Our Founders
Shellee Howard
Shellee Howard
Shellee Howard
After spending 17 days in Uganda, Shellee knew her life had been changed forever. This was her third trip volunteering in Africa and the most impactful. She was asked to come and teach women how to start businesses so they could support their families, and what she learned was that these mommas would do anything to protect their children, just like mothers all over the world, they just did not have the resources. On her final day in Uganda, she had lunch with a local Ugandan social worker named Yona, He shared about his desire to build a school in the small village he was raised in to give back to his community. He shared photos of the land and the tree where the students currently attend school. He said that the child must walk three hours to school and three hours home with only one meal a day. Without a good education, nothing would change. Toward the end of our discussion, Yona shared that once a girl becomes a woman, they are considered unclean and can not attend school. This was the final story that set Empower Education in motion.
Yona Walya
Shellee Howard
Shellee Howard
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I hold the position of the Managing Director and Team Leader at Green Hill Schools and my role is simple as ensuring smoothing running of the institutions, managing school leaders and teachers, counseling parents and fundraising for the school.
I have a decade of experience and career Social worker of 15 years, Lawyer by professional. Having a diploma in social worker, Degree in social work and social administration and a bachelors degree of Laws. I am the Founder and Managing Director of Green Hill Nursery and Primary School since 2010 to-date.
I have been in management roles of several non profits and seats on several boards, bring on experience in social worker, Judicial Administration and community leadership. I have also attended numerous career training in Training, Curriculum design, Management and community managements.
I am husband to Susan with three kids; Abrillianah, Abigail and Israel.
2026 Empower Education Executive Board
Dakshata Abhiman
Dakshata Abhiman
Dakshata Abhiman
President
Hello! I am Dakshata and I am so excited to be Empower Education’s President this year! I have been in Empower Education for about three years now where I have helped fundraise over 1,000 dollars to help send books, business booklets increasing financial literary, and supporting the construction of a kitchen. Being apart of this group has taught me important skills in collaboration, teamwork, and especially leadership! I hope to make my members better leaders and change-makers!! Let’s make the world a better place.
Raghav Sandeep
Dakshata Abhiman
Dakshata Abhiman
Vice President
I am Raghav Sandeep and I have been part of Empower Education since December 2023. I am the Vice President of Empower Education as well as the President of the STEM committee. As Vice President of the organization, I am so proud to lead our group of over 40 students and make real change. I am passionate about STEM and have been able to bring that passion to this group. Our committee specializes in the STEM sciences to educate the kids in Uganda and Oaxaca. We teach the children through a variety of mediums, including videos and written curriculum. In the STEM committee I have made numerous math videos on pre-algebra and geometry concepts. As a group, we helped the Green Hill Primary School in Uganda get Internet access, and our videos have made a huge impact…
Ashna Munavalli
Dakshata Abhiman
Ashna Munavalli
Secretary
Hi! My name is Ashna Munavalli, and I am the Secretary for Empower Education! I manage communication, keep records organized, and help ensure everything runs smoothly within our team. I also helped initiate our newsletter project and am currently developing a podcast that explores the potential of technology in shaping kids’ healthcare. Being part of this project has deepened my appreciation for the importance of education and its impact on students’ futures. At Empower Education, we provide both resources and guidance to help students grow and achieve their goals. I’m proud to be part of this initiative and grateful for your support. Feel free to reach out if you would like to get involved or learn more!
Sanjana Noolu
Sanjana Noolu
Ashna Munavalli
Head of Outreach
Hi! I’m Sanjana Noolu, the Director of Outreach for Empower Education as well as the proud president of the medical committee. I joined this project in fall of 2025, and since then, I’ve been able to grow as a leader while turning my passion for service into meaningful action. My goal is to expand our outreach, build strong connections within the community, and create opportunities that allow our organization to make an even greater impact. I also lead the medical committee, where we work on projects focused on health awareness, wellness, and providing resources to those in need. Being part of this organization has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside such dedicated individuals. I would love for you to join us and help us continue making a difference in the lives of others!
Claire Huang
Sanjana Noolu
Prerana Codur
Head of Public Relations
Hi! I’m Claire, and I’m very honored to serve as the Head of Public Relations for Empower Education! I currently attend high school in Las Flores, California, and I’m part of the class of 2028. I joined Empower in the fall of 2024 and quickly recognized the meaningful impact our organization is making in the community. Since then, I’ve been passionate about helping our mission grow and reach more people. As the Head of Public Relations, I manage our website and oversee our social media platforms, ensuring that our message is clear, engaging, and impactful. My goal is to help share our work with a wider audience and strengthen our outreach; so let’s make every post count!
Prerana Codur
Sanjana Noolu
Prerana Codur
Head of Fundraising
Hi! I’m Prerana Codur, the Fundraising Manager for Empower Education. I joined this organization with a passion for service and a strong belief that education has the power to transform lives. Through my role, I help organize and lead fundraising initiatives that support our mission of providing educational resources and opportunities to students in underserved communities, including our work in Uganda.
I’ve had the opportunity to help raise funds through initiatives like bake sales, contributing to efforts that provide students with access to food, school supplies, and learning materials. Being part of Empower Education has allowed me to grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact on others. I’m incredibly grateful to be involved in such a dedicated and inspiring organization, and I’m excited to continue working toward creating positive change.
Alicia Wang
Alexander Davidenko
Alexander Davidenko
Treasurer
Hi there! My name is Yiran Wang, but I go by Alicia. I’m the Treasurer here at Empower Education and part of the Business Committee. Through a variety of meaningful opportunities, including managing treasury reports, leading some of the Sunday member meetings, and representing Empower Education at in-person events such as the San Diego Peace Fest and the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards recognition ceremony, I’ve grown so much both as a leader and an individual while giving back to my community. At Empower Education, high schoolers are empowered to take initiative, step into leadership roles, and create meaningful impact. I’m so proud of each and every one of my fellow leaders and members here, and I’m beyond grateful for this amazing team where we lift each other up and work as one toward the same goal. If you are someone passionate about leadership, service, representing the student body, and working for what you believe in, I invite you to join our meetings!
Alexander Davidenko
Alexander Davidenko
Alexander Davidenko
Ukraine Liason
Hey, I’m Alex. I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the Ukraine Representative for Empower Education and also a proud member of the medical subcommittee. My non-profit Unity Beyond Limits collaborates with Empowered Education in order to donate bicycles to children in need. Last year we donated over 100 bikes to Ukrainian orphans and children with mental disabilities. These bikes help children access education, healthcare, or simply give them something fun to do during hard times. My goal is to donate as many bikes as possible to children around the world and I hope to expand our reach to Uganda this year. Let’s make the world a better place, one bike at a time.
Mila Rubin
Alexander Davidenko
Mila Rubin
Mentor & Founding Member
Mila Rubin joined Empower Education in 2023 as one of its founding members and has since played a key role in shaping its leadership. She is now attending UCLA for pre-medicine.
She has served in several prominent positions, including Co-President of the Executive Board, as well as Co-President and Co-Founder of the Medicine and Health Sciences Committee. With a strong passion for working with children—particularly those in underserved communities, Mila is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact. As a student mentor, she supports committee leaders and project teams, offering guidance, insight, and encouragement every step of the way. Mila is excited to continue helping Empower Education grow and expand its global reach.