21 Under 21 Series: Gayathri Raghavendra

Hometown: Cary, NC

Major: Computer Science, Public Policy majors

“My work on campus is an extension of where I have personally felt the most growth and to empower others to find that growth. On campus, I strive to make spaces for those who are seeking home through art and making those arts opportunities accesible for all.”

“I work frequently in space where people don’t look like me, identify with me, or hear me. I’m in classes where I’m often one of 10 women in 100, work in an industry where people of color are sparse, where my identity informs my perspective and helps me elevate perspectives of those around me who also might not be heard.”

Who is a woman of color who inspires you and why?

My grandmother! She was the first woman in her family to attend high school and was invested in traditional Indian dance, singing, and art. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to attend college or pursue any of her artistic passions — I take a lot of pride in continuing what I think she would have had she had the opportunities I do.