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IT’S TIME TEXAS Ambassador Zoya Surani is a health champion in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her dedication to teaching children about health has impacted the lives of over 7,000 students in the past two years. Zoya co-founded iConquer, an effective curriculum for children ages 3-7 about healthy choices, obesity and diabetes. Since we reviewed Zoya’s iConquer curriculum she has conducted research, secured funding, and partnered with local organizations such as the Corpus Christi Mayor’s Fitness Council, the Ed Rachel Foundation, the Vishal Raju Bhagat Foundation, the Nueces County Community Action Agency, the Diabetes Community Coalition, Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation, Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative Act, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, and the local Junior League. Zoya is also a member of the local Ante Tobacco Program and Project KNIGHTS, educating local middle schoolers about the importance of sleep and the dangers of sleep deprivation. The kicker: Zoya is only fifteen years old.

Pictured: Zoya dressed at iConquer’s mascot, Banunu

iConquer strives to create lasting healthy habits in children and reverse childhood obesity. The unique curriculum includes a self-created music video called “Conquered,” an animated movie, an educational puppet show, dance routines, iClicker technology, and kid-friendly portion plates. With help from local middle school, high school and college students, iConquer captures the attention of these young children and makes it cool to lead a healthy lifestyle!

Zoya finds her own health extremely important, and leads by example. “My motivation is found from the children we teach because their eyes light up when they try something that’s not only good but also healthy,” says Zoya. “ The way they love to live a healthy lifestyle is the greatest motivation anyone could ask for.”

Thank you, Zoya, for your leadership! You have raised the bar extremely high for what an IT’S TIME TEXAS Ambassador (of any age) can accomplish through research, careful planning, and community partnerships. To learn more about iConquer, visit their website!