Ethan Shaw is a student leader, nonprofit founder, and advocate for veterans and military 0families. Ethan was recognized as a Bethesda Magazine Extraordinary Teens award recipient for his leadership, service, and commitment to making a difference in his community. He is currently a freshman at Texas A&M University, where he studies political science and is a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.

Ethan’s commitment to service began in 2023 with the founding of the GP Veteran Aid Club, an initiative focused on supporting homeless and at-risk veterans throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. After researching local nonprofit organizations, he partnered with United Soldiers and Sailors of America (USASOA), to connect student volunteers with veteran-focused service projects and community outreach initiatives. In Fall 2024, Ethan joined USASOA as an intern on its Legislative Agenda team and was later appointed Young Adult Leadership Director.

In Spring 2025, Ethan founded Project STARS (Support Troops And Retired Service Members), a student-led initiative that brings together students from more than eight Maryland high schools to support veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and military families. Through partnerships with USASOA and other community organizations, Project STARS mobilizes student volunteers, raises resources, and promotes awareness of the challenges facing the military community. Ethan continues to develop opportunities to expand the initiative through schools and community partnerships. Beyond his veteran advocacy, Ethan has helped raise more than $3,000 for underserved communities in Nigeria and participated in several leadership development programs, including the 2024 HOBY Leadership Conference. He was also selected for the 2025 West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference and the American Legion’s Maryland Boys State Seminar. At Texas A&M, he is involved with the Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) and contributes to campus life as a videographer for the Texas A&M hockey team.

As he continues his education at Texas A&M, Ethan hopes to expand his service initiatives, strengthen his leadership skills, and pursue opportunities in public service and international affairs. His long-term goals include earning a law degree, serving in public leadership, and eventually establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing community needs and supporting underserved populations.