Our Team

Vikram Vemuri: Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Vikram Vemuri founded the Mind Over Cancer Initiative (MOCI) as a freshman in high school after a family member was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma breast cancer. Supporting their journey through treatment and recovery gave him a firsthand understanding of the profound emotional toll that cancer can take—not only on patients but on their entire families. He also recognized a critical gap: mental health often received far less attention than it deserved in the cancer journey. Driven by a desire to bridge this gap, Vikram created MOCI to integrate emotional well-being with cancer support, offering compassion, resources, and advocacy to those who need it most.

Vikram’s passion for mental health advocacy extends beyond MOCI. At school, he is Vice President of his NAMI chapter, promoting mental health awareness, and serves as the Executive Officer for the Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program, educating peers on drug prevention and healthy lifestyle choices. His commitment to leadership and service is also evident in scouting: he is a Life Rank Boy Scout and the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 905, where he mentors younger scouts and organizes outdoor activities that foster teamwork and resilience.

In addition to his advocacy and service, Vikram actively cultivates community and inclusion at school. As the founding Vice President of Best Buddies, he works to create meaningful friendships and opportunities for students with and without disabilities. He also builds class spirit and engagement as the Secretary of the Emerald High Class of 2028. Through all of these roles, Vikram combines empathy, leadership, and vision, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around him while inspiring others to lead with compassion.

Éléna Brassard: Associate Director

Éléna Brassard serves as the Associate Director of MOCI, where she brings curiosity, dedication, and a genuine passion for understanding the human mind and body. With a strong interest in biology, she loves exploring how the brain and body function and applying that knowledge to support health and well-being initiatives. Her enthusiasm for science is matched by her commitment to outreach and education, making her a thoughtful and engaged leader within the organization.

Beyond her role at MOCI, Éléna maintains an active lifestyle through school sports, including cross country and badminton, which help her build discipline, resilience, and teamwork skills. She is also deeply involved in youth-led health initiatives, such as Dublin Youth4Neuro and the Student Health Advocate Club at Emerald High, where she channels her curiosity and leadership into projects that benefit her community and inspire others.

Outside of academics, sports, and volunteer work, Éléna enjoys spending time with her beloved cat, Otto, and exploring new hobbies that fuel her creativity and personal growth. Her passion for science, community engagement, and well-being make her a valued and inspiring member of the MOCI team.

Aashi Sharma: Director of Outreach

Aashi serves as MOCI’s Outreach Director, where she brings together her passion for mental health advocacy with a keen interest in the medical field. As a student in her school’s Biomedical Academy and an active member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), she is dedicated to exploring healthcare from both a scientific and human-centered perspective. Through her role at MOCI, Aashi works to connect with the community, raise awareness about mental health and cancer, and create meaningful initiatives that support individuals and families impacted by these challenges.

Beyond MOCI, Aashi is an engaged and active member of the Dublin Mayor’s Council, where she advocates for impactful climate policy, civic engagement, and community programs that empower youth. She thrives on building connections, fostering dialogue, and creating opportunities for collaboration with people from all walks of life.

In her personal time, Aashi enjoys immersing herself in music, particularly listening to The Weeknd, and she loves striking up conversations with new people, learning from their perspectives, and forming meaningful relationships. Her enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to service make her a dynamic and inspiring leader within MOCI and her broader community.

Avika Vyawahare: Secretary

Avika Vyawahare is MOCI’s Secretary and a passionate student leader dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and community well-being. She strongly believes in reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health, both through her role at MOCI and in the broader community.

Avika has held leadership roles in student government, including serving as Vice President and as a member of the Dublin Youth Advisory Board. She is also actively involved in volunteer work and finds joy in supporting others through service. With a strong academic interest in biology and medicine, she looks forward to exploring those fields further in the future.

Outside of academics and advocacy, Avika enjoys baking, playing golf, and practicing Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance that plays an important role in her life and cultural heritage.

Eesha Mallu: Treasurer

Eesha serves as the Treasurer of MOCI, where she brings strong leadership, organization, and a genuine passion for service to the team. Beyond her work with MOCI, she is actively involved in several health- and community-focused organizations. She is a dedicated member of HOSA, serves as the Secretary of Dublin SWAB, and volunteers with the National Marrow Donor Program, where she contributes to lifesaving efforts that support patients in need.

Outside of her academic and volunteer commitments, Eesha leads a vibrant and well-rounded life. She is both a dancer and a varsity cheerleader, dedicating time to the athletic and artistic sides of her interests. When she has free time, she loves experimenting in the kitchen, learning new choreography, and making late-night Taco Bell runs. Her energy, kindness, and enthusiasm make her a valued member of every community she joins.

Reana Pudota: Public Relations Manager

Reana is MOCI’s Publicist, bringing enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to raising awareness about mental health and cancer. She is passionate about using her voice to shed light on topics that are often overlooked and is excited to help educate and inspire others through her role. Her dedication to advocacy stems from a genuine desire to support individuals and families affected by these challenges.

In addition to her work with MOCI, Reana has played in Orchestra for seven years, demonstrating her long-term commitment to the arts and her ability to balance discipline with creativity. She also works as an employee at American Swim Academy, where she contributes to a team environment and supports swimmers of all ages.

Outside of her academic and extracurricular responsibilities, Reana enjoys relaxing and having fun in a variety of ways. She loves watching TV, going shopping, and trying new activities whenever she gets the chance. Her openness, positivity, and eagerness to explore new experiences make her a vibrant and valued member of the MOCI team.

Maanya Balupari: Director of Advocacy

Maanya is the Director of Advocacy for MOCI, where she brings a strong sense of purpose, compassion, and leadership to the team. A 10th grader at Emerald High School, she has a deep interest in psychology and is especially fascinated by how the brain works, how people think, and the ways mental health shapes everyday life. Her passion for understanding the human mind fuels her dedication to advocating for greater awareness, empathy, and support for individuals affected by cancer and mental health challenges.

In addition to her role at MOCI, Maanya is an intern for Child Mind Institute's Youth Mental Health Academy, where she contributes to important youth mental health initiatives and gains hands-on experience in community advocacy and education. She is also a varsity badminton athlete, demonstrating her commitment to hard work, discipline, and teamwork both on and off the court.

Maanya approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Her drive to learn, lead, and uplift others makes her an inspiring and highly valued member of the MOCI board.