Eesha Nachnani / Tennessee Student Equity
Indian American sophomore Eesha Nachnani will be hosted by the Sikh Coalition in Act to Change’s flagship Youth Ambassador Program.
The program is an eight-month leadership training and development initiative for high school students of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent.
Through the program, Nachnani will be trained to stand up to bullying and help build more inclusive communities through virtual monthly workshops, mentorship from AAPI leaders, and hands-on learning with community partners.
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Nachnani, along with other youth ambassadors, will examine how bullying operates both interpersonally and structurally and learn how to interrupt and prevent it.
A student at University School of Nashville, Nachnani is the founder of the USN Shakti Club. Founded in 2024, the club aims to bring the beauty of Indian culture to students through Bollywood dance, performances, and discussions on social issues.
She described the club as “a space where students from all backgrounds can come together to explore and appreciate Indian traditions, music, and social issues.”
Shakti, which means “empowerment” in Sanskrit, is described by the school as a place for students to explore Indian culture and learn from one another. The club offers activities including Bollywood dance choreography, performances, cultural discussions, and educational outreach.
Nachnani also has an interest in cardiology. In 2024, she won the Science Champion Award for studying how AI responds to cardiology scenarios and how to improve software. She was also selected as a U.S. Agency for International Development Science Champion for her presentation at the Middle Tennessee Science and Engineering Fair.
The Sikh Coalition highlighted Nachnani’s alignment with the program, noting, “Eesha is passionate about Asian American representation because of all the racism and bullying she’s seen others experience.”
In addition to Nachnani, the Sikh Coalition will host two more youth ambassadors: Maryland junior Akshan Ranasinghe and San Francisco junior Ethan Su.
Announcing the initiative on X, the Sikh Coalition said, “This year, the Sikh Coalition is excited to host three YAs who will be designing and executing youth-centered awareness content focused on storytelling, representation, and digital education in observance of Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in April and AANHPI Heritage Month in May.”
This year, the Sikh Coalition is excited to host 3 YAs who will be designing and executing youth-centered awareness content focused on storytelling, representation, & digital education in observance of Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in April & AANHPI Heritage Month in May. pic.twitter.com/TDy1iCIL8J
— Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) March 30, 2026
The program aims to build confidence, belonging, and self-advocacy among participants, while equipping them with leadership, communication, and organizing skills to lead community-based initiatives.
It also helps participants build relationships with mentors, peers, and AAPI role models.
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