In the News

Concord, NH, May 4, 2023 - Last night, the Grappone Convention Center in Concord was a buzzing hub of industry leaders, luminaries, and role models from across the state of New Hampshire. Among those honored at the New Hampshire Business Review's "Outstanding Women in Business" ceremony was Riyah Patel, Founder and President of New American Scholars.

This year, the prestigious award included a new category, the NextGen Award, designed to celebrate younger leaders making an impact in their communities. The New Hampshire Business Review created the category in response to the remarkable achievements of Ms. Patel and her nonprofit organization, New American Scholars, which is committed to closing the educational achievement gap for refugee students in the state.

While accepting the NextGen Award, Patel expressed gratitude to the New Hampshire Business Review and recognized the accomplishments of other women leaders honored at the event. "It's women like you who inspire girls like me," she noted, sharing the stage with some of the most influential women in the state.

Riyah’s Inspiring Journey

Riyah Patel founded New American Scholars in 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Focused on the educational challenges faced by refugee communities during the crisis, the organization has since scaled to multiple cities, boasting over 50 dedicated tutors and reaching more than 150 students.

In her acceptance speech, Patel shared critical life lessons, urging the next generation to believe in themselves, seek inspiration and mentorship, ask the right questions, and redefine failure as growth.

A Message to the Next Generation

As she concluded her remarks, Patel spoke directly to the next generation: "The future is an exciting place. It’s unwritten, not predetermined by the people who came before us, but determined by the people we become. We’re not next. We’re now."

An Aspiration for More

Amanda Andrews, Associate Editor of the New Hampshire Business Review, said, "We were so impressed by Riyah Patel's achievements that we decided to create the NextGen Award specifically to highlight her work with New American Scholars." Through recognizing Ms. Patel, the organization aims to inspire other young people to take risks, become exceptional leaders, and effect lasting change.

The Outstanding Women in Business Awards celebrate New Hampshire women who have excelled not only in their professional lives but also as community leaders. This new addition to the awards aims to extend that recognition to younger trailblazers actively shaping the future.