James Strong
President
James Strong is a freshman at Harvard University. He is the president and co-founder of Strength From Numbers since 2017. In college, James has taken multivariable calculus and other college level math courses, was elected President of the Darien Math Honors Society (Mu Alpha Theta) in 2021, and was a competitive member on the DHS math team. He is interested in studying medicine, specifically neuroscience, and enjoys fencing and playing chess in his free time. After teaching over 100+ students in-person and virtually, James is dedicated to improving the outreach of math and STEM enrichment for elementary school and middle school students in all communities.
Jonathan Strong
Darien Chapter President
Jonathan Strong is a senior at Darien High School. Currently, he is in AP Calculus. At his school, Jonathan attends the Darien High School Math Team. Standing out in the field of math, he has been inducted into the National Math Honor Society in 2019. Jonathan has experience in teaching, and has independently led schools in this program. Outside of school, Jonathan plays squash who qualified and attended the National Squash Tournament. He also has an enthusiasm about technology and is doing research in a cancer hospital in New York City. Jonathan is excited to show all of his students the elegance of math.
Lucas Smith
Vice President
Lucas Smith is a senior at Darien High school, currently enrolled in AP Calculus. An eager student, Lucas enjoys exploring the many different ways math can be applied to everyday life. After class, he is a captain of the debate team at his school, and participates in Quiz Bowl, a competitive trivia competition. In the spring, he plays volleyball as well. His interests include computer programming, reading, and being an active participant in the local community. Lucas joined Strength from Numbers in 2019, and looks forward to teaching younger students in the years to come.
Shafay Salman
Teacher
Shafay Salman is a junior at Darien High School enrolled in Honors Precalculus. At his school, Shafay is Vice President of the DECA business club, and he qualified for the National Financial Consulting even by placing 2nd i the state competition as a Sophomore. Shafay is also a member of the student government; he is a junior class officer who coordinates and plkans activites and fundraisers for both his class and Darien High School. Shafay is also a member of the National Math Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society. Outside of school, Shafay enjoys playing basketball, golf, and rugby, and is interested in the field of Finance and Entrepreneurship. Shafay joined Strength From Numbers this year and will continue tutoring students to acheive their academic goals.
Gabriel Babayev
Gabriel Babayev is currently a freshman at New Canaan High School and is 13 years old. He is an avid mathematics and science enthusiast and is currently taking advanced algebra and Geometry classes. When it comes to tutoring, he is very passionate about teaching kids that have a harder time learning. Outside of school, Gabriel fences on a national level, being recently ranked top 5 in the US within the Youth-14 age group. Although this is his first year teaching at Strength From Numbers, he knows he can help kids attain the same appreciation for math as he has over the years.
Evelyn Hidy
Teacher
Evelyn is a senior at Darien High School. She is taking AP BC Calculus and is a full member of the National Math Honors Society. She is very motivated in math and is also the president of the photography club. As well, she is a member of DECA, a business club, the Science Honors Society and the National Honors Society. Evelyn is also an EMT and member of the Post 53 - Darien EMS organization. Outside of school, she enjoys playing sports including lacrosse, field hockey, and ice hockey. Evelyn joined Strength From Numbers last year and is extremely excited to teach students math.
Mr. Kinahan
Stamford Teacher Advisor
Mr. Kinahan was a big inspiration for James and Ming when founding Strength From Numbers. He started the program at Stark Elementary School and been our educator advisor ever since. Mr. Kinahan's energetic, creative, and special teaching style taught every one of us how to be a more impactful teacher. He currently works in the Stamford school district as a math specialist and he advises our meetings as well. We are so greatly appreciative to the time and dedication that Mr. Kinahan has given to this program, and he has truly been a huge supporter of our team.