A Teen’s Vision to Transform Health Outcomes in New Orleans

In an inspiring display of innovation and determination, 15-year-old Naya Ellis from New Orleans is channeling her personal experiences into a groundbreaking invention: the WingItt smartwatch. This device, designed to detect the early signs of a stroke, embodies a significant step forward in health technology, addressing a pressing issue in a surprisingly personal way.

A Personal Mission

Naya Ellis’s motivation for creating WingItt is deeply rooted in her life experiences. Her grandmother suffered a stroke before Naya was born and has lived with severe disabilities ever since. This family history instilled in Naya the importance of early detection and the devastating impact delayed response can have on health outcomes. “I see how she lives every day, having [had] a stroke,” she shared. “Knowing you could catch that before that happens, it could change someone else’s life.”

Her grandmother’s journey served as a poignant reminder of the crucial need for timely intervention when it comes to strokes. With this motivation, Naya embarked on a quest to create a device that could potentially save lives by detecting the earliest warning signs of a stroke.

The WingItt Smartwatch

Ellis’s creation, the WingItt smartwatch, is not just another wearable gadget; it is a patent-pending technology designed to monitor several critical health indicators. Equipped with sensors that track heart rate, oxygen levels, emotional changes, and even modifications in speech patterns, WingItt is engineered to alert users—and their loved ones—if stroke risk factors are detected.

“We had to create a real-life solution to a real-life problem,” she told People magazine, emphasizing the necessity for practical tools in health management. The smartwatch doesn’t just notify the wearer; it also contacts family members and emergency services to ensure timely assistance.

Accessibility for All

Recognizing that health technology often comes with a hefty price tag, Naya is committed to making WingItt both affordable and user-friendly. She aims to reach underserved populations, particularly seniors who may not be familiar with advanced technology. “I’m making [WingItt] to help lower-income people,” she explained. “It won’t be for everybody. But the people it can help? That’s what matters.”

This focus on accessibility illustrates Naya’s understanding of the broader implications of health disparities, particularly in lower-income communities. By prioritizing affordability, she hopes to make an impactful difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked by technological advancements.

A Young Innovator and Leader

Naya’s dedication to innovation has already garnered recognition. She was selected as one of People magazine’s “Girls Changing the World in 2024” and has participated in notable programs such as the STEM NOLA Fellows initiative. Additionally, she emerged as a winner in the National STEM Challenge, showcasing her commitment to revolutionizing health technology.

In discussing her aspirations, Naya expressed a desire to serve a greater purpose. As the daughter of a breast cancer patient, her commitment to advancing health outcomes extends beyond stroke detection. “I feel like if I could help other women, that’s changing the world,” she noted. Her ambition is not only to innovate but also to uplift others and save lives.

Empowering Change at a Young Age

At such a young age, Naya Ellis is already proving that innovation knows no age limits. “I’m changing the world and I’m not even that old yet,” she proudly stated. Her words serve as a powerful reminder that passion and commitment can ignite change, regardless of one’s age. Naya is living proof that youth can wield significant influence in addressing real-world challenges.

Through the WingItt smartwatch, she is not only working on a technological solution; she is also setting an example for her peers and future generations. By harnessing her experiences and focusing on meaningful change, Naya is poised to create a lasting impact in the field of health technology, demonstrating that the future of innovation is in capable hands.