Sophomore Develops Award-Winning Social Impact App

The CGI Innovate IT Challenge is a 12-week mobile app development competition in which high school teams from across the Pittsburgh region design innovative smartphone applications using Thunkable, a drag-and-drop app development platform. Throughout the program, students work alongside mentors from CGI, University of Pittsburgh students and local STEM industry partners, gaining hands-on experience in technology, collaboration and entrepreneurship.

Mahi and Janya developed an app called RealTokk, a short-form social media platform designed to turn passive scrolling into meaningful action. The app combines engaging content with verified information and built-in tools that encourage users – particularly teens – to learn about real-world issues and make a positive impact.

Features include educational context panels, an “ImpactShop” that supports ethical causes, and a “VeriPet” rewards system that encourages positive online engagement.

“We are incredibly proud of Mahi’s accomplishments and the innovative solution she helped create to empower young people to move from awareness to action,” Dipti Thacker, Mahi’s mother, said.

At Upper St. Clair High School, Mahi serves as captain of USC Robotics team ROGO Rose and vice president/managing editor of The St. Clairion student newspaper. She is also a state and national qualifier in Congressional Debate and will compete at the NCFL Speech and Debate National Tournament May 22-24 in Washington, D.C.