SHREYA POLADIA

Leading the Austin Unites: Combat Hunger Through Community Hope Food Drive was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. It opened my eyes to the scale of food insecurity in my own community and showed me how powerful collective action can be when people come together for a shared purpose. Coordinating every phase—from outreach to organizing volunteers—pushed me to grow as a leader and strengthened my ability to stay focused under pressure. But more than anything, it deepened my sense of responsibility. Delivering over 500 pounds of food to Hope Food Pantry wasn’t just a moment of success—it was a reminder that small, thoughtful efforts can create real, lasting change. It inspired me to keep using my skills and energy to serve others, and it reaffirmed my commitment to community-focused work.

Growing up, I often longed for a supportive community of siblings who truly understood the joys and challenges of having a brother with disabilities. His presence in my life has profoundly shaped my journey, inspiring me to turn my experiences into something positive. That's why I started Sib Group, to help siblings of children with disabilities.
After recognizing the unique hurdles faced by siblings, I set out to create a sanctuary where they could find solace and connection. Through extensive training and certification as a Facilitator, I equipped myself with the skills needed to run sibling workshops and groups. This journey empowered me to cultivate an environment where siblings feel heard, understood, and embraced. This school year marked the launch of our inaugural Sib Group—an inclusive space where siblings are not just supported but celebrated for their individuality. Through various forms of creative expression such as painting, music, writing, and drama, they've discovered a profound avenue for connection and healing. Art has emerged as their voice, enabling them to articulate thoughts and emotions in ways they never thought possible.
Within our judgment-free zone, siblings can authentically express themselves, knowing they're surrounded by peers who accept and embrace them unconditionally. Through their shared experiences, deep bonds of empathy and understanding have blossomed, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends barriers.
Through my journey with Sib Group, I've come to realize that life isn't about striving for perfection or merely accepting our imperfections. It's about celebrating our differences, choosing empathy over sympathy, and extending kindness to others. These invaluable lessons, taught to me by Raj, are ones I'm committed to sharing with the world, as we collectively embrace our shared humanity.

I had the opportunity to lead Buddy Walk, an event to raise awareness about Down Syndrome. As the team captain for Team Rocking Raj, I took on a variety of responsibilities that were crucial to the team’s success. I created flyers to promote participation and effectively marketed the team on social media, raising awareness and encouraging community involvement. Additionally, my fundraising efforts helped raise $467 for the event!

This year marks my 5th year of hosting an art show through Shreya’s Atelier’s Art for a Cause, and I am beyond thrilled to see how it has grown and continued to raise awareness, dispel myths about disabilities, and support incredible causes.
In 2025, I had the honor of hosting my 5th annual art show—an event that has become a deeply meaningful tradition in my life. What started as a small initiative to share my artwork has blossomed into a platform for advocacy, creativity, and community. This year, I am especially proud to announce a donation of $5,000 to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT)—an organization I first partnered with in 2020 and one that continues to inspire me with its mission and impact.
The 2025 art show featured a vibrant mix of artistic styles and mediums, each piece crafted with purpose and passion. From Clay on Canvas and Bas Relief to Palette Knife, Coffee paintings, and beyond, every artwork carried a story—one of resilience, acceptance, and joy. This year’s theme was deeply rooted in celebrating neurodiversity and the importance of inclusion, values that DSACT embodies in all that they do.
Partnering with DSACT once again was a full-circle moment for me. Their dedication to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and fostering inclusive communities aligns seamlessly with the vision behind Shreya’s Atelier’s Art for a Cause. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to support their efforts through this year’s show.

I had an amazing opportunity to tutor/teach elementary-grade kids for 2 hours per week every weekend from August 2023 to April 2024, providing valuable academic support as needed in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. I focused on enhancing my students' reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. I created personalized lesson plans and tailored curriculum designed to address my students' needs. My teaching methods involved a mix of interactive worksheets and hands-on learning experiences.