Our HISTORY
HOPE was founded initially in the summer of 2009 by two UC Davis students, Nikhil Borra and Shravan Rao, who had an interest in improving the conditions of the local homeless in Davis. With the help of Dr. Sheila Kar, a cardiologist from Southern California, they were able to kickstart the organization in Davis and later expand it to UC Santa Cruz and UCLA. In their time at UC Davis they were able to make a significant difference in the Davis Community and create awareness for homelessness, particularly through the Keep Hope Alive Concert.
The club was officially registered as a UCD student organization in 2016 by its undergraduate board, as they wanted to encourage further undergraduate membership and involvement with the homeless community, as well as increase their campus presence.
HOPE has changed in its purposes and goals over the years since its founding, although our core purpose of homeless outreach remain the same. As its leadership has transitioned and new members have joined, we've transitioned into new projects and ideas for our members to see through.
HOPE has changed in its purposes and goals over the years since its founding, although our core purpose of homeless outreach remain the same. As its leadership has transitioned and new members have joined, we've transitioned into new projects and ideas for our members to see through.
OUR FOUNDERS
Dr. Nikhil Borra, MD
During his years at UC Davis, Nikhil oversaw the development of the HOPE program. His job included day to day administrative tasks, management of the volunteer force, and development of projects. Nikhil worked on the Keep Hope Alive Concert which gave him the opportunity to learn about the music industry, one of his passions. In addition to his work at HOPE, Nikhil is passionate about science and medicine, and worked with the Comai Research lab. Currently, he is a psychiatry specialist in Tucson, Arizona. |
Dr. Shravan Rao, MD
Shravan helped organize the recruitment of new team members and oversaw the Computer Literacy Project, Health Lessons, and GED programs during his time in HOPE. In addition to his work HOPE, Shravan volunteered for the Sankara Eye Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to eradicate curable blindness in India. He also interned with the Cardiology Department of the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital where he alter became the summer internship coordinator for high school students and participated in cardioproteomic research at UC Davis. |
Dr. Sheila Kar, MD
Dr. Kar is an integral part of the HOPE team, encouraging us at their foundation and providing support through fundraising efforts. She acts as a guide and role model to many of the members. Additionally, she is an advocate of giving back to the community and dreams to empower people by providing them with health education and the means by which to better their own lives. She also has her own foundation, the Sheila Kar Health Foundation, whose purpose is to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent heart disease. |