Meet the Team
Toys for Hope is powered by people who care. Get to know the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to bring comfort, joy, and sensory support to children in hospitals nationwide.
Co-Founders
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Co-Founder
Ashvin is a senior at the University of Chicago studying neuroscience. He leads community efforts as President of both UNICEF and the University Blood Initiative at UChicago.
Ashvin volunteers at Comer Children’s Hospital, serves as an on-campus EMT, and supports mental health as a Crisis Text Line counselor. He’s conducted neuroscience research at Stanford, MIT, Boston Children’s, and UChicago. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and playing ping pong.
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Co-Founder
Aditya Kumar is a junior at Pine Crest School with a strong passion for computer engineering, artificial intelligence, and finance. He conducts research at the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence at Florida Atlantic University, where he focuses on drone swarm technology and AI for disaster response. Beyond the lab, Aditya serves on his district’s Congressional Youth Cabinet and volunteers at local robotics competitions. In his free time, he enjoys lifting weights, listening to music, and coding apps that combine his love for technology with real-world problem-solving.
Chapter Leaders
Parv Kale, Utah Chapter Leader
Parv is a high school student at Waterford High School in Utah with a strong passion for STEM, leadership, and community service. He serves as a board member of the Student Advisory Board for the University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair, mentoring and judging young scientists. His commitment to service is evident through his extensive volunteering, including organizing various fundraisers and donating supplies to underprivileged schools. An accomplished soccer player and robotics enthusiast, he enjoys working in team-based environments like robotics club and has earned recognition in state and national science competitions.
Miley Au, Virginia Chapter Leader
Miley is a junior in high school interested in both biological and social sciences. At school, she captains Public Forum debate and currently coaches a novice team. As Vice President of the National Social Studies Honor Society, she runs tutoring for the Historical Writing Center. In her spare time, she enjoys going on walks, journaling, and hanging out with friends. She hopes to maximize the impact Toys for Hope can have at Virginia hospitals.
Navya Mishra, Northern California Chapter Leader
Navya is a dedicated student with a strong passion for volunteering, leadership, and community service. She supports her community through local National Park service and city events and is active in clubs such as Red Cross, DECA, FBLA, Model UN, and Octagon. These experiences have strengthened her teamwork and leadership skills while helping her build meaningful connections. Navya is also passionate about science and healthcare, currently pursuing an opportunity to shadow her dentist. Outside of academics, she enjoys music and plays guitar, flute, and sings.
Kenneth Tran, Southern California Chapter Leader
Kenneth is a 12th-grade student at Grover Cleveland Charter High School in California with a strong commitment to service and leadership. He serves as Secretary and Publicity Head of the Vietnamese Student Association, a Student Site Council Representative, and an active member of Key Club. Kenneth volunteers regularly, from supporting large events like the Rose Bowl to working as a Blood Drive Ambassador with the Red Cross. With experience teaching and mentoring young children, he is passionate about giving back to his community and helping others grow.
Athena Corbishley, New Jersey Chapter Leader
Athena is a junior at UCVTS where she studies clinical sciences. She is passionate about medicine and aspires to become a pediatrician. She competes in HOSA where she has placed at the state and international level. Outside of her studies, Athena runs track and cross country. In her free time she enjoys watching TV, volunteering, and listening to music.
Lucy Calder, Massachusetts Chapter Leader
Lucy is a 12th-grade student at Waltham High School in Massachusetts. She volunteers for a teen peer-to-peer mental health texting hotline, supporting youth who need someone to talk to. Lucy also serves as a show choir dance captain and works as a camp counselor, experiences that strengthen her leadership, empathy, and teamwork. She is committed to helping others and building a positive, supportive community.
Ishan Iska, Minnesota Chapter Leader
Ishan is an 11th-grade student at Wayzata High School in Minnesota with a passion for healthcare, science, and service. He is a member of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, the Varsity Great Speeches & Original Oratory team, Science Olympiad, and several science clubs. Ishan is the founder and president of his school’s EMT student group and also tutors chemistry both independently and through ConneXions Tutoring. Dedicated to giving back, he has volunteered for two years in the Emergency Department at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and is currently fundraising to expand access to Narcan across Minnesota.
Shuvomita Shuvro, Pennsylvania Chapter Leader
Shuvomita is a high school student in Pennsylvania with a passion for healthcare, medicine, and bioengineering. She enjoys conducting independent research, participating in math competitions, and expressing her creativity through violin and singing. Inspired by her love for working with children and serving others, Shuvomita is excited to lead fundraising efforts with Toys for Hope to bring comfort and smiles to children in hospitals while inspiring her peers to join in making a meaningful impact.
Emily Zhao, New York Chapter Leader
Emily Zhao is a high school student with a passion for business and finance. She has participated in mock business projects, gaining experience in real-world problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. In addition, she is a content writer dedicated to promoting financial literacy for teens, making these topics more accessible for all. At school, she volunteers her time through her school’s volunteer association and is an active member of the math club and finance club. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, reading, and running.
Lauren Kwan, Ontario (Canada) Chapter Leader
Lauren is a high school student from Ontario with a passion for science, art, and business. She is dedicated to spreading joy and positivity and is especially eager to help children find happiness through toys. As the Province Leader for Ontario, Lauren is excited to inspire others and create meaningful impact in her community. In her free time, she enjoys skating, supporting fundraisers, and playing badminton, while living by her motto, “work hard, play hard.”
Aaliyah Tha Bal, Nebraska Chapter Leader
Aaliyah is currently a sophomore at Northwest High School. She is passionate about healthcare and leadership, and hopes to pursue a career that allows her to work closely with kids. She dedicates much of her free time to volunteering in her community and enjoys making a positive impact. She is excited to work with Toys for Hope to help bring comfort to children. At school, she actively engages in different activities that help her grow both academically and personally, such as her school’s HOSA and Debate Club. Outside the classroom, she loves playing the viola, which allows her to express herself through music.
Chinedu Abiaziem, Texas Chapter Leader
Chinedu is a 10th-grade student at Saint Thomas Episcopal School in Texas with a strong dedication to leadership and service. He serves as president of his school’s volunteering club, organizing events and encouraging peers to give back. Recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Chinedu has also gained leadership experience as a camp counselor, where he learned the importance of patience, creativity, and care. As a Toys for Hope State Leader, he is excited to inspire others and help bring joy to children in hospitals across Texas.