Mainland Regional High School senior interns at Bowfish Kids in Ocean City
OCEAN CITY — Anika Deshpande is making waves in sustainability, education and philanthropy while pursuing her dreams of creating a better future for her community.
From designing eco-friendly apparel to publishing a children’s book, the teen is proving that age is no barrier to making an impact.
Her latest project with Bowfish Kids, a local sustainable children’s clothing brand with a store on Asbury Avenue, reflects her drive to combine fashion and purpose. As the sustainability intern at Bowfish, she helped create a special line of shirts, with part of the proceeds going to the ASM Materials Education Foundation, which brings hands-on materials science education to underserved children.
“It’s more than just clothing,” Deshpande said. “It’s a way to connect environmental consciousness with education, empowering the next generation to explore STEM fields.” (STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.)
The T-shirt reads, “Strong bonds make a difference.”
“That has a little bit of a double entendre. Obviously there are chemical bonds that clearly make a difference and having the right people behind you, like (Bowfish owner) Caitlin (Quirk), for me, has made such a difference,” Deshpande said.
Her efforts at Bowfish extend beyond product development. She plays an integral role in evaluating suppliers to ensure compliance with eco-friendly standards, leveraging both her creativity and business acumen. Deshpande’s commitment to promoting sustainability helped Bowfish Kids get recognized by the New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry, a notable achievement for the small business.
Quirk and Deshpande met when the Mainland Regional High School senior attended an Ocean City Environmental Commission meeting.
“It was intriguing to me seeing her take the initiative and wanting to learn about what the Environmental Commission does and be active about it,” Quirk said.
Deshpande lives in Linwood, but was referred to Ocean City because her hometown does not have an Environmental Commission.
“I think it’s so cool to be able to contribute to tangible change within your community,” Deshpande said. “I remember it very vividly. There was an empty seat next to Caitlin and she looked so inviting so I sat next to her. I participated in the meeting, I asked questions, I sat there and listened and observed. As I was leaving, Caitlin pulled me aside and gave me her business card and said, ‘Give me a call.’
“I was super excited about it. We met up and she offered me an internship at Bowfish,” Deshpande said.
“I explained to her the work we do here and that we were looking for someone to be like an accountability buddy for our sustainability initiatives,” Quirk said. “Anika has done great.
“It was refreshing to see that she really is passionate about (the environment) and she is putting herself in the right places to effect change,” the Bowfish owner added.
Quirk noted the importance of those in Deshpande’s generation getting involved because they realize the gravity of the situation, how what is and isn’t done now will affect them and future generations.
Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian appointed Deshpande as a student liaison to the Environmental Commission.
A children’s book
Deshpande’s passion for education doesn’t stop at her internship with Bowfish or as a student representative to the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education. She recently published a book on materials science and sustainability, called “Marvelous Materials.”
The book is aimed at igniting curiosity in young readers about the field and their ability to make a difference.
“The first thing I did was ask my dad, ‘What if I wrote a book?’”
Her father responded, “If you think you can, we’ll support you.” (Her mother and father are Deepali and Nikhil Deshpande.)
She started on a Google doc, wrote a little script for each page and then sought out a freelance illustrator.
“I like to think I’m pretty artistic but I really wanted this to be the best thing it possibly can be and this was just not in my range of artistic ability,” she said.
Desphande was impressed with illustrator Elsa Ismaili’s work.
“It was very collaborative. I gave her some creative freedom so she definitely had a huge role to play in this as well,” she said.
“Marvelous Materials” was the silver winner of the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR) 2024 Visionary Awards, a national award given to entries selected yearly from among the best new products, electronic media, music and books in the Mind/Body/Spirit marketplace. The book is available on Amazon.com and is in some local libraries.
Deshpande hopes to inspire others to become change-makers in their own communities, noting that she “wants readers to know that no matter where they start, they can create meaningful change.”
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Deshpande is actively involved in various community leadership initiatives. Alongside Quirk, she’s working on launching a composting program in schools across New Jersey, teaching students the importance of waste management and environmental responsibility.
Deshpande is currently applying to colleges, planning to study engineering.
With her hands in multiple projects, Deshpande credits the important people who have helped her in this journey.
“I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met along the way — teachers, mentors and friends,” she said. “It’s all about building connections and working toward something bigger than yourself.”
As she prepares for the next chapter — both in her academic journey and her mission to make a difference — one thing is clear: her passion, drive and commitment to sustainability and education will continue to leave a mark on the community and beyond.
Her story is a reminder that meaningful change starts with young people who dare to care — and she’s only just getting started.
– PHOTOS by DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
