ItsNaga

   BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Executive Director: Nagatanmayee Gunukula

        An executive director sits at the helm of a nonprofit organization, steering it, managing its operations, and carrying out its mission according to the strategic direction of a board of directors. In many ways, the role is similar to that of a for-profit corporation's chief executive officer (CEO).

Board Chairman: Shikhar Sisodia

        The primary role of the board chair is to keep the organization on track toward fulfilling its mission. At its core, this role involves facilitating board meetings, exemplifying strong leadership, practicing effective governance, and implementing change.

Board Vice-Chair: Nagatanmayee Gunukula

        In the absence of the Chair, coordinates the facilitation of board meetings, ensures agendas and minutes are distributed, and implements the strategic plan. Reports to the Board Chair. Works closely with the Board Chair, board members, and administrative staff.

Board Secretary: Lochan Reddy

Your board secretary is an active conduit for communication between board members. This individual is responsible for proactively collaborating with board members to set up meetings, giving proper notice of any arrangements, and promptly distributing materials like agendas and minutes.

Development Director: Saahil Manekar

        A Development Director is responsible for contacting Senior Centers (eg: Ivy Park, Acosta, the Watermark, etc...) to organize interactive and productive weekly volunteering events.  They focus on networking and building relationships with local Senior Centers and fellow non profit members, fostering community engagement and aiming to enhance the lives of Senior citizens.

        Senior Connect is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of dedicated students. Our primary goal is to support elderly individuals in our communities by promoting longevity and fostering good mental well-being among the valued older population.

        Welcome to Senior Connect! This nonprofit was established by Nagatanmayee, Shikhar, Saahil, and Lochan, who are current high school students at Dougherty Valley and Dublin High. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in our communities by promoting longevity and positive mental health. We aim to achieve this through various fundraisers and partnerships with school service clubs and scout organizations. These collaborations allow us to organize multiple events where volunteers visit retirement communities to engage in activities that provide emotional support, companionship, and assistance. 

        We strongly believe that the well-being of seniors can be significantly improved through the active involvement of young people. By fostering intergenerational relationships, we can help seniors enjoy a better quality of life and alleviate some of the burdens on healthcare systems. Senior Connect is dedicated to creating a vibrant culture for seniors by offering a range of programs and resources that support lifelong growth and engagement. Our goal is to ensure that seniors have access to the support they need to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

    I'm thrilled to announce that, after four years, our school has finally had a women's water polo team! I am honored to be a part of this journey, which has already brought me amazing friendships, great memories, and an appreciation for dedication and teamwork. I am a proud member of this team. The addition of this exciting sport broadens the scope of our athletic programs and gives female athletes a stage on which to display their passion for this sport.

    For me, participating in this first-ever women's water polo team has been a life-changing event. I played two positions for the team: whole set/whole D (defense) and goalie. These roles have helped me gain a thorough understanding of the game's tactical components. I am honored and grateful to have received the 'JV Women's Water Polo Defensive Most Valuable Player' award. 

    I can't help but be excited about the future as we celebrate this first season and am very happy to have received the award as the Defensive Most Valuable Player. There are still more obstacles to overcome, successes to be had, and memories to be made on this journey. As a team, we'll keep developing and make a lasting contribution to the history of women's water polo at our high school.

    I would like to express my gratitude to all of the individuals who have contributed to our women's water polo team's success, including our school community, coaches, players, and supporters. Cheers to the dedication that drives our success as a team and the spirit of cooperation that drives us forward. I'm excited to see what our team's future holds.

    Along with high schoolers, middle schoolers participated in this hackathon where everyone displayed their ideas and innovations throughout the hackathon. Every participant contributed something unique, ranging from innovative app ideas to coding solutions.  This cooperative effort broke down barriers and promoted the sharing of talents and expertise, enriching the projects while also offering an invaluable learning experience for everyone involved.

    We would like to express our gratitude to every student who took part in the October Hackathon, contributed their ideas, and welcomed the collaborative environment. Regardless of a participant's educational level, the event's success was a tribute to their dedication and ingenuity. Congratulations to each and every winner! 

    There was fierce competition, and every creation showed the contestants' commitment to effort and hard work. Every project improved the event's overall success, whether it was through a ground-breaking feature, a smooth user experience, or an inventive app concept. We look forward to future events that continue to inspire innovation and bring together bright minds. 

        We are excited to share the highlights from our recent visit to Watermark Senior Center in San Ramon, California, on October 1st. Our day started bright and early, with our team busily setting up desks and organizing the space to make it feel warm and welcoming. We wanted the seniors to feel right at home, knowing they were in a place designed just for them. One of the best parts of the day was when one of our team members played the piano during the seniors' break. The music brought the room to life, creating a cheerful and upbeat atmosphere. It was wonderful to see the seniors tapping their feet, humming along, and even singing to the music. This simple act of playing the piano brought so much joy and a sense of togetherness to everyone.

        We also spent some time organizing the center. We went through unnecessary materials and packed them away neatly in the attic. This helped to create a tidier and more pleasant environment for the residents and staff. To add to the fun, we set up various games for the seniors. They jumped right in, eager to participate and enjoy some friendly competition. Their laughter and excitement were contagious, and it was heartwarming to see them bonding and making new memories together. Of course, no event is complete without snacks! We made sure there were plenty of treats available, including popcorn, cookies, and fresh fruit. It was great to see the seniors enjoying their favorite snacks while chatting and having a good time.

        Throughout the day, we made sure to be attentive to the needs of the residents. We were there to help with anything they needed and to make sure everyone was having a wonderful time. We also took the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with the seniors, listening to their amazing stories and sharing some of our own.

        These personal interactions were incredibly meaningful, allowing us to connect with the seniors and show them how much we care. Seeing the joy and appreciation on their faces reaffirmed our commitment to making a positive impact in their lives. We're already looking forward to our next event and are dedicated to continuing our mission of creating a supportive and joyful environment for seniors. We can't wait to bring more smiles and make more memories in the future.