Nidhi Ashani
Co-President
Hi everyone! My name is Nidhi Ashani, and I am one of the Co-Presidents for MAPS this year! I’m from Sacramento, CA and am in my fourth year at UW, majoring in MCD Biology on a pre-medical track. Outside of school, I am involved in pediatric cardiology research at Seattle Children’s and volunteer in the pediatric Emergency Department. I am also part of another global health RSO at UW called Project Link. I joined MAPS during my freshman year because of the diverse and uplifting pre-health community it fosters, as well as the valuable insights and perspectives it provides so that we can all work together to be more socially conscious healthcare professionals! It has been an incredible opportunity to get to learn from numerous inspiring speakers, hands-on workshops and volunteering events that MAPS offers. I am looking forward to another year of MAPS and am so excited to meet all of you :)
Ben Ackmann
Co-President
Hi! I’m from the Twin Cities, MN, and I’m a fourth-year majoring in MCD Biology and Psychology on the pre-MD/PhD track. I’ve been in MAPS since my freshman year at UW, and have absolutely loved being part of the diversity-driven community alongside passionate advocates for a more equitable future in healthcare. Throughout my past three years in MAPS I’ve had the opportunity to more deeply develop my passions for medicine, aligning my academic interests with the humanistic approach to serving underrepresented communities. Outside of our group, I’m involved in research in the departments of psychology and biology, volunteer in community outreach, and enjoy spending time outdoors with friends, cooking new recipes, and swimming!
Leya Dereje
Co-Conference Chair
Hey everyone! My name is Leya, and I'm so excited to be your MAPS Co-Conference Chair for the 2025-2026 school year!! I am a junior this year from Lynnwood, WA, and am majoring in Public Health-Global Health on the pre-med track. Outside of MAPS, I am involved in PhiDE, UW’s Pure Gold Step Team, and work at Canopy Scholars, a local tutoring center. In addition, I am a pediatric CNA at Seattle Children's and a STOP THE BLEED course instructor with Bloodworks Northwest. In my free time, I enjoy reading, bouldering, vlogging, and traveling. I joined MAPS during my first quarter at UW and immediately fell in love with the community that is fostered through this RSO. As a first-generation student, MAPS stood out to me due to the opportunities to connect with fellow pre-health students and other organizations within the greater Seattle area. In addition to this, MAPS has undoubtedly expanded my awareness of various topics within healthcare, equipping me with the skills to become a better healthcare professional and community member. I am looking forward to another great year with MAPS, and I can't wait to meet you all!
Pragnya Gudipati
Co-Conference Chair
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Hey everyone! My name is Pragnya, and I’m excited to be your Co-Conference Chair for the 2025–2026 school year! I’m a junior at the University of Washington, majoring in Public Health–Global Health while also taking interdisciplinary through the Honors Program. Outside of MAPS, I volunteer at a shelter, pursue advocacy work in infectious disease, and work at a local tutoring center. In my free time, I love baking, checking out new cafes, and embroidering! I joined MAPS my freshman year to find other pre-health students who care about building a well-rounded foundation for their future in healthcare. Since then, I've realized it's given me so much more. Looking forward to meeting you all!
Angelique Nguyen
Experiential Learning Chair
Hi! My name is Angelique, and I am so excited to be MAPS' Experiential Learning Chair this year. I’m a senior from Mukilteo, Washington double majoring in public health and biology. At UW, I’m also involved in research at UW IHDD and am a part of other RSOs such as Surgery Interest Association. I love hanging out with friends, spending time in nature, and listening to music in my free time. I’ve been a part of MAPS since freshman year, and it has been such a wonderful experience for me because it has introduced me to a community of like-minded students, as well as taught me the value of diversity and equity in healthcare. I’m so excited to meet all of you and show you what MAPS has planned for you guys this year :)
Shubham Bansal
Financial Growth Chair
Hello! My name is Shubham Bansal, and I’m the Financial Growth Chair for MAPS for the 2025-2026 year! I was born in Detroit but spent most of my life in Mukilteo, WA. I’m currently a senior studying medical anthropology, with plans to attend medical school. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, going to the gym, reading, and cooking! MAPS offers a truly unique experience, providing members with invalluable educational resources and connections. Not only do you gain essential skills and knowledge about healthcare, but you also learn about the challenges faced by underserved communities in medicine. MAPS is an incredible opportunity, so be sure to join us at our meetings!
Michelle Echeverria
Director of Communications
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Hi everyone!! I’m Michelle and I’ll be the Director of Communications for this upcoming school year. I have actually been a part of MAPS since my freshman year! Now I am a senior studying both MCD biology and public health-global health. Being a part of MAPS has allowed me to gain so many new perspectives and outlooks in both healthcare and beyond the field. I have been given the opportunity to learn from so many peers and professionals which has given me the chance to grow my passion for medicine even more. I have found a community within MAPS that has given me so many lasting relationships and professional opportunities. Outside of MAPS, I am also a part of the honors program, PhiDE, Latin Student Union, and I’m currently working in the Arnold Lab where I’m focusing on proteomics specifically that of newly developed enteroids!
Tanvi Vemulapalli
Public Relations Chair
Hi, my name is Tanvi and I am so excited to be the Public Relations chair! I am a sophomore from Portland, OR, and am majoring in Biochemistry on the pre-med track. Outside of MAPS, I am also involved in Active Minds and crisis line work. I am also currently working on research that focuses on heart disease through stem cell work. In my free time, I love to watch sports, ski, and travel. Being involved in MAPS has given me a community of like-minded peers who are passionate about honoring diversity in healthcare. I am so excited to see everyone at our meetings and meet you all this year!
Annika Samra
PHC Sponsorship Lead
Hello! My name is Annika Samra, and I am the Pre-Health Conference Sponsorship Lead for this upcoming school year. I am originally from Tri-Cities, WA, and this fall I will begin my junior year at UW, majoring in Public Health–Global Health on a pre-medical track. Outside of academics, I enjoy shopping, watching reality TV, and running! I have been actively involved in MAPS since my first year at UW, and it has truly been an invaluable community of motivated, like-minded peers who support and inspire one another. Through MAPS, members have the opportunity to network, explore health career pathways, and strengthen skills that prepare them for future endeavors. I’m looking forward to meeting you all at our meetings and am excited for a great year ahead!
Sarah Ramzan
Community Liaison
Hey everyone! I am a sophomore from Mukilteo, WA and I am majoring in biochemistry. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, knitting, and exploring new places with my friends. I joined MAPS last year and have loved being part of this inclusive and welcoming community that is dedicated to making healthcare more diverse.
Mohamed Farawila
Treasurer
Hello! My name is Mohamed Farawila and I am the treasurer for MAPS UW this Year! I am entering my third year of college and like many members of this club I am pre-med, majoring in Biology: Physiology. Originally, I am from Richland, Washington, and my parents immigrated from France and Egypt. During my free time I love to lift weights, play tennis, and play chess. I joined MAPS because of the diverse community dedicated to inclusivity in medicine, which is a message that really resonates with me. Among my favorite events that MAPS hosts was the Pre-Health Conference, which includes an array of speakers from the medical field, health workshops, food, and more! I encourage you to join if you are interested!
Jonathan Gonzalez
Secretary
Hi! I’m from Yakima WA and I’m planning on double majoring in biochemistry & public health-global health. I enjoy going on runs with my dog, reading, and thrifting with friends. By being in MAPS I’ve been able to connect with a diverse pre-health community and gain insight about advocating for equity in healthcare.