President
President
Aryaman Bana
My name is Aryaman Bana, and I am a sophomore chemistry and math major at UNC Chapel Hill. My interests lie in the combination of molecular biology and analytical chemistry, and I hope to continue research alongside a healthcare career in the future. In my visits to India, I had the opportunity to open my eyes to the crisis that is the clean water shortage; it’s disheartening that such a crisis exists, but I’m optimistic about the future, and I can’t wait to work with the rest of the team in alleviating this crisis.
Finance and Media
vp, finance and media
Mahesh Vankineni
Hi, my name is Mahesh Vankineni and I am a sophomore from Charlotte, NC. I am currently a Biology major on the premed track, with an interest in public health. I had my first experience with the clean water issue when I was a young child visiting my grandparents in the southern regions of India. My family warned me to stick to bottled water because the tap water wasn’t clean. Later in life, I realized how widespread this issue is, particularly in the more rural regions where technologies like water purification and filtration have yet to make their mark. As Vice President of Finance, I am responsible for overseeing all financial operations at HHI and collaborating with our various divisions to ensure project quotas are met. Additionally, I am an officer on the external affairs team pursuing grants and funding for future projects.
Outreach
VP, OUTREACH
Sarah Hwang
My name is Sarah Hwang, and I’m a junior majoring in biology at UNC Chapel Hill. I’m from Wilmington, NC, and living close to the beach has provided me numerous opportunities to be engaged in research involving marine specimens. Through these experiences, I have come to appreciate the existence of many lives on earth and have also come to recognize the dire need for clean water that is accessible to not just marine organisms but also to the human race, in places where it’s not naturally present. As a believer of science and universal provision of basic healthcare, I hope to be a part of the change to improve the living conditions in underserved regions in the world through my participation in HHI.
External Affairs
vp, external affairs
Keshav Saxena
Committee Officers
My name is Vinitha Panchikarla, and I am a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, majoring in Health Policy and Management with a minor in Chemistry. My family and I moved from India seven years ago. Having lived in India for the early part of my life, I have seen people in rural areas struggle with essential utilities like access to electricity and clean water even today. Hence, I hope we can serve the underprivileged and make a difference in their lives together as a team!
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Kruti Bhargav
Hello! My name is Kruti and I am currently a junior at UNC Chapel Hill double majoring in Biology and Psychology with a Chemistry minor on the pre-med track. I grew up in Bangalore, India and I hope to go to medical school to become either an OB/GYN or pediatrician and work in rural areas. I have always loved volunteering and working with underserved communities, and being a part of HHI allows me to not only do this but also work with communities that hold sentimental value to me personally. I look forward to applying the knowledge I have learned through my classes and interactions to make a positive impact in underserved communities!
OUTREACH COMMITTEe
Kaymille Sherman
Hello! My name is Kaymille Sherman from Durham, NC. I am a pre-med freshman majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Health and Society and Neuroscience. Based on personal relationships, I recognized the direct impact that clean water access has on one’s health. I wanted to be a part of an organization that is working towards improving health at an international level. I am very excited to be a part of the HHI’s mission and look forward to future projects.
OUTreach COMMITTEE
Aldair Argueta-Vasquez
I chose to join the Healthy Hands Initiative because I deeply value the impact of clean and accessible water on community health. Growing up in Asheville, NC, I experienced firsthand the challenges that natural disasters, such as Hurricane Helene, can bring. The storm’s aftermath made it clear how essential clean water is for resilience and recovery. That experience shaped my understanding of the critical role water plays in promoting health and well-being.
Now, as a junior majoring in neuroscience and biology at UNC Chapel Hill, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the connection between basic resources like clean water and public health. Joining the Healthy Hands Initiative allows me to contribute to a cause that not only aligns with my personal experiences but also my academic and professional aspirations. I am proud to support efforts that bring essential resources to underserved communities and create meaningful change.
Media and design COMMITTEE
Inara Tarek
My name is Inara Tarek and I am a Freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, majoring in Biology with an intended minor in English. Coming from a South Asian background, I have seen the devastating impacts of improper sanitation and water treatment firsthand, which has fueled my passion for facilitating access to clean water globally, as well as promoting better sanitation practices. HHI’s mission to raise awareness and funds for global sanitation is one that aligns deeply with my values – and I can’t wait to contribute to these efforts by raising awareness, educating others, and advocating for sustainable solutions.
