ABOUT US
SHAPING FOUNDATIONS
aboutus
Shaping Foundations is a nonprofit organization which aims to advocate, raise awareness, and fundraise for rare diseases. Founded by four high schoolers in 2020, this nonprofit has just begun its journey on making a difference.
We are based in Middlesex County, NJ. However, we hope to not only gain involvement from our own community, but also from anyone else who would like to help. This website was created as an opportunity for people to get involved, stay educated, and spread awareness.
OUR GOALS
RAISE AWARENESS
Advocate for, educate about, and raise awareness for rare diseases.
FUNDRAISE
Fundraise for organizations/research pertaining to rare diseases.
SUPPORT
Support patients and their families who are affected by rare diseases.
SHARE
Share the stories of those who have been affected by rare diseases.
Meet The Founders
& Chairmen
Pooja Shah
Hi! My name is Pooja Shah, and I am the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shaping Foundations. I am a huge medicine and biology nerd, which is part of where the inspiration for this came from! The reason why we all started this organization was to provide support for those who have been told they’re different and feel isolated for something they can’t control. Aside from that, my hobbies include reading, Netflix-ing, and cooking.
Cayla Xue
Hi! I’m Cayla Xue and I am a co-founder and Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Shaping Foundations. I love science, healthcare, and the social sciences. My interest in public health and the sciences is partly why I helped to found this non-profit; as I am interested in working with patients and their families, I want to directly interact with and help the rare disease community. Some of my hobbies include photography, music, and simply watching anime, and I’m excited to help make a difference!
Liesha Yenduri
Hi, my name is Liesha Yenduri, a current rising junior and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Shaping Foundations. I decided to be a part of this nonprofit because I would like to bring more awareness to rare diseases which are often misunderstood or underrepresented in society. I have a great passion for science and I plan to enter STEM career field. Additionally, I am an avid environmental activist who greatly believes in the importance of protecting our planet. In my free time I like to play basketball and dance.
Anirudh Koneru
Hello! My name is Anirudh Koneru, and I am the cofounder and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Shaping Foundations. I love medicine and science, and hope to go into the medical field in the future. The inspiration for this organization came from our collective passion for helping those whose voices can’t be heard, especially in matters of life and death. Apart from Shaping Foundations, I enjoy reading, cooking, listening to music, and taking long walks in nature.