The Quell Foundation
Mental health has always been a cause close to me. I’ve raised over $12,000 for The Quell Foundation through annual fundraising efforts and charity races. While at UCLA, I brought the foundation’s mission to campus by founding a student club focused on mental health awareness and open dialogue. I also had the opportunity to speak at Quell’s annual Masquerade Ball, sharing my story and helping inspire continued support for the organization.
Boston Athletic Association (BAA)
In 2022, I ran the Boston Marathon on behalf of the BAA, raising over $7,500 for their community initiatives. As a Boston native, I set a goal at 12 years old to run the marathon as soon as I was eligible. At 18, I applied to one of the most prestigious charity teams, spoke directly with the head of the program, and began training the very next day.
When the 2020 race was canceled, I had to wait two more years, but at 20 I finally crossed the finish line of the most legendary race in the world, one that will always hold a special place in my heart. Training for the marathon taught me focus, resilience, and discipline, qualities I carry into every part of my life.
The Dog House
For most of my life, I thought I would become a veterinarian. At fifteen, eager to make a difference, I started a clothing company that donated a portion of its profits to dogs in need. What began as a small project quickly became a crash course in entrepreneurship. I taught myself Adobe Illustrator to design products, researched fashion trends, built a Shopify site, and developed marketing campaigns from scratch.
After attending a Tufts veterinary program and passing out three times, I realized my path was meant to look different. What I really loved was not medicine but building something from the ground up.
Pi Beta Phi
As Director of Member Finance for Pi Beta Phi at UCLA, I managed financial operations for over 150 members and an annual budget of more than one million dollars. I oversaw billing, reimbursements, and budgeting while working closely with our executive board to ensure transparency and accountability. It was my first real experience managing large-scale finances and leading with both precision and trust, and it gave me a strong foundation in financial management and communication.
Mentorship
As part of UCLA’s Mentorship Program, I was paired with a high school student from the North Hollywood area to help them explore their interests and plan for college. We met regularly to talk through goals, challenges, and next steps, and it was incredibly rewarding to see their confidence and curiosity grow over time. Mentoring reminded me how powerful guidance and encouragement can be, and it strengthened my own commitment to helping others find their path.