In a world increasingly shaped by technology, few stories shine as brightly as that of Tejasvi Manoj—a remarkable young innovator who is transforming the way society protects its most vulnerable members from online fraud. At just sixteen years old, this high school student from Frisco, Texas has emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and compassion, proving that age is no barrier when passion fuels purpose.
Tejasvi Manoj: A Wake-Up Call That Sparked a Mission
In February 2024, Tejasvi experienced a moment that changed her life forever. Returning home from a Scouting America camp with her father, she discovered that her 85-year-old grandfather had received an urgent email from a supposed distant relative. The message claimed he owed $2,000 for an unexpected debt—and he was ready to send the money.
Fortunately, her father sensed something amiss and called the relative, only to find the entire plea was a sophisticated scam. That narrow escape revealed a frightening truth to Tejasvi: millions of seniors are at risk from digital predators who prey on their trust. In that instant, her purpose crystallized. She would not stand by as others fell victim. Instead, she would harness her passion for technology to fight back—and thus, Shield Seniors was born.
Who Is Tejasvi Manoj: TIME’s Kid of the Year and Cybersecurity Pioneer
Despite her young age, Tejasvi is already a seasoned coder, accomplished community leader, and a symbol of hope. She is the visionary founder of Shield Seniors, a cybersecurity platform dedicated to safeguarding older adults online.
Her journey has been shaped by her parents, both IT professionals, who encouraged her to explore computers from an early age. By eighth grade, she was fluent in Java, Python, and HTML, and she actively participated in programs like Girls Who Code and Cyber-Patriot.
Her dedication goes far beyond technology. Tejasvi has earned her Eagle Scout rank, volunteers for the North Texas Food Bank Young Advocates Council, tutors Bhutanese refugees, and plays violin in her school orchestra. This rare blend of technical skill and community spirit has set her apart as a young changemaker with an extraordinary mission.
Tejasvi Manoj: The Rising Threat of Cybercrime Against Seniors
Tejasvi’s passion is anchored in sobering facts. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, nearly 860,000 reports of online scams were filed in 2024 alone, with losses topping $16 billion. Tragically, people over 60 accounted for $5 billion of those losses—a 32% increase from the previous year.
The Federal Trade Commission also reports that losses exceeding $10,000 among older adults quadrupled from 2020 to 2024, while losses over $100,000 skyrocketed sevenfold. These statistics paint a chilling picture: seniors are being targeted at unprecedented rates. For Tejasvi, this confirmed the urgency of her mission—safeguarding seniors isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Shield Seniors: Empowering Older Adults to Outsmart Online Scammers
Determined to transform fear into empowerment, Tejasvi created Shield Seniors, a groundbreaking platform designed to help seniors navigate the digital world confidently and safely. The platform is built around four intuitive pillars:
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Learn – Simplified lessons on internet safety, covering strong password creation, privacy settings, and spotting scam tactics like fake charities or urgent payment requests.
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Ask – A user-friendly chatbot that gives clear, two-sentence answers to cybersecurity questions, eliminating jargon and confusion.
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Analyse – An AI-powered tool where users can upload suspicious emails or messages to receive instant, accurate risk assessments and plain-language explanations.
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Report – Direct links to organizations such as the FBI, AARP, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to report fraud and pursue justice.
This holistic approach ensures seniors can act independently, without relying on family members for tech support, while building the confidence to embrace the digital world instead of fearing it.
Balancing Excellence: How Tejasvi Earned National Recognition
Building Shield Seniors while excelling in school was no small feat. Tejasvi juggled coding, design, and research while continuing to earn her Eagle Scout badge, perform with her school orchestra, tutor refugees, and advocate for food security. Her relentless determination has earned her national acclaim:
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Honorable Mention in the Congressional App Challenge (2024)
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Featured speaker at TEDx (2025) on bridging digital divides
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Named TIME Kid of the Year (2025)
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Awarded the TIME for Kids Service Star
These accolades are not just trophies; they are milestones on a journey fueled by empathy, ingenuity, and service.
Guided by Mentors, Driven by Purpose
Tejasvi credits her success to the mentors who believed in her potential. Her parents nurtured her curiosity from childhood, while Aarathi Rajamanickam, a software engineering manager, mentored her in AI, cybersecurity, and software development. These guiding figures, along with her experiences in Girls Who Code and Cyber-Patriot, gave her the technical and ethical foundation to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our digital era.
A Vision for the Future: Safer Seniors, Stronger Communities
Currently, Shield Seniors is in a private preview phase using a free AI engine with limited capacity. Tejasvi is actively fundraising to transition to a commercial AI platform and expand its reach nationwide. She also plans to conduct in-person cybersecurity workshops in assisted-living facilities, providing seniors with the hands-on experience they need to navigate the internet with confidence.
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