Governor's Volunteer Award 2025
Website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/teen-uses-art-to-build-empathy-around-disabilities/
Fox7 News Interview: https://www.fox7austin.com/video/1629826
I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to have received the First Lady’s Rising Star Award at the 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, presented by the One Star Foundation. This is the highest recognition for volunteerism in Texas, and I was deeply honored to be celebrated at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin on April 23, 2025, during National Volunteer Week.
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This recognition celebrates the journey of Shreya’s Atelier’s Art for a Cause, the nonprofit I founded in 2020. What started as a creative outlet to connect with my brother Raj—who has Autism and Down Syndrome—quickly grew into a powerful platform for advocacy, inclusion, and impact. Through both virtual and in-person art shows, I’ve raised over $15,000 to support organizations focused on disabilities, channeling my art into meaningful action for the past five years. Receiving this award fuels my passion to continue using creativity to inspire change and foster a more inclusive world.
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You can watch my recent interview with FOX7 News here:
https://www.fox7austin.com/video/1629826
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Learn more about the Governor’s Volunteer Awards: onestarfoundation.org/governor's-volunteer-awards