“Stop letting your potential go to waste because you don’t feel ready enough — shoot for the stars, and you’ll fall onto the moon.”
Srinidhi Kotikalapudi
2025 Top 30 Under 30
About
AGE: 22
PRONOUNS: She/Her
HOMETOWN: Calgary, AB
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Calgary, AB
ORGANIZATIONS:
- YouCreate
- The Aquativity Project
- University of Calgary
- Madhuban Performing Arts
- Peak Health
- Medical Makers
- Foothills Medical Center
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
I am most passionate about:
What specific issue(s) are you working to address, and what motivates you to do so?
I am dedicated to addressing sustainability, social equity, and healthcare accessibility through an interdisciplinary approach rooted in community engagement and the arts. My current projects reflect this commitment. As the founder of The Aquativity Project, I merge sustainable fashion with South Asian culture, transforming upcycled textiles into garments inspired by traditions like Navratri. This initiative not only promotes climate-conscious creativity but also engages communities in meaningful conversations about environmental stewardship.
In addition to my work with The Aquativity Project, I contribute to Madhuban Performing Arts as a stage manager, grant writer, and dancer. Through dance and music, we raise awareness about pressing issues within the South Asian community, using art as a medium for social change.
Additionally, through YouCreate, I amplify marginalised voices, particularly Indigenous and underserved communities, by providing platforms for art, music, and storytelling. Our podcast, Many Different Birds, explores themes of identity and resilience while better understanding Indigneous medicine, healing and relationship with the healthcare system.
My research roles further highlight my dedication to healthcare and social justice. As a research assistant with Dr. Drolet, I am working on a project to understand the perspectives of wildfire evacuees, advancing SDGs in AB and providing mentorship/training opportunities to young people. In the Cheng Lab, I studied Fragile X Syndrome, while at the BNR Lab, I investigated the effects of life stressors on post-concussion patients. These projects inform my understanding of health inequities and inspire my aspiration to create patient-centered, sustainable healthcare practices.
Past experiences, such as volunteering in Bahrain to establish a community fridge and collaborating with Nepali students on community development projects, have instilled in me a global perspective and the drive to champion equity and empowerment. These initiatives are all motivated by my lived experiences as an immigrant and my desire to create spaces where every individual feels heard, valued, and respected.
What is your foundation?
My foundation is rooted in my journey as an immigrant, navigating diverse social landscapes and drawing strength from my South Asian heritage. Moving between India, Bahrain, and Canada exposed me to vast cultural differences, teaching me resilience and empathy. A pivotal moment in Bahrain, witnessing labor exploitation, fueled my desire to create equitable opportunities for all.
My family has also shaped my path significantly. My parents, a constant source of wisdom, instilled values of compassion and service, while my brother has been my biggest inspiration—teaching me the value of persistence in pursuing my goals. Additionally, my cousin with autism has fueled my drive to explore the intersection of art, healing, and community building. My mentors, colleagues, and cultural experiences have further deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues.
Ultimately, my foundation is built on a commitment to championing inclusion, sustainability, and empowerment, with my South Asian identity anchoring every aspect of my work.
WHat is your vision for the future?
My vision is a world where every individual has access to equitable healthcare, opportunities for self-expression, and a sustainable future. I aspire to become a physician who integrates cultural understanding, sustainability, and community-driven solutions into healthcare practices. Through initiatives like The Aquativity Project and YouCreate, I aim to foster creative spaces where marginalized voices are uplifted, and social barriers are dismantled.
In the long term, I envision expanding these platforms globally, connecting diverse communities through shared goals of environmental stewardship and social justice. My measure of success will be the lasting impact on individuals and communities, knowing that my efforts contributed to a more inclusive and sustainable world. I hope to inspire others to advocate for the causes they believe in, creating ripple effects of change across generations.
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