About Us

Biography

Hey y’all, I’m Ishan!! I’m a third-year Neuro major from Houston. I have long been passionate about mental health and breaking the stigma associated with it, which is what drew me to SHARE. Having dealt with my own struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and lack of motivation, I understand the importance of seeking help not only from professionals, but also friends. Whether you want to solve a problem, vent, or anything in between, I’m eager to be that friend. I hope to create a safe space where everyone feels empowered to be themselves and express themselves freely. Aside from mental health, I’m passionate about music, sports, food, and spending time with loved ones. I look forward to making a difference in people’s lives in the same positive way that SHARE has done for me. :)

Biography

Hey! I'm Krish Bangur, a third-year Neuroscience major from Coppell, TX. I joined the SHARE Project because I've seen the importance of mental health firsthand. I believe a safe space that allows us to be ourselves is crucial for healing, and SHARE provides just that! Through SHARE, I hope to create welcoming environments where everyone feels comfortable and at liberty to express their true identity. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive community and I am honored to support others on their mental health journeys. No matter the situation, I'm always ready to talk and listen. In my free time, I enjoy biking, working out, listening to music, watching sports and TV shows.

Biography

Hi! I’m Debbie, a second-year Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences major on the Speech Pathology track from Eagle Pass, Texas! I love discovering new music, movies, series, and books of several genres! Some of my favorite artists include Mitski, Tyler, The Creator, and Hozier! I was motivated to join SHARE because I believe that having a strong support system and a community you can rely on that can support you through your struggles can have a life-changing impact on a person’s life. My goal is to ensure my community is a safe space that is free of judgment where people can share their experiences freely and where they will be heard and shown compassion. I love listening to people, no matter what it is they want to talk about! Feel free to come to me with anything you need and rest assured that I will listen and support you as best as I can!

Biography

Hey y’all! I’m Anjana, a third-year Neuroscience Major and Healthcare Reform & Innovation Minor from Frisco, TX. Some of my favorite hobbies include singing, reading, writing, taking insanely long outdoor walks, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family! I joined the Longhorn SHARE project because their mission that aims to embrace, validate, and connect people with different backgrounds, truly resonated with me. The SHARE circles offered by the program are amazing at creating nonjudgemental and healing communities for individuals to feel seen and heard. My own experience with SHARE has helped me navigate learning to embrace my cultural identity, finding support in UT’s competitive academic environment, and relating to others who have struggled with impostor syndrome and anxiety. I believe in the importance of feeling understood by your peers, and I am always here for anyone who ever needs to voice their fears, hopes, doubts, or life experiences.

Biography

Hi! My name is Essie. I’m a senior from Houston, TX, currently pursuing a major in Psychology and minors in Healthcare Reform & Innovation and Social Work. I’m involved all over campus, including with the Technological Interventions for Ecological Systems (TIES) Lab and Always Texas. I joined SHARE out of a passionate desire to connect with others and a belief in community as an essential, healing force. SHARE has played an integral role in my personal journey, giving me a space to embrace my grief and grow towards joy. I hope to extend the same empathetic, nonjudgemental warmth I’ve experienced through SHARE to others.

Biography

Hello! My name is Sydney (she/they), and I am a fourth-year Psychology student. I joined SHARE to help create welcoming spaces on campus that prioritize the well-being of fellow students. The various stressors and traumas that we live through can be difficult to cope with, especially in unsupportive, stigmatizing environments. By exchanging compassionate support with my peers, I hope that coping with life’s difficulties can become a little bit easier. My goal as a SHARE Support Specialist is to encourage connections that foster safety and healing through authenticity, vulnerability, and empowerment. When connecting with my peers, I hope that together, we can abandon shame and increase compassion toward ourselves and others. As a queer person who has struggled with my mental health, community care is and has always been essential to my thriving in life, and it brings me so much joy to be a part of a program committed to cultivating such care.

Biography

Hey y’all! My name is Bryce and I’m a Sociology major with a minor in Business. I’m passionate about learning more about people's behaviors and the structures that influence them. Mental health and social structures have interested me since my teenage years. I joined SHARE because this program helps people feel seen and supported in an environment that is often very stressful and sometimes lonely. I love that I get the chance to give students a safe space to express their struggles with mental health issues, learning disabilities, and the pressure of college. My goal as a SHARE Support Specialist is to let students know they’re seen and provide a community that validates they’re feelings and obstacles. Along with being passionate about mental health I love thrifting, anime, and music.

Biography

Hey y'all! My name is Stephen, a third-year English major born and raised here in Austin, Texas! I was drawn to this incredible program at a time when I was beginning my own journey, navigating my mental health and individual identity. SHARE’s mantra of listening and holding space for others resonated with me and has allowed me, as well as so many others, to heal and grow, not just as students but humans as well. I strive to create a space where vulnerability is met with compassion and where individuals feel safe enough to be their true, authentic selves.

I believe that real connection starts with being heard, and that we all have the ability within us to heal and flourish. I'm here to listen, connect, and remind you of the icon that you truly are. After all, if you can't love yourself, how are you gonna love somebody else? Outside of SHARE, I love playing video games, attending concerts, traveling, and reading! You’re more than welcome to reach out if you ever feel so inclined! :)

Biography

Hi there! I’m Andi, a third-year Public Health major who’s passionate about mental health, connection, and community. I became a SHARE Support Specialist because I know what it’s like to navigate mental health challenges and I believe in the power of showing up for each other with care and openness. My goal is to help build a community where people feel safe, supported, and reminded that they’re not alone—where we can learn, grow, and heal together. A little about me: I’m Hispanic, I love music of all kinds, and I really enjoy connecting with new people. If you ever want to talk or just need someone to listen, I’m always here—and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Biography

Hi everyone! My name is Ashna and I’m a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business. Mental health has always been my calling, and I’m extremely passionate about making sure that everyone has a space where they feel heard and safe being their true selves. SHARE has shown me the doors just how many doors it can open for students on campus – whether it’s helping someone feel less alone or simple being there to listen. I’ve seen how powerful it is when students know they have someone in their corner, someone who listens without judgment. My goal is to help build that kind of environment: one where people feel seen, supported, and understood. I want my peers to know that I’m here, ready to hold space for them and meet them where they are – always with empathy and care. Outside of SHARE, I love to spend time with loved ones, read, and listen to music!

Biography

Hi y’all! My name is Belle and I’m a senior Plan II and Psychology major. I am passionate about building safe spaces where every individual can feel supported, understood, and heard, and I am interested most in what connects us through our unique experiences and stories. SHARE has given me the opportunity to reach out to my community—you all—and I am honored to take part in the vulnerability, growth, and healing that takes place in these spaces. I am here to understand others and to be understood as a fellow human in this world! My goal especially is to foster a space where everyone feels they can be heard and supported as their authentic selves. Outside of SHARE, I love to run, read, and get outside!

Biography

My name is Riley, and I am double majoring in Psychology and Human Development & Family Sciences; I am also in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. I joined SHARE because I wanted to help foster a community that allows students (myself included) to feel supported. Support and reciprocity have been crucial to my mental health journey, so I want to share these values with others. My ultimate goal is to utilize my experiences to help support others in their journey. I am excited to meet new people, support my peers, and learn from their experiences. When I’m not in SHARE or school, I like to bake, read, and listen to Taylor Swift or Harry Styles!

Biography

Hi, lovelies! My name is Victoria, and I’m a senior majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and African and African Diaspora Studies in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. What drew me to SHARE was the opportunity to co-create safe spaces for sharing experiences, emotions, and compassion with others. I have a deep love and commitment towards creating and sustaining healthy communities and relationships. Throughout my mental health journey, I’ve had many meaningful experiences giving and receiving peer support; I look forward to sharing this experience with the SHAREing Sunshine community. My aim is to ensure that you’re comfortable, feel seen, and have agency whenever you join us. Beyond the classroom, I love kicking back with my kitten, taking dance classes, reading, eating good food, and exploring Austin with my friends!

Biography

Hi everyone! My name is Rasika, I’m a sophomore Psychology and Anthropology major in the Liberal Arts Honors Program. I’m also pursuing certificates in Core Texts & Ideas (JSP) and Children & Society (BDP), and I’m super interested in child development and imagination. I joined SHARE because I wanted to find a community where I belonged while also supporting and validating others. SHARE has given me this and more, becoming a space where I feel completely accepted, flaws included. Outside of SHARE, I’m a research assistant in the Imagination and Cognition Lab, as well as a Writing Consultant at the UWC. I also volunteer with Project Yellow in local elementary schools! I’m very involved with many programs on campus – I’m a big believer in using your resources! I love reading – dystopia, fantasy, adventure, romance – and going to concerts! I’m a big fan of 5 Seconds of Summer, Lauv, ATEEZ, Bruno Mars, Stromae, and Stray Kids. Please reach out, I’d love to get to know you :)

Biography

Hi everyone! My name is Allison Lanners, and I am a Junior Plan II Honors and Psychology B.S. major from Dallas, Texas! My professor told me about SHARE, and I knew I had to join. I was eager to help my peers with their struggles, and I was excited for the opportunity to learn more about mental health and communication tactics. After going to meetings myself, I have realized how beneficial peer support can be. It is validating, authentic, and safe. Outside of SHARE, I am a research assistant in the Meston Lab and the Anxiety Disorders Lab. I am also a member of Chi Omega and served as Mental Health Chair for one year. I love reading (Throne of Glass is my fav!), and I am a die-hard fan of The Weeknd.

Biography

Hi everyone! My name is Ilwaad, and I am a senior Psychology major from Pflugerville, Texas! I joined SHARE because I wanted to be a part of creating a safe space on campus where my fellow Longhorns can feel supported, validated, and appreciated. My introduction to SHARE was during my first week at UT (as a transfer student) from a pin I received of a quote by Bell Hooks: “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” SHARE has been exactly that for me – a space that has allowed me to be my authentic self and has left me feeling empowered and supported in my mental health journey at times when I needed it the most. I hope I can extend the level of kindness, empowerment, and support that has been shown to me during my time in SHARE to you all! Outside of SHARE, I enjoy dancing, attending concerts, roller-skating, bike-riding, and spending time with my loved ones!

Biography

Hi beautiful people! I'm Stephen, a Junior majoring in Psychology and Human Dimensions of Organizations. I’m from San Antonio, am an only child, and speak Spanish as my second language. I joined SHARE because I have a passion for relating with others and focusing on the thing that unites us most: love. To me SHARE means connectivity, compassion, and represents a supportive space for any heart willing enough to take part. On campus, I am in FUSE Acapella, Healing with Harmonies, Koinonia and play intramural soccer, basketball, and volleyball. My interests include fitness, health, sports, nature, video gaming, socializing, and anything involving fun! I also love music with a soft spot for rock and pop. Above all, I am passionate about loving others - making the world a better place each interaction at a time.

Biography

Hiii! My name is Ishwori, and I am a senior Psychology major also minoring in Philosophy from Austin, Texas. I joined SHARE because I deeply resonate with our mission to create safe spaces that foster genuine connections and authentic conversations. I truly believe that community care is one of the most meaningful and effective ways to nurture well-being, and the SHARE community has been a space where I’ve personally had some of the most supportive and heartfelt experiences. Outside of SHARE, I am a member of the Center for Applied Cognitive Science, I enjoy taking the occasional dance class, and I love going around to various coffee shops and bakeries. Through SHARE, I look forward to making new connections, learning from others, and growing together in our mental health/well-being journeys!

Biography

Hi! My name is Dylan and I’m a third-year Biology student from Austin, Texas. I wanted to be a part of SHARE because I see it positively impacts students on campus. Mental health is something I'm passionate about, and SHARE creates a safe space where everyone can have their feeling and voices be valued. I really enjoy how this is a space where being open with each other and having empathy is normal. I look forward to contributing to this healthy environment and building connections with anyone I meet. Aside from SHARE, I enjoy playing video games and I just started playing League of Legends. I also like playing ping pong, listening to music and reading.

Biography

Hi! My name is Michelle, and I am a third-year psychology major with a minor in Business and Public Policy on the pre-law track. I’m originally from San Antonio and am involved in Student Government, Minority Women Pursuing Law, and clinical psychology research at UT Health San Antonio. I joined SHARE because I know how important it is to have spaces where people feel supported, especially when navigating college and life can feel overwhelming. I’m passionate about building meaningful connections and being someone who listens without judgment. When I’m not studying or in SHARE, I love café hopping, doing my nails, reading, and playing Animal Crossing!

Biography

Hi! My name is Kirsten Quantz, and I’m a third-year Psychology student. I joined SHARE because I value everything the program stands for and does for the UT community. I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel welcomed, loved, and accepted and I’ve seen firsthand how SHARE provides that for me and many others. I’m really passionate about mental health and I’m committed to fostering an environment rooted in empathy, respect, and inclusion. Outside of SHARE I’m active in different psychology and mental health organizations on campus and you might also find me reading a good book, watching a new TV show, and listening to different kinds of music!

Biography

Hi pals! My name is Aurora Riojas and I am a senior studying for a BS Psychology with a BDP certificate in Social Inequality, Health and Policy. I joined SHARE because I understand that sometimes all it takes is one person’s effort to make someone feel understood, and peer support is one meaningful way to achieve that. Community is such an important part of our lives, and I hope I can create it for you guys. My ultimate goal is to create compassion and understanding for one another. Outside of SHARE, I enjoy camping at national parks, oil painting, and petting stray kitties.

Biography

Hi! My name is Ximena Rodriguez, a second-year student from McAllen, TX majoring in Government and Plan II. Being a university student comes with navigating many challenges. I know that’s been the case for me. My pull to SHARE was because of the openness and fulfillment I felt through the model of SHARE Circles, and the feeling of ease I had both during and afterwards towards embracing connection, vulnerability, and simply: listening. Being a peer support specialist means spreading the empowering nature of SHARE while also identifying strengths and authenticity among individuals and communities. Outside of SHARE, I love going on coffee runs, art/art spaces, discovering new music/albums, trying out new food spots, and getting to spend time with loved ones.

Biography

Hi there! I’m Evelin, a fourth-year Psychology student originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, but I have now made Texas my home. I first joined SHARE through the student org, Longhorn SHARE Connections, where I got to experience some of the support provided by SHARE and met some amazing people. I was moved to join the Longhorn SHARE Project because of my own experiences dealing with stigma in mental health and my desire to contribute to making this a safe space for diverse identities by bringing my experiences as an immigrant to the project. I hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and make campus a more welcoming and empowering space during my time with SHARE. Outside of SHARE, I love to read, read, and read, especially mystery and fantasy!

Biography

Hello! My name is Sam, and I’m a third-year Psychology student from the Rio Grande Valley (San Benito, TX). I was drawn to SHARE because I deeply value the power of peer support and the role meaningful connections play in promoting mental health and well-being. Everyone in this community is also incredibly welcoming and super duper friendly! My goal is to make a positive impact by helping others feel seen, heard, and supported in whatever they’re going through. I believe in importance of healing together—being there for others has also been healing to me. Some things I love are trying new restaurants, going to concerts, collecting vinyl records, and playing guitar :) I am always down to talk about anything and offer support whenever needed!

Biography

Hi! My name is Tarunika Sasikumar and I am a senior Public Health major and Pre-PA student from Long Island, New York. I joined SHARE so that I can experience the value of peer support and to promote mental well-being on campus! I recognize the significance of being a supportive presence for others, and I strive to be that comforting figure whenever I can. Aside from SHARE, I am a clinical assistant at a pediatrics clinic and a member of Texas AED! Some of my hobbies include reading, trying out new food, and going on walks. I'm always down to chat and talk about anything!

Biography

Hi! My name is Allison Sengkhounmany and I’m a third-year Journalism major with a minor in Health Communication. I was fortunate to come across SHARE during a profound experience of grief and loss. Seeing how meaningful SHARE was for me, I hope to help others who may be going through similar experiences. I’m passionate about destigmatizing mental health and participating in thoughtful conversations. Through peer support, I believe we can create an honest, compassionate, and uplifting community. Outside of SHARE, I enjoy traveling, exploring the city, and finding new hobbies. I’m always here to listen and be a pillar of support!

Biography

Hi! My name is Bella Silber and I am a third-year Psychology major with a minor in Educational Psychology from Long Island, New York. I love spending time with my friends and family, being active, reading, enjoying nature and trying new foods! joined SHARE because I am passionate about supporting others, talking through challenges, and lifting up the people around me. I know how important it is to have a safe space to talk and open up, especially during a challenging time like college when we’re all navigating overwhelming change. I’m excited to help create a space where people feel seen, supported, and reminded that they’re never alone in what they’re going through.

Biography

Hello! My name is Clara Song, and I’m a sophomore Political Communications major also pursuing the BDP in Ethics and Leadership in Law, Politics, and Government, and I’m on the Pre-law track. I joined SHARE because I believe in the power of peer support and the importance of creating spaces where students can feel seen, heard, and valued. College life can be incredibly rewarding, but also overwhelming, isolating, and stressful. Therefore, I wanted to be part of a program that actively works to break down stigma around mental health and fosters genuine human connection through open dialogue and empathy.

Biography

Hello! My name is JJ Song, and I am a Senior Pre-Med Human Development and Family Sciences major from Houston, Texas! I joined SHARE to develop stronger mental health support skills and continually grow as a communicator and listener to better serve others. During my time with SHARE, I’d say I’m reaching that goal and more as I continue to support our mission to cultivate safe spaces while we each traverse through our beautifully diverse journeys. Outside of SHARE, I’m a part of the American Medical Student Association, the Joint Medical Admissions Program, Camp KESEM, and Music United. Some interests of mine include martial arts, working with kids (been teaching them nearly all my life), Twenty One Pilots, 2am Youtube, and dropping my pen!

Biography

Hello! My name is Deepa Sunkad (she/her), and I’m a senior Biology major on the Pre-Med track, also pursuing a certificate in Social Inequality, Health, and Policy. I joined the SHARE Project to better understand the fundamentals of mental health and to help build spaces on campus where students feel supported, seen, and connected. Outside of SHARE, I love reading , listening to music (especially Taylor Swift), and spending quality time with my friends and family. I’m passionate about creating a more compassionate and inclusive environment here on campus, and I’m really looking forward to growing and learning alongside all of you!

Biography

Howdy! I’m Cat, a fourth-year Mathematics major with a minor in Critical Disability Studies from Hutto, TX. I joined the Longhorn SHARE Project after being in the Black Sheep: Outsiders Together community, and I wanted there to be something similar surrounding disability. Whenever I’m not involved within the Longhorn SHARE Project, the Disability Cultural Center, or the Mathematics department, I like to make art and write, listen to and play music, do some folk dancing, and play video games.

Biography

Hi! I’m Allie and I’m a second year Biology major with a concentration in Computational Biology. I’m originally from Vietnam, but have been studying in Texas as an international student since high school. I joined SHARE because I love getting involved in and being part of such an inclusive community, listening to and learning from the stories of people with diverse backgrounds. Aside from my time in SHARE, I love hiking, exploring restaurants and cafes with my friends, and is also involved in epigenetics research at UT Austin.

Biography

Hi! I’m Michelle, a third-year Communication Studies major originally from Houston, TX. My motivation behind becoming a SHARE Specialist was to support the universal need to feel seen, heard, and connected. My first year was full of adjustments and yet SHARE gave me a space that I felt completely myself in, regardless of my mood, I could always count on my community to let a giggle out in. Outside of SHARE, I am obsessed with dramatized reality shows, gaming videos and learning about various traditional cultural foods.

Biography

My name is Harpreet Singh Walia, but I go by Robby. I am a Mathematics B.S. Major with a Business Minor from Fairfield, Tx. One fact to know about me is I am a loud and very extroverted person, so I am very hard to miss. I joined SHARE because I had a hard time adjusting to UT. I came in with all these expectations and fell flat on my face when I got here. SHARE gave me confidence with my own personality and creativity to both be myself in a lot of robotic classrooms. I hope this program grows and reaches out to more students like me who want to find their own personalities and let their own voices be heard. My interests outside of SHARE would be that I watch a lot of Formula 1 and the World Poker Tournament. Also, I try my best to learn more about my major every day with the help of a blackboard because I always carry around chalk.

Biography

Hey everyone! My name is Elijah Woodson and I am a Senior Psychology Honors B.A. major from Leander, (basically Austin) Texas! I joined SHARE because I was eager to find a space on campus where I could learn more about mental health and how to help my peers with their struggles. I love being part of SHARE because you are able to be your authentic self, and you can use that authenticity to relate to and help other members of the community! Outside of SHARE I am one of the TUBA! Head Section Leaders of the Longhorn Marching Band, the President of LHBlacks, a member of the Applied Psychology and Mood Disorders Labs, a lover of all music (slowly learning to like country music (being a Beyoncé stan is in my DNA), avid sunrise/sunset enjoyer, and die-hard fan of In-n-Out!!

Biography

Hi everyone! My name’s Alexa! I’m a junior majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Sociology. I joined SHARE because I know how meaningful and impactful it is to have welcoming, safe spaces where community, understanding, and validation are at the forefront. I’m here to help continue SHARE’s mission of providing a place where students can find belonging, empathy, and empowerment. Outside of SHARE, some of my favorite pastimes are sunbathing with my dog, Tony, reading (preferably with an iced coffee at my side), doing pilates, and journaling.