Meet our executive team!

In the Catalyst Project we work in branches to efficiently and effectively communicate and publish articles. Have a read about our leaders and organizers within the Catalyst Project!

Executive director: Renee Ma

Hi everyone! My name is Renee, and I'm a Junior at New Trier High School. I’m so excited to be leading the Catalyst Project this year, as I've always loved public policy and social justice. Outside of school, I enjoy doing policy debate, playing the piano in my school's band, being a part of political journal, and solving interesting math problems. I hope to raise civic engagement amongst the youth and work with all of you to make this an awesome year!

Executive Director: Elizabeth Chen

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Chen and I am a Senior at Hathaway Brown, and I am so excited to lead the Catalyst Team this year. I am also a member of GROW, the HB tennis team, and asian affinity at hb. My hobbies include tennis, shopping for cute plushies, and listening to music. Looking forward to a great year!

Issaquah chapter head: Riya Dasgupta

Hi everyone! Riya here, class of 2026 and fourth year on the journalism scene. As an editor of her school paper, she loves a good sale, pencil sketches, and prepping for her next cybersecurity competition. Her summer undertakings this year included a research paper combining ransomware and economics, improving her Bengali grammar, and general shenanigans. Dislikes Styrofoam and weak teas.

Basis Peoria chapter head: parvati gopakumar

My name is Parvati Gopakumar and I'm a Senior in high-school right now! I am the Chapter head of the Arizona Branch for Catalyst. Some of my hobbies are reading, art, crafts, and crocheting. I also am a huge dog lover. I love writing about world affairs that strike as interesting to me and am always open to book recommendations! :)

HUDSON Chapter Head: Selina Li

Hi! I’m Selina, and I’m a current senior at Hudson High School. I debate, play a couple instruments, dance, read, and write. I am also extremely passionate about research and the interdependence between STEM and the humanities. I believe raising awareness about social issues and civic engagement is super important—especially for students—which is why I am so excited to bring the Hudson community into the Catalyst network. Looking forward to seeing what this year brings :)

Hathaway Brown CHapter Head: ananya rao

Hi, my name is Ananya, and I am the Chapter Head of the Catalyst Project at Hathaway Brown for the second year in a row. I am ecstatic to be in this position. I love writing and journaling about many important societal events that need to be shared, which is why I am a part of the Catalyst Project.

Chicago Chapter Head: Kavya Tulsiani

Hi! I’m Kavya and I’m a junior at New Trier High School in Illinois. Outside of the Catalyst, I debate, volunteer, and play piano. I’m excited to be this year’s Chicago chapter head!

Publishing/fundraising chair: Frances

Hi! I’m Frances, a senior at Issaquah High School. I’m a publishing director this year, as well as the fundraising director! Outside of the Catalyst, I like playing tennis and cafe hopping. Super excited to work with everyone this year!

Outreach Director: Haasini Sanisetty

Hi everyone! My name is Haasini Sanisetty and I'm a senior at Hathaway Brown. This my second year as Outreach Director and my 4th year working with the Catalyst Project! Outside of the Catalyst, I run a non-profit centered around AI education, work at a math tutoring center, and do physics research. I also love to dance, watch F1, and create cool outfits. I can't wait for an amazing last year with the Catalyst Project!

Outreach Director: Sonya Malik

Hi everyone! I'm Sonya and I am currently a junior at Hathaway Brown! I have been part of the Catalyst Project since my freshman year and have enjoyed writing articles for it and can't wait to be part of the team as outreach manager. I'm excited for the new school year and can't wait to work with everyone!