Our Team

Shrusti Amula (she/her), Founder and CEO

Shrusti Amula is an accomplished environmental activist, community leader, and social advocate, dedicated to driving systemic change. A freshman at Georgetown University is the founder of the national award-winning nonprofit, Rise N Shine Foundation. Through this youth-led initiative, she has led food recovery programs in over 100 schools and composting programs in 15 schools across Montgomery County, Maryland, with plans to expand to all 214 district schools. Her efforts focus on diverting food waste from landfills to compost facilities to reduce greenhouse gases and rescuing surplus food from businesses and schools to combat food insecurity. 

 

As the co-founder of the Montgomery County Student Climate Action Council (SCAC), Shrusti has played a key role in advancing sustainability initiatives and holding MCPS accountable for its climate goals. And, as advocacy remains pivotal for systemic change, she works with County and State legislators on food waste diversion, environmental education, financial literacy, and mental health policies. Her advocacy helped pass SB 124 and HB 150, securing $1.25 million for school compost and food recovery programs. In support of these bills, she spearheaded a campaign that received the support of 17,000 Marylanders from 63 schools across 14 counties which was one of the largest mobilizations of K-12 student voices before the Maryland legislature.


Shrusti’s leadership has earned her national recognition, including the prestigious Diana Award in 2024. She was also invited to introduce President Joe Biden at the White House Diwali reception, a testament to her growing influence in civic engagement.


Driven by a passion for creating lasting impact, Shrusti embodies the role of a ‘solutionist’, transforming visionary ideas into tangible community improvements. With a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, social advocacy, and policy reform, she continues to inspire and lead the next generation of changemakers.

Vayun Amula (he/him), COO

Vayun Amula is a Junior at Poolesville High School. As a COO of Rise N Shine he is actively engaged in day to day operations . In his current role at Rise N Shine, he has honed his leadership skills while driving impactful initiatives focused on community empowerment. His role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to helping others, qualities that aligns well with the values of your organization. By overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing teams, and ensuring his objectives align with our mission. His comprehensive skill set in leadership, problem-solving, and organizational management as been as great asset to Rise N Shine.

Additionally, as a co-founder and Social Media Manager for Betawave, I have started to gain experience in digital marketing, brand management, and content creation. My work with Betawave has given me a deep understanding of how to build and grow an online community, engage audiences, and leverage social platforms to amplify our message. I have cultivated a strong presence on social media, with an emphasis on creating authentic, compelling content that resonates with audiences.

Outside of school and community activities, he is a USA, Maryland state level cricket player.


E x e c u t i v e   T e a m

Trisha Adkar

Director Composting

Senior- Clarksburg High School


Nikhil Nare

Media & Content Specialist

Freshman - Richard Montgomery High School


Sreekar Penikelapati

Website Admin

Junior - Clarksburg High School

Abhinav Bommareddy

Director Volunteer Operations

Junior- Clarksburg High School

Sriradha Regula

Director Volunteer Operations

Sophomore - Poolesville High School

Anoushka Patil

Director Food Recovery Operations

Sophomore - Clarksburg High School