Finding My Feet

Annika has over a decade of experience in education, advocacy, and communications. She holds an M.Ed in early childhood special education from Penn State University and an MPH in maternal and child health from George Washington University. She currently serves as a communications executive at a New York City nonprofit focusing on children’s mental health and trauma-informed care In high-risk communities. Her advocacy continued through her founding (and eventual sale) of That Desi Spark, a South Asian media platform. A proud Indian-American, former Bharatanatyam dancer, and mental health advocate, Annika was naturally drawn to bringing stories together of her lived experience and supporting families who face loss, grief, and counseling to cope. She also serves on two advisory boards for mental health in South Asian communities. Annika lives in New York City and loves to read, travel, and spend time with loved ones.