Why Are Our Chapters Important?
Why Are Our Chapters Important?
Why Are Our Chapters Important?
At Youth Health Focus, health equity looks different in every corner of the world. By establishing chapters across the globe, we’re able to respond to local needs while working toward a shared mission: making healthcare more accessible, inclusive, and youth-led.
Community-Centered Approach
Why Are Our Chapters Important?
Why Are Our Chapters Important?
Each chapter is grounded in the realities of its local community -- whether that’s language access barriers, lack of basic health resources, or gaps in health education. This allows us to lead initiatives that are culturally relevant and genuinely impactful.
Broader Reach, Deeper Impact
Diverse Voices, Shared Vision
Diverse Voices, Shared Vision
Our university chapters help us reach more underserved populations and learn from one another’s experiences. From rural areas to dense cities, we’re creating a network of student leaders committed to health equity on a local and international scale.
Diverse Voices, Shared Vision
Diverse Voices, Shared Vision
Diverse Voices, Shared Vision
Working across different regions brings together a wide range of perspectives and ideas. By collaborating across chapters, we strengthen our advocacy, deepen our understanding of global health disparities, and amplify youth voices in the health space.
Founders
Patrick Ting
Patrick Ting
Patrick Ting
Co-Founder
President of the Johns Hopkins Chapter
Patrick is a junior at Johns Hopkins University studying Electrical Engineering and Biophysics and minoring in Computer Integrated Surgery. Through service as an EMT in the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department as well as through volunteering in different clinical and non-clinical settings, he recognizes the need to prioritize the basics of healthcare access in ensuring worldwide medical equity. Patrick aspires to continue working and contributing to the ever growing field of medicine in the future.
Ariel Lee
Patrick Ting
Patrick Ting
Co-Founder
President of the UC Berkeley Chapter
Ariel is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology. Through her volunteer work at senior centers and research on brain and spinal disorders, she has seen how language and cultural barriers can limit access to healthcare. She is passionate about bridging those gaps through health education and community-centered initiatives. Ariel hopes to become a compassionate physician who works to make healthcare more equitable and accessible.
Nick Daum
Patrick Ting
Nick Daum
Co-Founder
President of the Penn Chapter
Nick is a junior at Wharton studying finance and business economics. He joined YHF to help raise awareness for the situation in Haiti and organize campus-wide events. He will be focusing on financials in the organization but he also hopes to be involved with student outreach, recruiting, and event planning. Nick is excited to grow our organization!
UC Berkeley Chapter
Ariel Lee
Grace Van Wyhe
Grace Van Wyhe
President
Ariel Lee is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology. Through her volunteer work at senior centers and research on brain and spinal disorders, she has seen how language and cultural barriers can limit access to healthcare. She is passionate about bridging those gaps through health education and community-centered
President
Ariel Lee is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology. Through her volunteer work at senior centers and research on brain and spinal disorders, she has seen how language and cultural barriers can limit access to healthcare. She is passionate about bridging those gaps through health education and community-centered initiatives. Ariel hopes to become a compassionate physician who works to make healthcare more equitable and accessible.
Grace Van Wyhe
Grace Van Wyhe
Grace Van Wyhe
Co-President
Grace is a senior at UC Berkeley double majoring in Integrative Biology and Molecular and Cellular biology. She is currently involved in an on-campus Metabolic bioengineering lab and is interested in pursuing a career in medical research. She has engaged in a number of local volunteer projects, her favorite being an on-campus
Co-President
Grace is a senior at UC Berkeley double majoring in Integrative Biology and Molecular and Cellular biology. She is currently involved in an on-campus Metabolic bioengineering lab and is interested in pursuing a career in medical research. She has engaged in a number of local volunteer projects, her favorite being an on-campus initiative assembling care kits for hospitalized children. Grace hopes to continue to engage in community healthcare efforts to build solutions to healthcare inequities and uplift the community she so loves.
Hanbin Yu
Grace Van Wyhe
Anjana Goli
Vice President
Hanbin Yu is a senior at UC Berkeley, double majoring in Public Health and Political Economy with a focus on Healthcare Policy. Through research in the Dominican Republic and work as a Korean medical interpreter, she’s developed a strong commitment to health equity. Her experiences in government and advocacy have shaped her passion for inclusive, community-based care.
Anjana Goli
Anjana Goli
Anjana Goli
Director of Research & Journalism
Anjana is a freshman at UC Berkeley majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. Anjana is passionate about synthetic biology and cancer research, personalized medicine, and healthcare accessibility. She is especially passionate about making medicine more accessible and sustainable, and making STEM more diverse
Director of Research & Journalism
Anjana is a freshman at UC Berkeley majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. Anjana is passionate about synthetic biology and cancer research, personalized medicine, and healthcare accessibility. She is especially passionate about making medicine more accessible and sustainable, and making STEM more diverse. She wants to uplift youth voices in STEM, create and facilitate more STEM media, and is excited to work with YHF to do so!
Maddie Piao
Anjana Goli
Maddie Piao
Director of Research & Journalism
Maddie is a senior at Berkeley majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Medical Biology and Physiology. She is particularly passionate about cancer research, specifically breast cancer, and is driven by the desire to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. She is especially commit
Director of Research & Journalism
Maddie is a senior at Berkeley majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Medical Biology and Physiology. She is particularly passionate about cancer research, specifically breast cancer, and is driven by the desire to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. She is especially committed to addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that advancements in cancer therapies benefit people from all backgrounds.
Via Cho
Anjana Goli
Maddie Piao
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Yehin is a senior at UC Berkeley concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology. Her academic pursuits revolve around her deep interest in developmental biology and pharmaceutical chemistry, supported by her research under the Oral Medicine Department, drug product manufacturing, and voluntee
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Yehin is a senior at UC Berkeley concentrating in Molecular and Cell Biology. Her academic pursuits revolve around her deep interest in developmental biology and pharmaceutical chemistry, supported by her research under the Oral Medicine Department, drug product manufacturing, and volunteering at disabled rehabilitation centers. Yehin is passionate to advance health equity and alleviate unjust disparities, in hopes to bring the right medicine to the right person in a timely, affordable manner.
Tasneem Mehtab
Tasneem Mehtab
Tasneem Mehtab
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Tasneem is a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Human Biology on the pre-PA track. She is especially passionate about women’s health, preventative care, and reducing barriers that keep immigrant and underserved communities from accessing medical information and services. She hop
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Tasneem is a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Human Biology on the pre-PA track. She is especially passionate about women’s health, preventative care, and reducing barriers that keep immigrant and underserved communities from accessing medical information and services. She hopes to become a Physician Assistant who advocates for equitable, compassionate are for women and girls from all backgrounds.
Ines Sanchez
Tasneem Mehtab
Tasneem Mehtab
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Ines Sanchez is a third year pre-med student at UC Berkeley majoring in Nutrition and Metabolic Biology. Ines is passionate about making health education more accessible and culturally relevant, especially in underserved communities. Through her work, she aims to bridge gaps in healthcare
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Ines Sanchez is a third year pre-med student at UC Berkeley majoring in Nutrition and Metabolic Biology. Ines is passionate about making health education more accessible and culturally relevant, especially in underserved communities. Through her work, she aims to bridge gaps in healthcare by combining science, outreach, and a strong commitment to community centered care.
Swati Charan
Tasneem Mehtab
Swati Charan
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Swati is a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology and minoring in Global Poverty and Practice. Through her work, she’s developed a strong passion for health equity and the impacts of climate and environmental change on community health. She is particularly driven to hel
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Swati is a junior at UC Berkeley majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology and minoring in Global Poverty and Practice. Through her work, she’s developed a strong passion for health equity and the impacts of climate and environmental change on community health. She is particularly driven to help ensure solutions and adequate care for underserved populations.
Sean Kim
Christina Chi
Swati Charan
Treasurer
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Sean is a first-year student at UC Berkeley studying Nutritional Sciences. With aspirations to make an impact both at the individual and systemic levels of healthcare, Sean is passionate about supporting underserved communities through patient-centered care and health advocacy. His previ
Treasurer
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Sean is a first-year student at UC Berkeley studying Nutritional Sciences. With aspirations to make an impact both at the individual and systemic levels of healthcare, Sean is passionate about supporting underserved communities through patient-centered care and health advocacy. His previous experience volunteering in non-clinical community settings has deepened his understanding of the structural barriers many face in accessing care—and the importance of collective action in addressing those gaps. Looking forward, Sean hopes to pursue a career where he can bridge personal compassion with broader healthcare reform.
Christina Chi
Christina Chi
Christina Chi
Director of Communications & Media
Christina Chi is a sophomore at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology with a strong interest in preventative oral healthcare and medicine. Through her work in volunteering, she hopes to make health education more accessible and build inclusive communities, especially for those in need. Christina is
Director of Communications & Media
Christina Chi is a sophomore at UC Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology with a strong interest in preventative oral healthcare and medicine. Through her work in volunteering, she hopes to make health education more accessible and build inclusive communities, especially for those in need. Christina is passionate in promoting wellness, equity, and spreading awareness about the barriers in healthcare.
Johns Hopkins Chapter
Patrick Ting
Ammar Mandviwalla
Ammar Mandviwalla
President
Patrick is a junior at Johns Hopkins University studying Electrical Engineering and Biophysics and minoring in Computer Integrated Surgery. Through service as an EMT in the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department as well as through volunteering in different clinical and non-clinical settings, he recognizes the need to prioritize the basics of healthcare access in ensuring worldwide medical equity. Patrick aspires to continue working and contributing to the ever growing field of medicine in the future.
Ammar Mandviwalla
Ammar Mandviwalla
Ammar Mandviwalla
Co-President
Ammar is a junior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Johns Hopkins University aspiring to become a Vascular Surgeon. He is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities among diverse populations, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. Outside of class, Ammar spends his time in a genetics lab and volunteering with elderly inpatients at a local hospital.
Brian Liu
Ammar Mandviwalla
Heemee Ton
Vice President
Brian is a neuroscience major at John Hopkins University. He's also minoring in Psychology and Philosophy. Brian loves weightlifting and martial arts. Helping different communities in health related fields is what he is interested in, and why he am part of Youth Health Focus!
Heemee Ton
Nat Nimmanpipak
Heemee Ton
Director of Research & Journalism
Heemee Ton is a Junior pre-med at Johns Hopkins pursuing an MBA in Molecular & Cellular Biology. With experience in volunteer initiatives in healthcare and low-income communities, Heemee is invested in addressing health disparities resulting from low socioeconomic status. Outside of his academic role, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and hiking.
Nat Nimmanpipak
Nat Nimmanpipak
Nat Nimmanpipak
Director of Research & Journalism
My name is Thanapat (Nat) Nimmanpipak from Bangkok, Thailand, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Outside of class, I’m passionate in research and volunteering, aspiring to become a pediatric oncologist. The reason I joined Youth Health Focus is because I wish to make an impact in delivering better healthcare to those in need
Justin Chiuwei
Nat Nimmanpipak
Nat Nimmanpipak
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Justin Chiuwei is a junior at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Applied Math and Statistics. He aspires to become a physician and is interested in cardiovascular and neurosurgery as well as radiology. He is currently involved in research labs focusing on medical imaging of the heart as well as sensorimotor circuits using rodent models. For fun, Justin likes to play basketball, golf, and run long distances.
Winston Wongso
Winston Wongso
Winston Wongso
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Hi I’m Winston, I’m a junior at Johns Hopkins majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I’m from Irvine, California and i enjoy kickboxing, snowboarding, weightlifting, and playing drums. I hope to serve the community effectively and immediately through Youth Health Focus.
Ethan Bai
Winston Wongso
Winston Wongso
Director of Communications & Media
Ethan Bai is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins majoring in BME with a focus in Immunoengineering. Through volunteering in hospital emergency departments and serving his community as an EMT, he developed a passion for spreading healthcare equity, which he looks forward to improving at Youth Health Focus. Ethan also spends his time tutoring math and doing cardiac research at a BME lab.
Tristan Faze
Winston Wongso
Paul Bermudez Cobo
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Tristan is a Junior at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. With a strong interest in translational research, he has contributed to projects involving targeted drug delivery, nanomedicine, and neuro degeneration. As a transfer student, Tristan is passionate about building community and broadening access to academic and research opportunities. He hopes to continue working at the intersection of science and medicine to support equitable and innovative healthcare solutions.
Paul Bermudez Cobo
Paul Bermudez Cobo
Paul Bermudez Cobo
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Paul Bermudez Cobo is a driven junior at Johns Hopkins University double majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Public Health. As an Ecuadorian-American, his heritage fuels his commitment to addressing global health disparities. Passionate about medical research, he aspires to become a pediatric oncologist dedicated to advancing therapies for childhood cancers. His ultimate goal is to combine scientific innovation with humanitarian advocacy to promote global health equity.
Mark Naddour
Paul Bermudez Cobo
Mark Naddour
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Mark is a Junior at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Public Health. Through his work as a medical assistant and research on neurodevelopmental disorders, he has demonstrated a profound interest in improving healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations. Outside of class, he spends his time running, weightlifting, and playing video games.
Steven Xiang
Paul Bermudez Cobo
Mark Naddour
Steven Xiang is a rising sophomore at the Johns Hopkins University studying Biomedical Engineering on a pre-med track. He is interested in using his combined engineering and medical background to find novel solutions to diseases and make healthcare more accessible to disadvantaged communities. He enjoys playing basketball, reading scientific novels, and collecting lego sets.
Duke Chapter
Mei Mei HU
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Justine Prophete
President
Mei-Mei is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience and Global Health. Born in China, she has witnessed firsthand how language and cultural differences can create barriers to care. Through volunteering in hospice facilities and international experiences interning in clinical Gynecology surgery in China, Mei-Mei ha
President
Mei-Mei is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience and Global Health. Born in China, she has witnessed firsthand how language and cultural differences can create barriers to care. Through volunteering in hospice facilities and international experiences interning in clinical Gynecology surgery in China, Mei-Mei has developed a passion for bridging healthcare disparities through culturally informed education and patient-centered initiatives. Mei-Mei hopes to pursue a career in medicine focused on elevating patient narratives and advancing equitable, accessible care.
Justine Prophete
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Justine Prophete
Vice President
Justine Prophete is a senior at Duke University, majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track. She performs research focused on improving health outcomes for women with fibromyalgia and for underserved patient populations undergoing spinal surgeries. These experiences have helped deepen her understanding of how social and e
Vice President
Justine Prophete is a senior at Duke University, majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track. She performs research focused on improving health outcomes for women with fibromyalgia and for underserved patient populations undergoing spinal surgeries. These experiences have helped deepen her understanding of how social and economic barriers shape
healthcare access and outcomes. Justine aspires to become a physician committed to addressing these systemic barriers and advancing equity in her practice. She is excited to join
YHF and contribute to a community dedicated to transforming healthcare.
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Director of Research & Journalism
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Markus is a sophomore at Duke University. He is interested in biology and life. He is
passionate about exploring unknowns and wants to use new knowledge to improve people’s health/life qualities. He is really excited to be a part of the YHF club to improve health access
to more people.
Maya Behura
Elizabeth Buduen
Jiazhuo (Markus) Cheng
Director of Communications & Media
Maya is a member of the class of 2029 and is hoping to pursue a psychology major with a
global health minor. She is passionate about the field of public health and giving back to the community. She enjoys reading, going to the gym with friends, and exploring new coffee
shops!
Elizabeth Buduen
Elizabeth Buduen
Elizabeth Buduen
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Elizabeth Buduen is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience on the premedical track, with a minor in Computer Science and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate. As someone who grew up and is part of the Hispanic community, her background inspires her work to impro
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Elizabeth Buduen is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience on the premedical track, with a minor in Computer Science and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate. As someone who grew up and is part of the Hispanic community, her background inspires her work to improve health literacy and reduce disparities affecting Spanish-speaking communities. Passionate about neurological health, she hopes to become an interventional neurologist dedicated to expanding access to equitable care. Her goal is to combine scientific innovation with community-centered advocacy to strengthen health outcomes for underserved families.
Megan Bonne
Elizabeth Buduen
Elizabeth Buduen
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Megan Bonne is a junior at Duke University studying Cell & Molecular Biology and Global Health, with interests in reproductive immunology and health-equity innovation. She works across Yale School of Medicine, Duke Health, and zebrafish toxicology labs, where her research spans acute megak
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Megan Bonne is a junior at Duke University studying Cell & Molecular Biology and Global Health, with interests in reproductive immunology and health-equity innovation. She works across Yale School of Medicine, Duke Health, and zebrafish toxicology labs, where her research spans acute megakaryoblastic leukemia to maternal–fetal immune interactions. Outside the lab, she volunteers as a Spanish–English medical interpreter in underserved clinics and contribute to global surgery capacity-building projects. She is also involved in community health outreach and education for immigrant and under-resourced communities. She hopes to become a doctor and to continue to work towards helping underrepresented communities get access to care.
Natalie Gonzalez
Tianna Bell-Santos
Natalie Gonzalez
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Natalie Gonzalez is a freshman at Duke and she is from Raleigh. She plans to major in neuroscience, minor in chemistry, and her ultimate goal is to become a neurologist. Serving her community is incredibly important to her, and doing so by improving access to healthcare is immensely impactful and fulfilling.
Eva Yi
Tianna Bell-Santos
Natalie Gonzalez
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Eva Yi is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Spanish and German. Through research on Alzheimer’s disease and volunteer work with Alzheimer’s patients, she developed a strong passion for understanding the mechanisms and impact of neurological disorders. Combinin
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Eva Yi is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Spanish and German. Through research on Alzheimer’s disease and volunteer work with Alzheimer’s patients, she developed a strong passion for understanding the mechanisms and impact of neurological disorders. Combining her deep interest in language learning, Eva aspires to become a multilingual physician who bridges linguistic and cultural divides, integrating science and compassion to enhance neurological care and understanding.
Tianna Bell-Santos
Tianna Bell-Santos
Tianna Bell-Santos
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Tianna is a junior at Duke University majoring in Neuroscience and pursuing the Child Policy Research Certificate. She is passionate about understanding how early life experiences shape brain development and hopes to bridge research, medicine, and policy to improve mental health and educational outcomes for children and families.
Columbia University Chapter
Trey Norman
Lily Foroozan
Lily Foroozan
Co-President
Trey is a sophomore at Columbia University studying Neuroscience and Behavior. Originally from a small, rural town in Missouri, he has witnessed how limited healthcare resources and education can affect entire communities. Driven by a commitment to equity, he works to raise awareness, promote health literacy, and bridge system
Co-President
Trey is a sophomore at Columbia University studying Neuroscience and Behavior. Originally from a small, rural town in Missouri, he has witnessed how limited healthcare resources and education can affect entire communities. Driven by a commitment to equity, he works to raise awareness, promote health literacy, and bridge systemic gaps. Through volunteer service and biochemistry research, Trey has engaged with both the theoretical and practical dimensions of healthcare. He aspires to become a radiologist who not only serves patients with compassion but also helps expand care to underserved populations, wherever his future community may be.
Lily Foroozan
Lily Foroozan
Lily Foroozan
Co-President
Lily is a sophomore at Columbia University studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Neuroscience. Originally from Maryland, she has been passionate about medicine and healthcare from a young age. Her experience working as an EMT last summer exposed her to the disparities in healthcare access and treatment, deepe
Co-President
Lily is a sophomore at Columbia University studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Neuroscience. Originally from Maryland, she has been passionate about medicine and healthcare from a young age. Her experience working as an EMT last summer exposed her to the disparities in healthcare access and treatment, deepening her commitment to promoting health education and advancing health equity. Lily aspires to become a neurologist dedicated to ensuring that individuals from underrepresented and underserved communities receive compassionate, high-quality care.
Allie Bromley
Katelin Cavens
Katelin Cavens
Director of Communications & Media
Allie Bromley is a sophomore at Columbia University studying neuroscience and behavior. In the future, she plans to be a neurosurgeon specializing in pediatrics. She currently serves on the executive board of the Red Cross Club and is a member of BEI. Allie hopes that through our digital storytelling we c
Director of Communications & Media
Allie Bromley is a sophomore at Columbia University studying neuroscience and behavior. In the future, she plans to be a neurosurgeon specializing in pediatrics. She currently serves on the executive board of the Red Cross Club and is a member of BEI. Allie hopes that through our digital storytelling we can gain awareness about the issues in our community as well as the solutions already in place.
Katelin Cavens
Katelin Cavens
Katelin Cavens
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Katelin is a sophomore, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior at Barnard. Currently she is working at an OBGYN office as a clinical and administrative assistant. She is really interested in the intersection between healthcare and advocacy—specifically women’s health.
UC Santa Cruz Chapter
Amani Khanna
Amara Sabarillo
Amani Khanna
Co-President
Amani is a Junior at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Neuroscience. She is deeply committed to advancing healthcare equity, particularly for underrepresented communities. Through her work with The Pink Project and among other projects, she organized and delivered hygiene products to Women’s shelters. As an intern at the UCSC Women’s
Co-President
Amani is a Junior at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Neuroscience. She is deeply committed to advancing healthcare equity, particularly for underrepresented communities. Through her work with The Pink Project and among other projects, she organized and delivered hygiene products to Women’s shelters. As an intern at the UCSC Women’s Center, she supported programs that foster inclusivity and empowerment. Her experience as a medical assistant has highlighted the critical importance of accessible information and resources in patient care, as well as the impact of language barriers on achieving true patient-centered care. Furthering these initiatives, Amani aspires to a career in medicine where she can integrate advocacy, cultural awareness, and clinical practice to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Kingel Naik
Amara Sabarillo
Amani Khanna
Co-President
Kingel is a junior at UC Santa Cruz, double majoring in Cognitive Science and Game Design. With leadership roles in both cultural and academic organizations, she is deeply engaged in fostering community and creating spaces for collaboration and growth. Passionate about understanding human experiences, Kingel is particularly in
Co-President
Kingel is a junior at UC Santa Cruz, double majoring in Cognitive Science and Game Design. With leadership roles in both cultural and academic organizations, she is deeply engaged in fostering community and creating spaces for collaboration and growth. Passionate about understanding human experiences, Kingel is particularly interested in how design, technology, and cognitive science can intersect to enhance connection, accessibility, and equity. This perspective has also shaped her commitment to healthcare and advocacy, recognizing that inclusive systems and equitable access are essential to supporting well-being across diverse communities. Looking forward, she aspires to continue blending creativity and research to build inclusive experiences that strengthen communities and improve how people interact with the world and with one another.
Amara Sabarillo
Amara Sabarillo
Amara Sabarillo
Vice President
Amara is a third-year Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major at UC Santa Cruz. As a behavior specialist, she works to improve patient well-being through targeted interventions and personalized care. Outside of her professional work, she also volunteers at medical centers, where she gains additional hands-on experience while
Vice President
Amara is a third-year Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major at UC Santa Cruz. As a behavior specialist, she works to improve patient well-being through targeted interventions and personalized care. Outside of her professional work, she also volunteers at medical centers, where she gains additional hands-on experience while contributing to various healthcare initiatives. Her passion for both scientific research and patient care drives her long-term goal of working in the medical field. Through her studies and experiences, Amara aspires to combine her knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, and behavior to develop innovative, inclusive healthcare solutions that promote better outcomes for diverse communities.
Kabitha Nath
Muskaan Khinda
Amara Sabarillo
Treasurer
Kabita is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz, majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. As an EMT, researcher on molecular biology and global healthcare disparities, and volunteer with underrepresented communities, she has seen firsthand the challenges patients and families face in accessing necessary quality care. T
Treasurer
Kabita is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz, majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. As an EMT, researcher on molecular biology and global healthcare disparities, and volunteer with underrepresented communities, she has seen firsthand the challenges patients and families face in accessing necessary quality care. These experiences inspire her goal of becoming a physician who prioritizes patient-centered care and advocates for medical equity.
Talia Bahatt
Muskaan Khinda
Muskaan Khinda
Director of Research & Journalism
Talia is a Senior at UCSC studying Biology. With a strong interest in pharmaceutical drug development, she has contributed to research involving gene therapy, genetic testing and cancer treatment. Beyond this, she has a strong passion for creating equitable healthcare environments through education and ou
Director of Research & Journalism
Talia is a Senior at UCSC studying Biology. With a strong interest in pharmaceutical drug development, she has contributed to research involving gene therapy, genetic testing and cancer treatment. Beyond this, she has a strong passion for creating equitable healthcare environments through education and outreach and hopes to continue to contribute to the future of medicine.
Muskaan Khinda
Muskaan Khinda
Muskaan Khinda
Director of Research & Journalism
Anu Pramod
Aarushi Kumar
Aarushi Kumar
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Anubha is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. She has volunteered in many different places, but her time at a nonprofit cancer hospital in India stood out the most. The hospital provides cancer treatment to the families who can't afford
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Anubha is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. She has volunteered in many different places, but her time at a nonprofit cancer hospital in India stood out the most. The hospital provides cancer treatment to the families who can't afford care. It made her realize that even though she always knew not everyone has equal access to healthcare, she hadn’t truly seen how deep the problem was until then. This experience opened her eyes to the cultural, financial, and system-wide challenges people face when trying to get help. Inspired by Youth Health Focus’s mission, she wants to support efforts that are focused on the needs of each community and make healthcare fairer and more welcoming for everyone.
Aarushi Kumar
Aarushi Kumar
Aarushi Kumar
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Aarushi is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz studying Computer Engineering. Through her research on global water scarcity and her volunteer work at local food banks, she has developed a passion for using technology to improve accessibility to essential resources. Her experiences in engineering,
Director of Health Education & Medical Initiatives
Aarushi is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz studying Computer Engineering. Through her research on global water scarcity and her volunteer work at local food banks, she has developed a passion for using technology to improve accessibility to essential resources. Her experiences in engineering, mentorship, and service have shown her how education, healthcare, and technology must work together to create a more equitable world. Looking ahead, Aarushi hopes to integrate engineering, research, and advocacy to design solutions that expand accessibility and equity across communities.
Shravya Nair
Aarushi Kumar
Meghan Mickel
Director of Communications & Media
Hi, I’m Shravya (Shaya for short), a third-year Biotechnology major currently working with Cytiva. I am also an EMT working towards my Medic license in Santa Cruz, with the long-term goal of becoming an ED physician. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, watching UFC, and discovering new coffee spots!
Meghan Mickel
Meghan Mickel
Meghan Mickel
Director of Communications & Media
Meghan Mickel is a rising Sophomore at UC Santa Cruz, and she studies Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology on a pre-dental track. With her various hospital volunteering experience, she is driven to wanting better and more affordable healthcare access across a broader public. Her unique experience vol
Director of Communications & Media
Meghan Mickel is a rising Sophomore at UC Santa Cruz, and she studies Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology on a pre-dental track. With her various hospital volunteering experience, she is driven to wanting better and more affordable healthcare access across a broader public. Her unique experience volunteering at Autism Therapy clinics also encourages her to advocate for the destigmatization of various developmental disorders. Meghan also loves meeting people from different backgrounds to expand her knowledge on underrepresented inequities, in order to be part of conversations striving for change.
Sith Hapuara
Meghan Mickel
Sith Hapuara
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Sithmi is a current 3rd year studying MCD biology! She joined YHF because she believes every community should have access to health care. She want to do her part to help her community to not only gain better access to healthcare but inform her fellow peers about this on going issue!! After worki
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
Sithmi is a current 3rd year studying MCD biology! She joined YHF because she believes every community should have access to health care. She want to do her part to help her community to not only gain better access to healthcare but inform her fellow peers about this on going issue!! After working hands-on with patients as a Health Scholar at her local hospital,she looking forward to contributing to YHF’s mission of making healthcare more accessible to those who need it most.
Aanya Bhartia
Meghan Mickel
Sith Hapuara
Director of Outreach & Community Engagement
My name’s Aanya and I’m from the Bay Area. I’m majoring in psychology hoping to go into clinical psych as a career. I’m super passionate about researching brain health and connecting with people! Youth Health Focus’ mission really resonates with me as a way to foster a healthy mind and body in our youth communities!