2025-2026 ACTIVE MINDS OFFICERS
Shreeyalaxhmee (Shreeya) Rao
President
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I first started taking an interest in mental health back in eight grade. I noticed how so many people around me were struggling in silence. It made me wonder what was it that made it so difficult for people to seek help or even talk about what they were going through? The answer is stigma. That realization has stayed with me, shaping my passion for understanding mental health and breaking down the barriers that keep people from receiving the support they deserve. ​My position in this club is important to me because it allows me to actively work against that stigma, that many have seen consume people’s lives. It’s a chance to create a community where people feel safe, supported, and never alone in what they’re experiencing. Because even a single conversation can spark hope, and for that, I will keep showing up with everything I have.
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I have many favorite quotes, but above all, my favorite verse is from Ephesians 5:2: “Walk in love, as Christ also loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” There are many reasons why, but a crucial part is that it serves as a reminder to lead with love in everything I do, to show up for others with kindness, patience, and understanding, even when life feels complicated or heavy. Furthermore, it reflects the way I see mental health advocacy: that change doesn’t always come from big, grand gestures but from small, intentional acts of compassion, like listening to someone or simply letting them know they’re not alone. This verse grounds me in the belief that even in our imperfections, choosing to actively walk in love can make a real difference.
Aarushi Singh Gowrinath
Vice President​
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Hello! My name is Aarushi, and I’m honored to serve as your Vice President for the 2025–2026 school year. My passion for mental health began when I noticed the impact that untreated struggles had on the peers around me, which is why this role means so much to me. I want to advocate for mental health awareness, educate our community on its importance, and help create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment for all students.
Madison Nguyen
Secretary
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Hey, guys! My name is Madison Nguyen, and I will be your secretary for the 2025-2026 school year! I am a sophomore Healthcare Studies major on the pre-PA track, hoping to specialize in pediatric psychiatry. Mental health awareness became especially important to me in high school, when I realized how inaccessible resources are for students. From personal experience, I know how difficult it can be to open up about mental health struggles because of stigma and widespread misconceptions. That’s why I am so grateful to be part of Active Minds and to play a role in breaking down these barriers. I believe that by working together, we can foster a more compassionate and understanding community for everyone. I can’t wait to have a great year with everyone!
Wenfeng (Wendy) Huang
Treasurer
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Hello everyone! Nice to meet you all my name is Wendy, I'm currently a sophomore at UTD majoring in finance. What drew me to Active Minds is that I really enjoy the community as everyone is very open minded here and is easy to converse with. Also, it allows me to get to know more about mental health and how it is important in our daily lives. I started taking interest in mental health when I was a sophomore in high school. It was a difficult time in my life, and it opened my eyes to different approaches to seeking help. My position in this club as the treasury is important to me because it connects my major to my interest in educating people about the benefits of seeking self-care. My Favorite quote is “Mindset is Everything.”
Alia Kashif
Publicity Officer
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Hi, I'm Alia! As I've navigated the world, I've become increasingly passionate about mental health. I've realized that it's a crucial issue that often goes unspoken. As the publicity officer for Active Minds, I'm dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and resources through social media. My goal is to create a supportive community where everyone feels seen and valued. I'm inspired by the quote, 'You can't see people's mental health. Always be kind' – a reminder to approach others with empathy and understanding.
Pragathi Mahesh
Event Coordinator
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I first got involved when I say how stigmas around mental health prevented people that I knew personally from reaching out when they needed help it showed me how important it was for students, including myself, to have safe spaces and supportive conversations on campus and it was one of the main reasons why I wanted to become an officer in Active Minds. I am the events planner for Active Minds this year! This role is important to me because I get the opportunity to create different events and opportunities for students to connect, learn and feel supported on our campus. My favorite quote would be “be happy with what you have, while working for what you want” - Hellen Keller
Amrita Suggala
Professional Development Coordinator
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I joined active minds to advocate for students mental health and their well-being. This position is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to support members in their mental health journey, and I hope to serve as a steady guide along the way. No one should struggle alone :)
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Favorite Quote: "Find your lane. Make space for the flow to show itself. Follow the natural rhythm of your life, and you will discover a force far
greater than your own." - Oprah Winfrey
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Fun fact: I love to dance and I know seven styles of dance.
Danielle Rath
Fundraising Coordinator
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My name is Danielle Rath, and I am a sophomore Healthcare Studies Pre-Med major here at UTD! I started taking in interest in mental health when witnessing my peers, who I perceived to be doing well due to their presence on social media, actually go through silent struggles, thinking that having an outlet or believing that they might actually need help deciphering these thoughts were negative or an embarrassing thing to do. Considering that many of us are in a huge chapter of our lives, not just revolving around academics but just managing who we are, who we want to be, and what we want to do, it's almost a necessity to be able to feel like you can reach out for help without feeling judged! It's a human skill that we are able to confide in and connect with one another. My position at UTD Active Minds is the Fundraiser Chair. Being able to not only serve my community on campus but also contribute to Active Minds Organization as a whole is so fulfilling! My favorite quote is something my dad always says, "Impossibility is Temporary". With everything I pursue, I always try to keep that saying on my mind. At the end of the day, whatever you are trying to accomplish is an inspiration to all, never feel as though you are doing too much or too little. You matter!​
Ishya Atkuri
Volunteering Coordinator
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Hi, my name is Ishya Atkuri, and I first became interested in mental health during COVID, when I saw how isolation and uncertainty affected not only me but also my friends and family. Serving as the Volunteer Coordinator in this club is important to me because I get to connect people with opportunities that make a real difference in our community. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.’ Outside of the club, I enjoy playing tennis, cooking, shopping, art, and traveling! ​
Alisha Fariz
Volunteering Coordinator
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Hi my name is Alisha. I really started taking interest in mental health after I burnt out juggling responsibilities in high school. By teaching myself how to heal and let go of habits that no longer serve me, I've felt how a strong community can make the biggest difference and I am excited to inspire safety and strength through Active Minds. Currently, I am part of the Volunteer Coordinator duo to grow our impact and gift to others what we have been gifted. I find my best inspirational quotes in song lyrics, but one I have up in my room is: "You deserve the love you keep trying to give everyone else."