Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winner

The Bronx, NY - Today, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the winner of the Congressional App Challenge from New York’s 14th Congressional District: GloUp by Gioia Marchi, Bianca Siguencia, Somaih Sharhan, and Marufa Uddin. Glo Up is an app that collects information about users’ skin and hair types and then suggests products for purchase to address their beauty needs. A video demonstration of the app is available here.

“Due to the lack of knowledge or attention on different hair types, skin types, and more, people tend not to know how to care for themselves. This can make people insecure and unsure about themselves. This is especially common among young adolescents who are struggling with their self-image. Our goal with this app is to encourage inclusivity and unite everyone, regardless of gender or identity,” Marchi, Siguencia, Sharhan, and Uddin said. “The purpose of our app is to include products that are not as known or as mainstream and can help skin or hair concerns. This app can help anyone with any kind of hair type, skin type, skin complexion, and more.”

“We’re so impressed with Gioia, Bianca, Somaih, and Marufa, who took their lived experiences to create an app that makes it easier for others to navigate the beauty space — no matter their skin or hair type,” said Naureen Akhter, Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director. “We congratulate them and commend all the other applicants for participating in this challenge. The skill and sophistication of this year’s submissions show remarkable advancement in students’ coding abilities.”

Every year, students from across the country participate in the Congressional App Challenge by creating a software application, or “app”, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Each Congressional office that participates in the Challenge selects a winner from their district. The Congressional App Challenge’s mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education. Students interested in participating this year can visit the Congressional App Challenge’s website. Applications open in June.