Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanjana Kavula.
Hi Sanjana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began with a startling statistic that placed Dallas at the forefront of mental health crises. Compelled to address this issue, I co-founded Project Pink, a mission-driven organization dedicated to destigmatizing and improving access to mental healthcare for women. We’ve seen firsthand how advocacy can spark change, having influenced policy with the Frisco City Council and extended our reach with over 30 community clubs and educational seminars.
Transitioning from advocacy to research, I joined the Salinas Lab at UT Southwestern as a paid research intern. There, my focus sharpened on uncovering mechanisms and therapeutic targets for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). My development of a Python program to navigate scientific databases culminated in a significant first-author publication set for release in January.
My commitment to healthcare discourse broadened with a TED Talk on healthcare ethics. The platform enabled me to share insights and contribute to the global conversation on ethical practice in healthcare, with the talk being published, amplifying its impact.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, I also ventured into technological solutions by creating ‘Fempower,’ an app dedicated to empowering women, currently in the prototype spirit. Its innovative approach was recognized at the Wipro UNT Great Scientist Soiree, where it won the title of Most Innovative.
Each step from Project Pink’s advocacy to current research and public speaking engagements, has been a steppingstone toward a future where mental health care is accessible, ethical, and inclusive. The path continues to unfold, with each accomplishment fueling the next stride towards a world where every woman has the mental health support she deserves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly, it hasn’t been a smooth road. As a South Asian woman launching a mental health nonprofit, I faced cultural and societal barriers. Breaking through these layers of stigma took perseverance and commitment. Through Project Pink, I’ve learned about the diverse and complex stories of those dealing with mental health challenges, each requiring a thoughtful approach to support and understanding.
Additionally, diving into the technical world of coding for my research brought its own set of trials. Mastering Python to advance our research objectives was a rigorous process, filled with moments of both frustration and triumph. These struggles, though difficult, have been essential in forging the path to where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
In my role, I blend mental health advocacy with cutting-edge neurological research. At Project Pink, I’m lauded for advancing women’s mental health support and effecting policy reform. My proudest achievement is the palpable impact we’ve made in breaking down stigmas around mental wellness.
In the lab, my research on MS and EAE is propelled by a novel Python tool I created, setting my work apart through a distinctive merger of tech and science. My insights on these intersections have also shaped my TED Talk on healthcare ethics, further underscoring my dedication to a more equitable health landscape.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Success, especially in fields as collaborative as mental health advocacy and scientific research, is seldom a solo endeavor. Susan Holt, a dedicated blood drive coordinator, was instrumental in the early days of Project Pink, guiding our outreach strategies and demonstrating how grassroots initiatives can ripple into broader community movements.
Professor Victor Salinas at UT Southwestern has been a mentor and a torchbearer in my research journey. His guidance in the labyrinth of scientific inquiry and his unwavering support in applying computational methods to biological research have been pivotal to my development as a researcher. His belief in my potential has often been the catalyst for my boldest pursuits in the lab.
Above all, the bedrock of my support system has been my parents. Their unwavering faith in my vision and their encouragement to bridge cultures and disciplines have been my compass. They’ve celebrated my victories, lent wisdom amid challenges, and have always been a source of unconditional support, inspiring me to forge ahead with resilience and compassion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://projectpinkfoundation.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjana-kavula-710384236/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWaWX0I2lLs
