Founder

Srivastav Annapragada is the founder of Empowering Humanity and a driven individual who strives for success with exceptional efficiency. Currently a junior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, he has achieved notable success in chess and tennis.

In chess, Srivastav reached a peak USCF rating of 1603 and played varsity chess as a sophomore having multiple wins over the board 7 position. Srivastav has played varsity tennis since his freshman year, earning third place at two singles in his first year North Suburban Conference and first place at three doubles in his sophomore year North Suburban Conference. In recognition of his performance and dedication, he was honored with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

Through his diverse achievements and dedication to excellence, Srivastav is committed to using his knowledge and experience to make a meaningful impact on others and contribute positively to society.

Co- Founder

Shaurya Das, a driven rising junior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, is the Co-Founder of Empowering Humanity. Known for his creativity and determination. He is committed to making a lasting impact on the world. He values giving back and aspires to be remembered for his contributions to humanity’s well-being. His artistic talents emerged early, with formal art training and years of piano lessons starting at age eight. He has since expanded into music production through high school classes.

Academically strong, he has earned outstanding grades and is well-regarded by his teachers for his helpfulness and growth mindset. He actively participates in various extracurriculars including Future Business Leaders of America, Model UN, Mock Trial, and Business Professionals of America (BPA). He holds a leadership role in Key Club and recently won 2nd place at the BPA Nationals in Florida for Global Marketing. He exemplifies ambition, creativity, and a commitment to service.

Co-Founder

Medha Veerathu is a rising junior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). She has a deep passion for both biology and computer science and strives to merge innovation with community impact by actively exploring the intersection of science and technology.

A dedicated student-athlete, she won 1st place at the sectional level for girls tennis and placed in the top ten at the IHSA State Tournament. Beyond athletics, she has distinguished herself in health science competitions, earning 2nd place at the HOSA SLC and qualifying to compete at the ILC (International Leadership Conference).
Committed to education and mentorship, she has tutored students in computer science, sharing her knowledge among younger learners. She also dedicates her time to volunteering at senior living homes, local nonprofits, and community initiatives, finding joy in connecting with others and giving back.

Co- Founder

Ananya Iyer is a rising junior at Stevenson High School with a strong passion for computer science. She serves as the co-president of Stevenson’s Computer Science Club and enjoys competitive programming in Java and building projects in Python. Her research earned her a Gold Award at the IJAS State Science Fair, and she has completed over 32 hours as a Math and Computer Science tutor. Ananya is also a National Logistics Team Member of GirlCon, an international tech conference recognized by institutions like the University of Illinois Chicago and Google HQ. In April 2024, she was honored with the Aspirations in Computing Award by the National Center for Women & Information Technology.

Beyond academics, Ananya has played the violin for seven years and is a three-time gold medalist in the Illinois Grade School Music Association Solo Contest. She also has a passion for art, earning second place in the 2020 EARTH Global Art Competition for her work raising awareness about climate change.

Co- Founder

Pratyush Kumar is a rising junior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. He is a dedicated student leader with a strong interest in healthcare, engineering, and community service.

He has been involved in robotics since sixth grade and continues to pursue his passion for STEM. A state qualifier in HOSA, he explores his interest in the medical field through competitive events and leadership opportunities. He is also an active member of Student Council, helping shape school initiatives and student engagement.

Outside the classroom, he has played piano for over four years and is committed to personal growth through music. Dedicated to giving back, he has volunteered for organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Fill A Heart 4 Kids.

Driven and service-oriented, Pratyush is excited to continue developing as a leader through programs Empowering Humanity.