When asked about the conception, Jupelly stated “A program of this scale and scope was the first of its kind, which meant many conversations and extensive planning was required to determine what was possible. In the meantime, I worked to recruit other members to our leadership team. Together we secured training supplies for the program, devised a process to set up First Aid/CPR/AED and FAST classes for regional youth and young adults, and later adults, volunteers at scale, promoted the opportunity, and began holding classes on a consistent basis. Everyone who is a part of Strive to Save Lives has played an equal part in achieving our goal of providing accessible training and certification in life-saving skills, especially to the youth and young adult demographic.”

Aakash Paidesetty, Logistics Lead, ensures that classes are scheduled, participants are enrolled in the classes, and that they are eligible to receive their certifications. His efforts are instrumental in the smooth operations of the program.

Arijit Bhattacharjee, Logistics Lead, works with Paidesetty to enroll students into their classes, enabling them to earn certifications. He oversees scheduling, class rosters, and the eligibility of students to participate in training sessions. He also teaches classes and serves as a representative during large events.

Harshit Polavarapu, Instructor Lead, mainly contributed to the growth of the Strive to Save Lives program by recruiting instructors. Polavarapu stated, “I have guided new instructors in the process of getting certified and preparing them for their first class. Along with overseeing the instructors, I teach classes and help host large events. I have also helped expand the leadership team to build our social media wing."

Mahitha Jangeti, Instructor Lead, facilitates the orientation and preparation of new instructors to teach classes. Acting as a supervisor for instructors teaching their first classes, she ensures classes are taught according to guidelines and establishes training standards. She has also contributed to outreach efforts by recruiting Red Cross Clubs to hold training sessions for their members.

Avaneesh Rade, Instructor Lead, oversees a division of First Aid/CPR/AED and FAST Instructors, supplying them with the necessary equipment to teach classes and overseeing their training. He participates in supervising new instructors in the classes they teach and he also takes the time to teach the classes.

Yash Sharma, Facilities Lead, has contributed to the growth of the program by increasing community outreach through establishing strategic partnerships with local organizations such as Richardson Innovation Quarter. These collaborations have enabled us to broaden the accessibility of classes by removing distance as a major obstacle preventing youth and young adults from participating in training, thereby accommodating more learners and expanding the program’s impact within the community.

Samhita Bandaru and Hanin Shakeel, Social Media Leads, are responsible for creating engaging content that raises awareness of Strive to Save Lives objectives, helping recruit new instructors, and publicizing our activities among our target audience, encouraging more individuals to get involved. They also collaborate with clubs and organizations whose mission aligns with the Red Cross to extend program reach and impact within the community. Furthermore, they teach classes and work closely with program leadership and instructors to successfully promote and host large-scale events.