Who are we?
CO-FOUNDER
JULIANA MARTIN
My name is Juliana Martin and I am a rising senior at Parkway Central. I was born in La Paz, Bolivia, moved to Spain for about two years, and then came to the U.S. about 12 years ago. As the years went by, I grew attached to the STL community, but I also noticed more and more problems within it. It didn't seem right not to take action in order to better a special place in my heart. Which is why I decided to start Strides for STL. Making a positive impact in our community is especially important now while dealing with Coronavirus. I've always had an affinity towards helping others and through this organization, I hope to not only make an impact but spread the will to help within my community. I can't wait to lead and work with the team for a better tomorrow!
CO-FOUNDER
NAVYA BHAGAT
My name is Navya Bhagat and I am a rising senior at Parkway Central. I have always been passionate about helping those around me, whether it is through volunteering, fundraising, or anything else! I wanted to start Strides for St. Louis because I saw a need in my community for growth when issues such as immigration, environmental sustainability, and poverty became exceedingly prevalent as a result of Coronavirus. It is important to me that I am not only staying informed about the world around me but that I am using my knowledge to help others. I am so excited to lead this organization and to watch the impact we can make on the STL community!
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
SOPHIA HAYS
Hi! My name is Sophia Hays, I’m a senior at Kirkwood high school. I’m director of Environmental Sustainability on Strides for STL. I work at Variety camp every summer, a camp for kids with special needs. I am a board member of Circle of Friends at my school, on student council, a social media editor and photographer on yearbook and in student council.I’m on the varsity lacrosse team and I have been on 8 mission trips with my church. I have been to Africa to visit villages that another student and I helped raise money for a fresh water well in Mozambique Africa. I have been especially passionate with being environmentally stable in my house and trying to educate others on how they can help. I have always advocated for others particularly the LGBTQ+ community, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the impoverished parts of our world. I’m so excited to start this movement with fellow Gen Z teens around STL!
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL ADVOCACY
SARAH GEORGE
My name is Sarah George and I am an incoming senior at Marquette High School. I am your current Miss Saint Louis’ Outstanding Teen, and my social impact platform is “Amplifying Silenced Voices through Advocacy”. I hope to further my initiative throughout this non-profit to innovate more creative and inclusive Strides for St. Louis progress. In addition, I am nationally/locally ranked in multiple events related to advocating for policies and populations. With a lengthy background in public speaking, international affairs, and public policy, I would love to incorporate my knowledge and expertise to further my mission as your Director of Global Advocacy
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRANT SERVICES
AADHYA SUBHASH
Hello everyone, my name is Aadhya Subhash and I am a rising junior at Marquette High School. I love expressing myself and speaking out through dance, music, and art. I am always trying to be an active supporter and advocate for those in distress. As Director of Immigration Services, I hope to provide a better transition for families as they adjust to America and relieve some of the pressure and fear they may face.
DIRECTOR OF POVERTY SERVICES
RICH QIAN
Hi everyone, my name is Rich Qian and I am a rising senior at MICDS. In my free time, I love volunteering, hanging out with friends, watching tv, playing the violin, and more. As the Director of Poverty Services, I hope to not only partner with local organizations to help those who are impoverished but also tell their stories of facing and fighting adversity. I believe that together, we can spread awareness of the increasing rates of poverty and progressively alleviate those in distress.
ZACH BAYNHAM
Hello! My name is Zach Baynham and I am the Director of Volunteers and Outreach on Strides for STL. I'm a 17 year old starting my senior at Kirkwood High school. I’ve lived in Kirkwood my whole life and have recently become active in politics in my community. I am particularly passionate about the rights of the LGBTQ community, individuals with special needs, and the black community. I am co-President of Circle of Friends, a club at KHS that focuses on the inclusion of student peers with special needs. I am also a leader of KHS young democrats, a senior class officer, a member of student council, and a member of DECA. I work at rush bowls, a smoothie shop in Kirkwood! I am so excited to help kick start this non-profit and help change our community for the better!
DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERS & OUTREACH