Meet Our Team
Rooting Minds is a student-led nonprofit founded by two high school students driven by a passion for STEM and a deep commitment to social impact. We focus on empowering children with physical and mental disabilities by providing inclusive educational support and designing custom wearable assistive devices.
Our long-term vision is to harness the power of cutting-edge technology to support these children in every way possible—enhancing their ability to learn, communicate, and live with greater independence and dignity.
Our mission is simple: to help every child learn, grow, and thrive—regardless of the challenges they face.
Our Leadership
Meet the passionate co-founders who lead our organization and drive our mission forward.
Raeyaan Muppaneni
Co-founder and President
Hi, I’m Raeyaan and I am a rising senior. I enjoy working on assistive technology as well as playing and watching cricket. Working with neurodiverse children is especially meaningful to me because I believe everyone deserves opportunities to build confidence, learn, and feel included.
Rishon Muppaneni
Co-founder and Vice President
Hi, I'm Rishon Muppaneni, a rising junior with a passion for technology, innovation, and community service. I enjoy creating projects that bring people together and help make learning more engaging and accessible for everyone.
Our Team
Advait Mishra
Head of Development
I’m Advait, and I am a rising junior at Irvington high school. I have a strong passion for solving problems and want to make this world a better place. I look forward to helping children learn and have fun in the process.
Nikesh Kanagaraj
Senior Head of Design and Head of Outreach
Hi, I’m Nikesh and I am a rising senior at Irvington High School. My passion for problem solving and technology has constantly pushed me to challenge myself further. I am incredibly excited to work with neurodiverse children in order to help them build their confidence as well as their skills.
Vihaan Doshi
Senior Head of Outreach and Head of Design
Hi, my name is Vihaan Doshi, and I’m a rising senior at Irvington High School. I have had volunteering experience in the past, including teaching STEM concepts at an underprivileged school in India and helping with Western Pond Turtle restoration at a local lake. In my free time, I enjoy solving Rubik’s Cubes and watching basketball and soccer.
Neilesh Deep
Head of Programs
Hi I am Neilesh Deep! I love to cook and watch cricket! I am currently a senior at Irvington High school and hope to make a real impact on the world!
Veer Sawarkar
Secretary
My name is Veer Sawarkar, and I’m sophomore at Irvington High. I like playing video games and binge watching tv shows, and helping/teaching little kids the things I wish I knew back then.
Thomas Huang
Head of Partnerships
Hey my name is Thomas and I'm 16 years old about to be a junior next year. My hobbies include eating nice food and playing games with my friends.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our vision and want to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our volunteer network and contribute your time and skills to help communities in need.
Become a Volunteer