Name: Karishma Srikanth

Year: 2nd

Major: Prospective Global Public Health and Economics, with a minor in Social Entrepreneurship

Hometown: Clifton, VA

1. What brought you to the Women's Center?

There is something special and all-encompassingly powerful about a center wholly dedicated to empowerment, pushing for progress and the notion that we are all stronger together. I was drawn to the Women's Center and the Women, Girls, and Global Justice team largely due of its emphasis on elevating intersectional narratives and creating forces of active change both at the University and within the community- I hope to leave with a better comprehension of my role as a global citizen and an agent for social change.

2. What other organizations are you involved with at UVA?

I am the Chair of Outreach and Advocacy for the Charlottesville Alliance for Refugees, which is a student-run organization that focuses on bridging the gap between the University community and the broader refugee community in Charlottesville, through mechanisms such as ESL tutoring, journalism, and advocacy events on Grounds. Secondly, I am the Head of Miracle Families for HooThon (Dance Marathon at UVa), where I oversee outreach to the families of children battling childhood disease. On a completely separate note, I am also a musician and have been filling the void of a lack of music in my life through Kinetic Sound, an ensemble group on Grounds, and piano lessons through UVA. 

3. If you could describe your intern team in 3 words, what would they be?

inquisitive, passionate, reflective

4. What is your favorite memory of UVA thus far?

The night of the first substantial snowfall of my first year also happened to be the night where it seemed like everyone in the building was stressed, overwhelmed, and sleep-deprived. That night though, when we spontaneously ran out the doors at 1am in our pajamas throwing snowballs at each other and feeling like kids again, was one of my happiest moments at UVA because it was, at that moment, all I needed - to be with people I love and to just let go.

5. What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership, to me, is about paying it forward and empowering others to find their voice. It is about being kind and empathetic and genuine in your listening and your interactions. Ultimately, though, it's about sharing your passion with others and coming together over that common ground.

6. What is your guilty pleasure?

Coffee is undoubtedly the love of my life but honestly, I don't feel too guilty about it.