Our Mission

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Our Mission *

Empower Health was founded by Khushi Patel and Muirelle Pham, driven by a commitment to health equity and a recognition of the systemic gaps in access to quality care. We operate at the intersection of political science, policy, and healthcare, leveraging research, advocacy, and community engagement to address disparities and create lasting change. By combining evidence-based medical knowledge with informed policy initiatives, we empower communities to take control of their health while influencing the structures that determine access to care. Our work ensures that underserved and marginalized populations have both the resources and the policies in place to achieve healthier, more equitable lives.

Co-founders

Muirelle Pham is the founder of Empower Health, a nonprofit based on health equity and advocating for equitable healthcare. Muirelle Pham is a co-president of Empower Health

Muirelle Pham

A high school senior from Orange County, Muirelle is passionate about policy and advocating for marginalized communities. She contributed to AB 49, supporting immigrant students and elevating youth perspectives in education, and has worked at the California State Capitol introducing ideas to policy-makers as a lobbyist, and shaping state legislation. Her work reflects a commitment to equity and amplifying underrepresented voices. She is excited to continue this mission with Empower Health, advancing health equity through policy and community impact.

Khushi Patel is the other co-founder of Empower Health, alongside Muirelle Pham, who are together two co-founders of the nonprofit Empower Health, centered around Health Equity.

Khushi Patel

Khushi Patel is a senior in high school with a strong passion for medicine, particularly in pediatrics and psychology. She has gained hands-on experience as an intern at Providence St. Jude’s Medical Center, making a meaningful impact, and has also interned with Pacific Neuro Psychiatric Services and completed research at UCI. Beyond medicine, Khushi is deeply committed to health advocacy and community service, organizing food drives and participating in outreach programs. She also enjoys playing basketball and currently serves as captain of her high school varsity team, and she is excited to serve as co-founder of Empower Health, a student-led initiative focused on promoting health awareness and advocating for equitable healthcare access in her community.

MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Jayveer Basu is a driven high school student who is Vice President of Empower Health, a health-equity non-profit focused on student research.

    Jayveer Basu

    Vice President

    Jayveer is a sophomore at Valencia High School enrolled in Val Tech and International Baccalaureate Academies. He is currently the Vice President of Enpower Health. He is eager to support empower health’s cause to ensure a fair and equal chance to live a healthy life.

  • Olivia Park is Editor-in-Chief of Empower Health

    Olivia Park

    Editor-in-Chief

    Olivia is a senior in high school pursuing a future in the health field, gaining further insight and experience through her internship and employment at a medical clinic. With a strong passion for community health, her goal is to make information about wellness and healthcare more accessible and engaging. She is eager to work with Empowerhealth as editor in chief, contributing to promote health equity.

  • A woman standing in front of a blue backdrop with the CHOC logo and slogan 'Long Live Childhood'. She has long dark hair, is smiling, and is wearing a black dress with a patterned blazer.

    Ariann Baldado

    Director of Organizational Development

    Ariann Baldado is a senior in high school and the Director of Organizational Development for Empower Health. She wants to become a pediatric nurse and sees the importance of advocating for vulnerable patients. Ariann is an active member of her community through Girl Scouts, Jazz Choir, and hospital volunteering. She is excited to lead Empower Health’s growth!

  • Jashvi Nigam is on the Empower Health Board of Directors.

    Jashvi Nigam

    Operations Director

    Jashvi Nigam is thrilled to serve as the Operations Director for Empower Health! She looks forward to overseeing projects and ensuring all research stays on track. Passionate about health advocacy and scientific innovation, Jashvi is excited to contribute to meaningful initiatives that promote awareness and positive change. She can’t wait to embark on this journey with the Empower Health team!

  • Udbhav Moorthy is on the Empower Health Board of Directors.

    Udhbhav Moorthy

    Operations Director

    Udhbhav is a sophomore attending Valencia High School. He is currently serving as the operations director for Empower Health. He is extremely excited for the opportunity to support Empower Health’s mission to make healthcare accessible to all.

  • Hinmer Cifuentes is on the Empower Health Board of Directors.

    Hinmer Cifuentes

    Policy Director

    Hinmer Cifuentes is a 17-year-old student who was born in Washington D.C. and spent part of his childhood in living in Virginia before living abroad for four years. He has a deep passion for different music genres and enjoys learning about different cultures and lifestyle. Through his role in Empower Health, Hinmer aims to raise awareness about the inequalities many ethnic groups face and promote better health programs within his community.

  • Young woman smiling at night in a stadium, with a crowd around her and bright lights in the background.

    Kaavya Kotamraju

    Outreach Coordinator

    Kaavya is a sophomore at Valencia High School and serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Empower Health. She is passionate about promoting health equity and helping make healthcare accessible to all. Through her role, Kaavya is excited to connect with the community and support Empower Health’s mission to create a healthier, more inclusive future.