Youth Leadership PROGRAM

Roopa Satagopan

COORDINATOR

I joined IACS's Youth Leadership Program (YLP) in September 2024 as the YLP Coordinator. With a background in biotechnology research, I later became involved in PTSAs and supported Pratham USA, an educational nonprofit in India. In 2023, I completed my Professional MBA from Seattle University. Inspired by Gandhi's quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” I strive to help others grow into their best selves. YLP provides a safe space for youth to develop as leaders, and joining the program felt like finding where I truly belong.

Email: ylpcoordinator@iaww.org

SHILPA KULKARNI

YLP NAVIGATOR

Youth Board Advisors

Seona Chalana

Youth Board Advisor

My name is Seona Chalana, and I joined IACS as a YB advisor and YLP administrator in September 2025. I grew up in Bothell, WA and have spent my entire life in Washington State. I got my Bachelor’s in Education from UW, and Master’s in Teaching from Seattle University, and have spent the last 3 years teaching middle school social studies and language arts around the South Seattle area! In my free time, I love to bake and try out new recipes, read books (I’ve already read 60 books this year!), lift weights, and spend lots of time with friends and family. I’m really excited to be joining IACS and bringing my teaching background to the Youth Leadership Program!

Jeffrey Schmidt

Youth Board Advisor

Jeffrey Schmidt began his journey by joining the United States Marine Corps immediately after high school, where he developed a deep sense of service and resilience. After completing his military career, he pursued a degree in Psychology and is currently earning a Master’s in Social Work, driven by a passion for helping others heal and thrive. His dedication to supporting the veteran community led him to work with disabled veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project. In recognition of extraordinary heroism, Jeffrey received both the Washington State Civilian Medal of Honor and the Carnegie Medal for Heroism after rescuing a man from a burning semi-truck. His commitment to service continues to guide his work and academic pursuits in the field of social work.

Youth Advocacy Advisors

Priyanka Sarnaik

Youth Advocacy Advisor

Priyanka has received her BA from University of Washington-Bothell, in political science. She also holds a Masters in Public Health management and policy from San Diego State University.

Priyanka currently works as a housing specialist at a non-profit in Seattle, with the goal of providing housing for those experiencing homelessness. Her hobbies include reading and pilates. This will be her fifth year as a Youth Advocacy Advisor for IACS.

Anupam Choudhary

Youth Advocacy Advisor

Anupam is a Pacific Northwest native with a commitment to community service. For much of his life, he has volunteered across a range of settings—schools, shelters, and correctional facilities—working with diverse populations. He enjoys giving back to the community.

YOUTH Council and Youth Outreach Advisors 2024-25

Aasha Parikh

YC Advisor (YB Alum)

Mahima Balakrishnan

YO Advisor (YB President 2023-24)

Saanvi Datta

YC Advisor (YB PR Officer 2023-24/YB Alum)

Diya Modi

YO Advisor (YC Lead 2023-24/YB Alum)

Saachit Durga

YC Advisor (YB Alum)

Anika Kothari

YO Advisor (YB Alum)

Laksh Patel

YC Advisor (YC Lead 2023-24/YB Alum)

Youth Board Leaders 2025-26

Khushi Bhimani

2025-26 President

Hi, I'm Khushi Bhimani, a junior in high school. This is my 3rd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing tennis. My favorite song is Club Paradise by Drake. To me, YB is about building lifelong connections and making a real impact on the community, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people this year.

Aanya Sheth

Vice President

Hi, I’m Aanya Sheth, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and listening to music. My favorite song is Plastic Palm Trees by Tate McRae. To me, YB is about being part of a team that makes a difference and growing through leadership and collaboration, and I’m most looking forward to working with kids at camp.

Khushi Patel

Treasurer

Hi, I’m Khushi Patel, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and listening to music. My favorite song is Shut It Down by Drake. To me, YB is about the opportunities it has given me and the connections I’ve made, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people this year.

Ajay Raghavan

PR Officer

Hi, I’m Ajay Raghavan, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and playing basketball. My favorite song is Controlla by Drake. To me, YB is about being a leader in my community and making lifelong connections, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people this year.

Aanya Parikh

Secretary

Hi, I’m Aanya Parikh, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are spending time with friends and traveling around the world. My favorite song is Don’t Matter to Me by Drake. To me, YB is about creating lifelong friendships and making a difference in the community, and I’m most looking forward to Camp Bharat 2026 and meeting new people.

Aiden Kurisingal

Youth Council Lead

Hi, I’m Aiden Kurisingal, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are playing basketball and hanging out with friends. My favorite song is Love All by Drake and JAY-Z. To me, YB is about bringing the local community together by creating a strong foundation, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and forming connections at camp.

Ayush Bhandari

Youth Council Lead

Hi, I’m Ayush Bhandari, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is play soccer. My favorite song is Erase Your Social by Lil Uzi Vert. To me, YB is about building connections and getting closer to my community, and I’m most looking forward to planning camp this year.

Vansh Chopra

Youth Council Lead

Hi, I’m Vansh Chopra, a sophomore in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is lift. My favorite song is 1st Off by DB.Boutabag. To me, YB is about connecting with my heritage while helping others through community service, and I’m most looking forward to Camp Bharat 2026 this year.

Aarav Kulkarni

Youth Outreach Lead

Hi, I’m Aarav Kulkarni, a sophomore in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is play tennis with friends. My favorite song is Lavender Sunflower by Tory Lanez. To me, YB is about bringing like-minded peers together to improve the community for everyone, and I’m most looking forward to planning events for the Indian community of Washington this year.

Ridhima Bisht

Youth Outreach Lead

Hi, I’m Ridhima Bisht, a sophomore in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and listening to music. My favorite song is Different Species by Offset and Gunna. To me, YB is about doing fun and meaningful things while connecting with others, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people at camp this year. "

Saisha Sarkar

Youth Outreach Lead

Hi, I’m Saisha, a junior in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is listen to music. My favorite song is Stars Align by Drake. To me, YB represents a group dedicated to making positive change in the community, and I’m most looking forward to helping plan camp this year.

Neil Mehta

Social Media Chair

Hi, I’m Neil Mehta, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are playing soccer and hanging out with friends. My favorite song is Two Birds, One Stone by Drake. To me, YB is about representing my community as a youth leader and taking pride in it, and I’m most looking forward to organizing community events, planning camp, and having fun this year.

Saamiya Vaswani

Scribe Chair

Hi, I’m Saamiya Vaswani, a sophomore in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are listening to music and playing board games with my family. My favorite song is Dreams by The Cranberries. To me, YB is about leadership, responsibility, and commitment, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and connecting with the community this year.

Simrita Prasad

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Simrita Prasad, a junior in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is hang out with friends. My favorite song is Not You Too by Drake and Chris Brown. To me, YB is about being part of a team that works together to create positive change while giving back to the community, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and planning camp this year.

Anika Iyer

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Anika Iyer, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are writing and listening to music. My favorite song is Ruthless by The Marías. To me, YB is about building connections with my fellow members and giving back to the local community, and I’m most looking forward to making meaningful connections throughout the year.

Vanshi Patel

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Vanshi Patel, a sophomore in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite things to do are playing beach volleyball and spending time with friends. My favorite song is Desires by Drake. To me, YB is about meeting new people and becoming a better leader, and I’m most looking forward to connecting with new campers this year.

Shrey Bahl

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Shrey Bahl, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is play basketball. My favorite song is Congratulations by Mac Miller. To me, YB is about helping design and host events that bring our community together and create enjoyable, memorable experiences for youth, and I’m most looking forward to Camp Bharat this year.

Suhaas Nemani

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Suhaas Nemani, a junior in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and playing sports. My favorite song is Flights Booked by Drake. To me, YB is about helping others through volunteering and uplifting those in need, and I’m most looking forward to making new friends and memories at camp this year.

Ishaan Bondre

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Ishaan Bondre, a junior in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is play sports with my friends. My favorite song is Prices by Lil Uzi Vert. To me, YB is about growing as a leader and making an impact in the community, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and making friends this year.

Mannat Virk

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Mannat Virk, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite things to do are spending time with family and friends. My favorite song is Prom by SZA. To me, YB is about connecting with new people and building meaningful relationships, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people at camp this year.

Nainika Dalal

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Nainika Dalal, a junior in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite things to do are hanging out with friends and family. My favorite song is Prove It by 21 Savage and Summer Walker. To me, YB is about service, learning, and making new friends, and I’m most looking forward to camp this year.

Sohum Gupta

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Sohum Gupta, a freshman in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite things to do are listening to music, hanging out with friends, and going running or biking. My favorite song is Apple Pie by Travis Scott. To me, YB is a space where everyone can collaborate, have fun, and make meaningful connections, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and organizing camp this year.

Sreeshan Sathyamurthy

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Sreeshan Sathyamurthy, a freshman in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is robotics. My favorite song is Rich Flex by Drake and 21 Savage. To me, YB represents leadership, helpfulness, and kindness, and I’m most looking forward to participating in sports and being part of this amazing community this year.

Sahana Rajesh

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Sahana Rajesh, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is spend time with friends. My favorite song is Heart to Heart by Mac DeMarco. To me, YB is about giving back to my community while forming new bonds with people who share my cultural background, and I’m most looking forward to camp planning meetings this summer.

Armaan Kochhar

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Armaan Kochhar, a junior in high school. This is my 2nd year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is play basketball. My favorite song is The Real Her by Drake. To me, YB is about community, passion, and friendship, and I’m most looking forward to camp and making the most of my last year on YB.

Diya Mahesh

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Diya Mahesh, a freshman in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite hobby is reading novels. My favorite song is Moves by Suki Waterhouse. To me, YB is an opportunity to give back to a community that has helped me connect with my culture, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and growing as a leader this year.

Shreya Sinha

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Shreya Sinha, a freshman in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and one of my favorite things to do is bake with my sister. My favorite song is Open Arms by SZA and Travis Scott. To me, YB is about being part of a group that cares about the community and makes a difference together, and I’m most looking forward to helping make camp a special and fun place for all the campers this year.

Anya Banerjee

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Anya Banerjee, a sophomore in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is hang out with friends. My favorite song is Supercut by Lorde. To me, YB is about being a leader in the community and helping plan meaningful events, and I’m most looking forward to planning fun and creative activities this year.

Kaavya Lakshminarayan

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Kaavya Laks, a freshman in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite things to do are painting and listening to music. My favorite song is Super Rich Kids by Frank Ocean. To me, YB is about being part of a community that comes together over shared goals and supports one another, and I’m most looking forward to planning camp workshops and making new friendships this year.

Siddhant Pawar

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Sid Pawar, a junior in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite song is Jungle by Drake. To me, YB is about bonding with friends and helping campers have a great time, and I’m most looking forward to camp this year.

Krish Manocha

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Krish Manocha, a freshman in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is public speaking. My favorite songs are anything by Diljit Dosanjh. To me, YB is about gaining new leadership experiences and giving back to my community, and I’m most looking forward to all the opportunities to grow this year.

Vivaan Datta

Youth Board

Hi, I’m Vivaan Datta, a sophomore in high school. This is my 1st year on YB, and my favorite thing to do is hang out with my friends. My favorite song is Crew Love by Drake. To me, YB is a place where I can be a leader and give back to my community, and I’m most looking forward to meeting new people this year.

Youth Advocacy Leaders 2024-25

Shrivas Vanimireddy

Youth Advocacy President

Hi, my name is Shrivas Vanimireddy and I am currently a junior. I have been in the YA program for 2 years and I am in the Mental Health advocacy group. Some hobbies I enjoy include basketball and chess. This year I am hoping to have a strong impact for the further years to come.

Vaibhav Alaparthi

Youth Advocacy Vice President

Hi, my name is Vaibhav Alaparthi and I am currently a junior. I have been in the YA program for 3 years. Some hobbies I enjoy include Piano, Volunteering, Soccer, Video Games, Hanging w/friends. This year I am hoping to enhance my leadership and communication skills to better express and receive ideas and perspectives. I am in the Climate Change advocacy group.

Saisha Sarkar

Youth Advocacy Secretary

Hi, my name is Saisha Sarkar. and I am currently a sophomore. I have been in the YA program for 2 years. Some hobbies I enjoy include skiing, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends. This year I am hoping to meet new people! I am a part of the Mental Health advocacy group.

Neil Mehta

Youth Advocacy Public Relations

Hi, my name is Neil Mehta and I am currently a sophomore. I have been in the YA program for 2 years. Some hobbies I enjoy include playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and listening to music. This year I am hoping to meet new people and advocate for gun control with the support of my team members. I am a part of the Gun Control advocacy group.

Jeraldin Sundar

Youth Advocacy Scribe Chair

Hi, my name is Jeraldin Sundar and I am currently a sophomore. I have been in the YA program for 2 years. Some hobbies I enjoy include archery. This year I am hoping to make new connections as a returning YA while also sharing my experience of being on YA with other members. This year, being a part of the human rights group I want to advocate for people's disability rights and be able to help the greater community. I am a part of the Human Rights Advocacy group.

Neeraja Sathe

Social Media Chair

Hi, my name is Neeraja Sathe and I am currently a junior. This is my first year as a YA member and I am in the mental health advocacy group. Some hobbies I enjoy include dancing, listening to music, and spending time with my friends. This year on YA I am looking forward to spreading awareness and reducing stigma around mental health in our community through our posts on social media and the projects we carry out.

Aarav Sinha

Youth Advocacy

Hi, my name is Aarav Sinha and I am currently a freshman. This is my first year as a YA member. Some hobbies I enjoy include art, card games, and music. This year I am hoping to spread the idea of gun control and why we need it, and I also want to help my community in any way I can on this topic. I am a part of the Gun Control advocacy group.

Aashi Khandelwal

Youth Advocacy

Hi, my name is Aashi Khandelwal and I am currently a sophomore. I have been in the YA program for 2 years and I’m in the mental health advocacy group. Some hobbies I enjoy include listening to music, playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and traveling. This year I am hoping to meet new people and reduce stigma around mental health by hosting different workshops for our community!

Avni Panchal

Youth Advocacy

Hi, my name is Avni Panchal and I am currently a junior. I have been in the YA program for 3 years. Some hobbies I enjoy include playing tennis, working out, and traveling This year I am hoping to engage with the youth advocacy group and work on projects to advocate for mental health! I am a part of the Mental Health advocacy group.