Who We Are

At EmpowerMed, our mission is to equip the next generation with the tools, confidence, and voice to shape the future of healthcare. We create engaging, hands-on experiences for youth that help them understand community health issues and take real action that influences change. By empowering youth to speak up, collaborate, and lead, we’re setting the foundation for a generation where healthcare access expands, awareness deepens, and young voices drive real change.

  • Founder

    Akshita Bandari co-founded EmpowerMed to improve healthcare access in her community. A High Honor Roll student, she is active in organizations such as Key Club and passionate about community service. Akshita hopes to become a pediatric surgeon to positively impact children's lives. Outside of EmpowerMed, she enjoys swimming, video games, music, and time with friends.

  • Founder

    Bhavya Gokul is a dedicated student and community volunteer. A consistent High Honor Roll recipient, she mentors youth with NSF. In addition, as a Columbia University volunteer, she supports mental health initiatives. Building on her commitment to service, she co-founded EmpowerMed to expand healthcare access. Outside of her academic and volunteer pursuits, Bhavya enjoys dance, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

  • PR Head

    Sarah is a sophomore at Shaker High School. She aspires to be an architect but joined EmpowerMed because she believes healthcare should be available to all. She is a part of her school's newspaper and hopes to spread awareness about issues that aren’t discussed enough. In her free time, she enjoys painting, writing poetry and lyrics, and spending time with her family.

  • Treasurer

    Zainab is a sophomore at Shaker High School. As a high honor roll student, she is passionate about advocating for healthcare and equality for all, especially those that are underserved. She is interested in politics and activism, and hopes to better educate the youth about problems that many people around the world face. In her free time, she enjoys singing, reading, painting, and spending time with family and friends.

  • Health Advocacy Ambassador

    Shubhika is a student at Shaker High School who enjoys challenging herself with honors and AP classes while staying involved in different activities. She especially enjoys Science Olympiad, where she learns new scientific concepts, solves problems, and works with teammates. Outside of school, she likes crocheting to be creative and playing basketball to stay active. She also values spending time with her family, whether relaxing at home or trying new activities together. Overall, Shubhika enjoys balancing academics, hobbies, and time with the people who matter most to her.