Key Takeaways
- Riya Shah is a Computer Science major and THON 2026 Technology Director
- As Technology Director, Riya leads a team of 27 in developing and maintaining THON’s technical infrastructure
- Riya’s goals for THON 2026 include improving the digital line system and implementing a timeline automation system
- Riya THONs because no family should have to worry about the cost of their child’s care
- Riya’s favorite THON memory is doing a scavenger hunt with kids on the floor during THON weekend
Introduction to Riya Shah
Riya Shah is a Computer Science major at Penn State, and she has been an integral part of the THON community for the past three years. She started as a first-year committee member in THON 2023, then became a Technology Captain (THINK Developer) in THON 2024, and later took on the role of Technology Captain (THINK Project Manager) in THON 2025. Now, she is excited to take on the position of Technology Director for THON 2026. Riya’s passion for THON and her desire to make a meaningful impact led her to apply for this director position.
Responsibilities as Technology Director
As Technology Director, Riya is responsible for leading a team of 27 individuals in developing and maintaining the eight websites that make up THON’s technical infrastructure. This infrastructure supports both internal operations and outward-facing engagement. Riya oversees the planning, security, and scalability of THON’s digital systems to ensure they remain reliable and efficient as the organization continues to grow. She also serves as a supervisor and liaison across the THON community, working closely with committees and stakeholders to identify opportunities where technology can streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Goals for THON 2026
Riya has several goals for THON 2026, including improving the digital line system within DASH, the platform that manages building capacity and floor passes during THON Weekend. She wants to introduce a digital notification system that increases transparency around wait times and line status. Additionally, Riya hopes to implement a timeline automation system that enables the creation of personalized, role-specific timelines for each of the nearly 4,000 captains and committee members. This system is currently done manually on Excel, and Riya believes that automating it will save time and increase efficiency.
The Tech Committee
Riya’s committee, Tech, is responsible for building and maintaining all of THON’s online infrastructure. This infrastructure is used by volunteers, organizations, families, and donors, allowing them to interact with people from each committee and many different parts of the university. Riya loves being part of this committee because she gets to identify problems, build tools or features to address them, and then see those solutions actively used by others. She believes that her committee is cool, fun, and important because they have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the THON community.
Overall Goals for THON 2026
Riya’s overall goal for THON Tech 2026 is to create a committee culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration. She wants her team to constantly look for better, more efficient ways to support THON by building tools and systems that move the organization forward rather than just maintaining what already exists. Riya hopes that the technology they build will not only support THON 2026 but also set the organization up for future success.
Why Riya THONs
Riya THONs because she believes that no family should ever have to worry about the cost of their child’s care. THON ensures that families never see a medical bill, giving them the space to focus on what truly matters, finding moments of normalcy, and letting kids just be kids. Riya is grateful to play even a small part in making this possible.
Favorite THON Memory
One of Riya’s favorite THON memories is doing a scavenger hunt on the floor with a few kids during her last THON weekend. It was genuinely so much fun, and she had a blast hanging out with them during a really busy weekend. Getting to interact with the kids and get to know them a little better made the experience even more meaningful and reminded her why she THONs.
Fun Fact
As part of the Onward State tradition, Riya was asked which dinosaur she would be if she could be any dinosaur. She chose the Triceratops, and while she didn’t explain why, it’s clear that she has a fun and playful personality. Riya’s enthusiasm and dedication to THON are inspiring, and she is sure to make a positive impact as Technology Director for THON 2026.
