We had the good fortune of connecting with Ethan Chemmanoor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
For me, it’s the principle of transforming dreams into actionable goals. I don’t have dreams, I have goals. Dreams are important, but they remain abstract unless we turn them into something concrete. I strongly believe in the power of setting clear goals and doing whatever it takes to achieve them. Anyone can dream, but what sets successful people apart is their ability to turn those dreams into goals and work towards achieving them.

Throughout my journey, this mindset has been my driving force. Every achievement I’ve reached so far is a result of hard work, dedication, and a goal-oriented approach. It’s not just about dreaming big, but about setting clear, measurable targets and putting in the effort to make them a reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From a young age, I’ve always had a deep passion for serving others. My parents often took me to food drives at church, where I learned the importance of giving back to my community. There’s a indescribable joy that comes from helping others—one that no amount of money can replicate.

When I founded STEM Extreme, I was driven by that indescribable feeling of making a difference. STEM Extreme is a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap in educational inclusivity, ensuring that every child, no matter their background, has access to quality education, particularly in the fields of STEM.

To this day, we have impacted 12 grades, collaborated with 5 districts, and engaged 34 schools, reaching over 50,000 students on our journey. Yet, our mission doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to touching the lives of many more, igniting their passion for learning and empowering them to pursue their dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Beach Day

Morning: Start at Laguna Beach for sun and surf.
Afternoon: Head to Newport Beach for paddleboarding.
Evening: Dinner at Mastro’s Ocean Club with ocean views.

Day 2: Shopping and Dining

Morning: Breakfast at The Cheesecake Factory at Irvine Spectrum.
Afternoon: Shop at South Coast Plaza.
Evening: Dinner at Din Tai Fung and a show at Segerstrom Center.

Day 3: Exploring Los Angeles

Morning: Visit Griffith Observatory for city views.
Afternoon: Explore Hollywood Boulevard and lunch at In-N-Out.
Evening: Dinner at The Ivy and a performance at Hollywood Bowl.

Day 4: Amusement Park

All Day: Enjoy rides and attractions at Disneyland.

Day 5: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Visit Getty Center for art.
Afternoon: Explore LACMA and lunch at its café.
Evening: Shop and dine at The Grove.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Hike at Runyon Canyon.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Lobster at Santa Monica Pier.
Evening: Explore Venice Beach and dine on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Day 7: Relaxation

Morning: Spa day in Laguna Beach.
Afternoon: Brunch at Nick’s Laguna Beach.
Evening: Sunset dinner at The Rooftop Lounge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much of who I am today to my mother. She has been a constant source of strength for me, always pushing me to be the best version of myself, even when I doubted my own abilities. Her unwavering belief in me, her endless support, and the way she stands behind every decision I make have been essential in my journey.

Without hesitation, she has been there for every high and every low, always reminding me that I’m capable of more than I realize. Her love and belief in me have been the driving force behind my successes. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Website: https://www.stemextreme.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-chemmanoor-b1a938310

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.