachi, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, Sachi and I had moments when we felt the power of science and saw how it could change the world. However, we also saw that for many people, topics like environmental science felt distant or even intimidating. We both wanted to bridge that gap and make these ideas feel closer and more inspiring to everyone.
When we first started Ecobox, we aimed to make environmental science and STEM not only more accessible but also engaging and relevant to people’s lives. As we began working with schools, community organizations, and districts, our purpose really started to come into focus. We realized our mission was about more than teaching—it was about empowering people to understand and care about the environment in ways that could lead to meaningful action.
Ultimately, our purpose is grounded in seeing people get inspired. Watching students, teachers, and even parents discover something new and feel excited about it—that’s what drives us. We’re here to help people connect with these big ideas that affect their lives and the planet, and hopefully, make learning an empowering experience along the way.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At Ecobox, we’re passionate about reshaping how people learn about the environment. We aim to make STEM education and environmental science accessible and engaging for all ages. We started this journey with a strong desire to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world impact, and we’ve grown into a platform that partners with school districts, community organizations, and individuals to bring these subjects to life.
One of the things we’re most excited about is the hands-on, interactive approach we take. Instead of traditional methods, we focus on activities and tools that make these concepts practical and relatable. We believe that when people understand how science connects to their everyday lives, they’re more likely to care about the environment and take steps to protect it.
We recently launched Ecowise, a carbon-tracking app designed to help people understand and reduce their carbon footprint interactively. As we continue to expand, our goal is to create even more resources that empower people to make sustainable choices. We’re also planning some exciting workshops and events that connect communities through environmental action and learning. For us, Ecobox is more than a business; it’s a way to inspire and equip people to make a difference.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In retrospect, three traits that truly stick out as being essential to the creation of Ecobox are flexibility, empathy, and a drive for continuous learning. Each has contributed differently to forming our path and advancing Ecobox.
Flexibility has been crucial. Establishing and expanding a firm, particularly in the educational sector, necessitates ongoing adaptation. We’re always learning from feedback and adapting to new educational trends, and that flexibility has been crucial to our growth. For anyone starting out, I’d say it’s important to stay open to change and see it as part of the journey. Be with people who bring fresh ideas.
Empathy has also been important, especially since our goal is to connect people with environmental topics in ways that feel personal and impactful. Understanding our audience—students, teachers, and community members—and listening to their needs is at the core of what we do. To create something meaningful, you need to truly understand the people you’re creating it for. Practicing empathy by actively listening and putting yourself in others’ shoes helps you create products and experiences that resonate deeply.
A passion for learning has fueled everything. The environmental field is constantly evolving, and we’re always expanding our knowledge to bring the latest insights to Ecobox. If we had never been intrigued by AP Environmental Science in high school, none of this would have been possible. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say to never stop learning. Invest time in reading, taking courses, or simply exploring new perspectives. The more you know, the more you can offer to those you serve. Developing these qualities takes time, but if you stay committed, they’ll carry you through challenges and successes, keeping your work both impactful and meaningful.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Ecobox, we’re always looking to expand our impact by partnering with individuals and organizations that share our commitment to environmental education and sustainability. So far, we’ve collaborated with a variety of local libraries, schools, after-school programs, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses, all with the shared goal of making STEM and environmental science accessible and engaging for everyone.
We’re especially interested in connecting with schools and community groups that want to enhance environmental awareness in their communities, as well as tech innovators who want to help us create new interactive learning experiences. If you’re an educator, nonprofit, or professional with expertise in sustainability, tech, or science education, we’d love to explore potential collaborations with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ecobox.site
- Instagram: @ecoboxofficial
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