For Julie Grantham, volunteering as a Ciena Solutions Challenge judge offers an inspiring look at the next generation of changemakers.
Every spring, Ciena team members volunteer as judges for the Ciena Solutions Challenge, a global program that empowers students to identify sustainability challenges in their communities and develop technology-driven solutions to address them. For Senior Corporate Counsel Julie Grantham, reviewing student projects has become one of the most rewarding ways to support young innovators, and one of the most inspiring parts of her year.
"Every year I look forward to opening the first project and seeing what these kids have done," she says. After three years as a volunteer judge, Julie has discovered that the experience isn't just about recognizing promising student ideas. It's about witnessing leadership, empathy, and action in their purest form.
Connecting education, technology, and global impact
When Julie first learned about the Ciena Solutions Challenge, she immediately saw an opportunity to support areas she was passionate about. She says, “I was looking for a volunteer opportunity where I could connect three things that are important to me: education, technology, and global impact.” As a volunteer judge, Julie reviews and assesses projects submitted by students and educators all over the world, looking at how the teams define a problem, develop a solution, and consider the impact on their communities. Judges also provide feedback that offers encouragement and guidance along the way that helps the students see the value in their work.
I was looking for a volunteer opportunity where I could connect three things that are important to me: education, technology, and global impact.
After judging is complete, volunteers can also participate in virtual events during the YouthMADE Festival, where they meet students and learn more about their projects. For Julie, having the opportunity to speak directly with the participants is especially meaningful. “To hear someone say, ‘you did a great job, this was really impressive.’ Those few sentences can impact these kids for a lifetime,” she shares.
Projects and people that inspire
Among the projects Julie reviews each year, Julie is consistently inspired by seeing participants who don’t wait for ideal circumstances to try and make a difference. “They're not waiting for someone else to define the problem or provide the perfect resource, they see challenges and then they work with what they have to solve a problem," she says.
One project that left a lasting impression focused on healthcare access in a rural community. Students developed a Smart Emergency Breather designed to help address gaps in emergency medical response. For Julie, the project demonstrated both technical ingenuity and a deep understanding of a community need.
Another memorable project centered on expanding educational opportunities for girls. Older students at a girls’ school repaired computers, created learning spaces, and developed opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The solution not only improved access to technology but also helped create a sustainable cycle of learning and mentorship.
They're not waiting for someone else to define the problem or provide the perfect resource, they see challenges and then they work with what they have to solve a problem.
A third project explored ways to restore polluted tributaries connected to the Amazon River. Students investigated the use of plants to remove contaminants from local waterways and then explored how the resulting plant material could be repurposed into a biofuel. Rather than stopping at the first success, they continued looking for ways to increase the project's environmental impact. Together, these projects represent something Julie sees year after year: students who are willing to take ownership of challenges and use the tools available to them to create positive change.
The reward of seeing empathy in action
In addition to the resourcefulness and passion of the students, Julie is also moved by their empathy. She says, “The projects that impact me most are the ones that combine empathy with problem solving. They're genuinely approaching this as a question of 'who needs help? What would improve their lives? And how can we make a solution and make it sustainable?'"
These projects have reinforced an important lesson for Julie: effective innovation starts with understanding people. When empathy drives the work, technology becomes more than just a tool. It becomes a way to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for others. Seeing their empathy in action is one of the highlights to the volunteer experience, which Julie says is “incredibly valuable and rewarding." She continues, “My favourite part is seeing these kids come at these projects with a combination of creativity, resourcefulness, and genuine commitment to making the world better."
The projects that impact me most are the ones that combine empathy with problem solving. They're genuinely approaching this as a question of 'who needs help? What would improve their lives? And how can we make a solution and make it sustainable?
Investing in education plants a seed for future growth
W
hile volunteers enjoy the injection of inspiration and optimism that the experience provides, for students and their communities, the benefits of the program are also profound. Julie compares participating in the Challenge to planting a seed. With support from educators, mentors, and programs like the Ciena Solutions Challenge, the seeds of innovation, drive, and creativity can continue growing long after a project has been submitted.
While students gain valuable technical knowledge and hands-on experience solving real-world challenges, they also develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. They learn how to identify a problem, collaborate with others, communicate their ideas, persevere through setbacks, and build confidence in their abilities. Those lessons can influence how students approach future education, careers, and opportunities to serve their communities, shaping the next generation of problem solvers who see how they can use technology to create positive change.
Get involved in the Ciena Solutions Challenge
For Julie, the true impact of the Ciena Solutions Challenge is found in the confidence the students build, the skills they develop, and the belief that they have the power to make a difference. If you’re an educator, the Ciena Solutions Challenge is currently accepting submissions from educators and student teams around the world. To learn more or submit a project, visit cienachallenge.org today.
For volunteers like Julie, the experience resonates well beyond the judging period. "I'm so grateful to Ciena and the leadership team for considering this important," she says. "Ciena really does care, and it makes me excited to work here." The culture of giving back and promoting innovation in all aspects of life is an important part of Ciena’s teams. If you’re interested in being a part of a company that supports community impact, education and innovation, explore Ciena’s current opportunities.