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MEET THE PROJECT RED POPPY TEAM!
These individuals truly helped PRP become everything we hoped it would be!
Adithi Sarikonda
Co-Founder
Adithi co-founded Project Red Poppy after volunteering at her local VA Medical Center, inspired by the strength and stories of the veterans she met. She’s passionate about youth advocacy and creating lasting opportunities to support veterans. Outside of PRP, she enjoys reading, eating desserts, and watching but not playing (due to a lack of athleticism) a wide variety of sports. She is a high school junior in Delaware.
Samika Kulshreshtha
Co-Founder
As a high school junior in Delaware, Samika’s work with veterans at her local Veterans Affairs hospital inspired her to co-found Project Red Poppy. Through this initiative, she hopes to extend the same support—with a more long-term impact—that she provided during her time at the VA, while also creating more opportunities for youth to get involved. Outside of PRP, Samika enjoys dancing, singing, and—of course—traveling!
Erin Kang
Co-Director of Care Package Team
Erin is a rising junior from Delaware who joined the PRP team to help amplify important conversations around mental health and social awareness within her community. Passionate about creating change, she believes taking initiative means to listen, uplift, and stand for causes she believes in. In her free time, she enjoys playing the violin and drawing.
Orisha Paudyal
Director of Veteran Outreach
Orisha is a high school junior from Delaware who looks forward to forming new connections to benefit the outreach of our project! Through her club, Apples to Educators, she was able to gain networking and planning skills, which allowed her to execute any successful events and fundraisers to support local educators and schools. Through PRP, she hopes to bring together people and arrange events in order to support our veterans! Outside of PRP, she enjoys listening to music (especially R&B), cooking and baking, and catching up with friends!
Alek Lee
Editor-in-Chief
Alek was inspired to join Red Poppy by veterans he met while volunteering at the food bank and playing clarinet in his local band. Through this initiative, he hopes to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans while creating opportunities for youth advocacy and engagement in the community. Outside of PRP, Alek enjoys running, reading, and eating strawberry ice cream.
Abigail Wang
Co-Director of Care Package Team
Abigail is a high school junior from Delaware looking forward to taking action and giving back to her community. She joined Project Red Poppy to contribute to a meaningful initiative that supports veterans, ensuring they feel appreciated and celebrated. Outside of PRP, she enjoys traveling, playing the piano, and listening to music!
Ruchika Yerram
Co-Director of Marketing
Ruchika Yerram is an upcoming sophomore excited to create an impact by solving real-world issues. By bringing awareness to Project Red Poppy through social media, she hopes to bring honor and appreciation to the veterans in her community. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano as a soloist and accompanist.
Aanya Deshpande
Co-Director of Marketing
Aanya Deshpande is from Pennsylvania, and is a junior at Downingtown S.T.E.M. Academy. She joined Project Red Poppy because she wants to spread awareness about the hardships and challenges that veterans face, so that more people can understand and help solve the problem. Some of her hobbies include martial arts, dance, and medical research.
Our Research Interns...
M'hamed Machich
Justin Zheng
Tanisha Khandelwal
Look forward to new members joining soon!
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