Youth Spotlight: Avanti Ramamoorthy

Although Avanti Ramamoorthy is only wrapping up her sophomore year at Oak Ridge High School, she has held quite an impressive list of leadership positions with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, gaining different experiences from each one. Starting in middle school, she was PR Coordinator and then Vice President of her on-campus club. In addition to serving as a participant in the after-school Winter Boutique Committee, she has held leadership positions on other after-school committees, such as Fall Festival Committee, Ryan Christopher Hersh Scholarship Committee (two years, including current chair), and Kids Zone Committee. She is currently wrapping up her term as Oak Ridge Inspire Club Treasurer. It comes as no surprise that with all this involvement, she has logged more than 307 service hours!

"Since middle school, Avanti has been on a remarkable journey toward becoming a community leader," said Nicole Craine, Hands4Hope Deputy / Program Director. "She has consistently showed up with dedication, and leads by example inspiring those around her to be their best."

How did you first get involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?

I first heard about Hands4Hope when I started 6th grade at Rolling Hills Middle School after my family moved to El Dorado Hills from the Bay Area. At the time, I was looking for ways to get involved at my new school and meet people, and the club stood out because it gave students the chance to actually make an impact in their community. I remember walking into my first meeting thinking it would be a good way to make new friends and feel more connected. While I did find that, what motivated me to stay was that I realized Hands4Hope was more than just a club. It was (and still is) a place where students can take initiative, lead projects, and create real change in our community. Over time, my involvement has grown into something much more meaningful than I originally thought.

How have your experiences with Hands4Hope changed you?

I was so shy in middle school that I wouldn’t even ask a teacher a question in front of the class, and I did everything I could to avoid situations where I had to speak up. Through Hands4Hope, that started to change. Being part of meetings, working on projects, and eventually taking on leadership roles pushed me out of my comfort zone in a way that was really meaningful. Over time, I learned how to speak in front of groups, lead discussions and take initiative instead of waiting for someone else to step in. These experiences helped me grow from someone who was hesitant to speak into someone who actively leads and contributes. Hands4Hope didn’t just help me build skills, it changed how I see myself and what I believe I’m capable of doing.

Have your experiences with Hands4Hope shifted your perspectives?

A shift for me happened when I realized Hands4Hope isn’t really about the final event, it’s about everything that happens before and behind the scenes. I used to think service meant showing up and volunteering, but I saw how much impact comes from figuring out what a community actually needs beforehand. That changed how I see leadership. I learned that it’s less about being visible and more about doing the planning that makes things come together and work. Today I see myself more as someone who helps build a foundation while also participating in work that’s already built.

Do you have tips for other youth about getting involved?

One piece of advice I would give to youth is to not wait to be invited into leadership roles, just start doing something small and visible on your own. Pick one issue you care about, find one or two other people, and take action, even if it isn’t perfect.

What other activities do you enjoy?

Outside of Hands4Hope, I love to play golf and practice yoga. I also enjoy taking part in or organizing STEM based activities where I can build my skills. I’m a big fan of anything that combines organization, problem-solving, and working with other people.