About Us

Light on the Heart is a non-profit established by a high schooler in Massachusetts. The founder has a close family member who was affected by heart disease and lacked fair treatment due to being part of a minority group. Light on the Heart is dedicated to providing guidance in starting scientific research and mentorship in STEM throughout high school.

We aim to create equality in cardiovascular care on the foundation of research and pave the way for advancements in healthcare from a diverse background of change-makers.

The Goal

Light on the heart has 3 main goals...

1. Shine a light on the inequities minority groups face in cardiovascular care and combat these injustices through legislation and advocacy

2. Lighten high schoolers' heavy load on their hearts by making their lives easier. From tips and tricks from a high schooler who has experienced the process, Light on the Heart will help students find research opportunities and provide insight from college admissions officers on how they should best spend their quick years in high school.

3. Bring awareness to the mental aspect of the heart through initiatives and fundraisers for people at a socioeconomic disadvantage and facing certain diseases.

Members

Light on the Heart's members are extraordinary changemakers from all over the world. Read about their work here.

Meet the Team

Light on the Heart's dedicated team is committed to making a difference.

President and Founder

President

Ayana Bahadur

Ayana is a high schooler in Massachusetts with a love for the heart. She enjoys reading memoirs, quilling, and spending time with her family. Her interests include STEM, medicine, and research, striving to use her passions to make a difference in the healthcare system. Join our amazing team at Light on the Heart to create meaningful change-- and maybe learn a thing or two about yourself along the way!

Board of Directors

Podcast Director

Sera Baang

Add a short bio for each team member. Make it brief and informative to keep visitors engaged.

Social Media Manager

Aaqil Mohamed

Aaqil Mohamed is a sophomore. He enjoys spending his free time with his friends and playing volleyball and basketball. He is interested in Light on the Heart because of all the impacts that they have made, and how it gives him a gateway to meaningfully impact the community.

Initiative Operator

Quinten Karess

Quinten Karess is a sophomore at Acton-Boxborough RHS. He follows a deep passion for STEM and aspires to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. At Light on the Heart, Quinten hopes to be involved with research and helping the community. Outside of school, he enjoys playing soccer, waterskiing, and spending time with family.

Blog Writers

Writing

Simrah Azmi

Simrah Azmi is a high school junior from Westford! She is a self-proclaimed literary nerd who enjoys reading, drawing, and writing, among other things. Her interests include journalism, politics, psychology, and activism, and she values being open-minded and truly caring about making a change. She's looking forward to working with the Light on the Heart team to help others, branch out, and create a difference!

Research

Aimen Tahir

Aimen Tahir is an optimistic high-school student who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include baking, badminton, reading, and hiking.

Healthcare

Aisha Farheen Riaz

Aisha Riaz is a grade 12 student with an interest in biology and chemistry. She loves to learn about the different processes of the human body and plans on pursuing a career in the medical field. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and baking.

Healthcare

Prisha Dedhia

Hi I’m Prisha Dedhia, a senior from Acton, Massachusetts. I love acrylic painting, traveling, and playing tennis during my free time. Some of my interests include oncology and biology, as I aspire to be a radiation oncologist someday. I am looking forward to working with the Light on The Heart team and creating a positive impact on our community and in the healthcare system.

Chapter Leaders

Acton, MA

Shabista Amin

Shabista Amin is a sophomore from Massachuettes with an interest in human biology and pharmacology, and plans to pursue her medical interests in the future. Cardiology is one of her favourite branches of health to work in. Outside of school and work, she likes reading, shopping, and painting. She looks forward to working with the team and everyone else in the future!