Meet the Team
Toys for Hope is powered by people who care. Get to know the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to bring comfort, joy, and sensory support to children in hospitals nationwide.
Co-Founders
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Co-Founder
Ashvin is a senior at the University of Chicago studying neuroscience. He leads community efforts as President of both UNICEF and the University Blood Initiative at UChicago.
Ashvin volunteers at Comer Children’s Hospital, serves as an on-campus EMT, and supports mental health as a Crisis Text Line counselor. He’s conducted neuroscience research at Stanford, MIT, Boston Children’s, and UChicago. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and playing ping pong.
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Co-Founder
Aditya is a sophomore at Pine Crest School with a strong interest in computer science. He enjoys giving back to his community through volunteering at local robotics competitions and Teen Court. Additionally, he conducts research at the Center for Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Lab at Florida Atlantic University. In his free time, Aditya loves listening to music and lifting weights (and is currently coding an app to educate users about weightlifting)!
Chapter Leaders
Utah
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Parv is a high school student at Waterford High School in Utah with a strong passion for STEM, leadership, and community service. He serves as a board member of the Student Advisory Board for the University of Utah Science and Engineering Fair, mentoring and judging young scientists.
His commitment to service is evident through his extensive volunteering, including various organizing fundraisers and donating supplies to underprivileged schools. An accomplished soccer player and robotics enthusiast, he enjoys working in team-based environments like robotics club and has earned recognition in state and national science competitions.
Massachusetts
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Ethan Miao is a student at Bishop Feehan High School who is passionate about leadership and serving his community. A member of his schools student council, Ethan plans school events, and attends leadership conferences. He also plays on the Bishop Feehan soccer team and captains his club soccer team.
Outside of school, Ethan enjoys snowboarding, and he works as a snowboard instructor in the winter. Additionally, he loves learning about many things, such as investing. Ethan is committed to having a positive impact wherever he is, and he hopes to continue growing as a leader.
Illinois
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Nishanth is a freshman at Waubonsie Valley High School in Illinois with a strong passion for medicine, athletics, and community service. He is an active member of the Aspiring Medical Professions Club, where he learns about the medical field and the techniques and practices doctors use.
Dedicated to giving back, Nishanth volunteers at a local hospital and supports various cultural organizations. In addition to his academic interests, he enjoys playing tennis and basketball. Nishanth hopes to pursue a career in medicine and one day become a doctor, making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Texas
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Ugo Okpara is a passionate and driven student leader with a strong commitment to community service, teamwork, and innovation. He co-founded his school’s Applied Engineering Club, leads several youth and sports initiatives, and actively mentors others through his church and volunteer work. Ugo is dedicated to making a positive impact wherever he serves, combining leadership, empathy, and creativity to inspire change.