Learn to Lead. Lead to Learn.
Meet Our Leaders
The future of leadership starts today, it’s about vision, courage, and creating meaningful impact in schools, communities, and beyond.
The Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) empowers youth leaders to be real-world changemakers by mentoring peers, leading community service projects, and building public speaking confidence on and off the stage to inspire others and
spark innovation.
Hasini Nandyala
Hasini Nandyala is a Senior at Bordentown Regional High School. Starting as a YLDP youth leader in 2021, she now serves as a youth mentor, building leadership experience through mentoring younger students. Outside of the program, she holds leadership position in clubs like Key Club and FBLA in school, and she also runs a small baking business. She loves being able to see the students grow throughout sessions at YLDP and being able to make a difference.
Youth Mentor
Akshara Dandamudi
Akshara Dandamudi is a rising junior at George School and an aspiring doctor with a passion for leadership and community impact. At school, she’s an Admissions Ambassador, International Student Mentor, varsity athlete, and an avid Model UN participant. Akshara is preparing for a future in medicine and has been with YLDP for six years.
Youth Mentor
Shriya Machanpalli
Shriya Machanpalli is a rising senior at Bordentown Regional High School and an aspiring computer scientist. She first joined YLDP at the age of 10 and became a youth leader in 2023. At school, Shriya is actively involved in Mock Trial, FBLA, NHS, and the Technology Student Association. This year, she has taken on the role of youth mentor and is excited to help lead the New Jersey initiative.
Youth Mentor
Tanvi Appani
Tanvi Appani is a senior at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and the Director and Youth Leader of NC YLDP. She first started YLDP as a student in third grade and now leads the NC chapter. In her free time, she sings, does research, and tries new restaurants. Tanvi looks forward to expanding the NC chapter and YLDP initiative throughout her community.
Youth Leader & Director of North Carolina Extn
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Slesha Enukonda
Youth Leader - Director of Jamaica Extn
Slesha Enukonda, a sophomore at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, has been with YLDP since 4th grade, later becoming a youth leader and founding the Jamaica Project to mentor students abroad. She co-founded Connect Care Foundation, a nonprofit reducing senior isolation, and won first place at the 2025 Future Problem Solving International Conference. Outside leadership, Slesha is an accomplished dancer of eight years and a competitive horseback rider.
Vishrudh
Vishrudh's Profile Here
Youth Leader
Andrew
Andrew's Profile Here
Youth Leader
Augadh Krishna
Augadh's Profile here
Youth Leader
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Eeshan Garikapati
Eeshan Garikapati is a sophomore at The Peddie School with a strong interest in business, particularly marketing. He is a recent member of YLDP, where he is currently focused on advancement and outreach through partnerships in the local community. Beyond the classroom, Eeshan rows for his school’s crew team and plays in both the orchestra and jazz band.