Meet Our Team
Emilie Kim
Co-founder & President
Emilie Kim is a fourth year at the University of Virginia studying Statistics with a concentration in Data Science on the pre-dental track. Emilie co-founded Dreams4LupusKids with her sister to empower children affected by lupus through creative expression, mentorship, and community-centered programming. Emilie leads the organization's vision, program development, and outreach initiatives, focusing on creating spaces where children can share their stories through art, writing, and multimedia. Under her leadership, Dreams4LupusKids aims to expand accessible programming across the DMV region while building a network of student-led chapters dedicated to service and advocacy.
Lauren Kim
Co-founder & Vice President
Lauren Kim is currently a freshman at McLean High School and cofounded Dreams4LupusKids to support children navigating through lupus. She began experiencing symptoms of lupus at the age of ten but was only formally diagnosed at thirteen. While she is currently recovering well, she empathizes with the other children that are undergoing similar journeys. Lauren founded her organization with her sister to reach and uplift those affected by lupus, focusing on providing resources, emotional support, and a sense of belonging for those who often feel overlooked. As the organization's vice president, she leads the organization's vision and outreach efforts, drawing from her own experiences with physically and mentally demanding medical challenges.
Keerthana Nannapaneni
Treasurer
Keerthana Nannapaneni, a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, serves as the Treasurer of Dreams for Lupus Kids. She helps support the organization by managing finances and contributing to efforts that raise awareness for lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can significantly impact daily life. Through her involvement, Keerthana is committed to helping ensure resources are used effectively to support children affected by lupus and to promote greater understanding of the condition.
Drisha Singh
Secretary
Drisha Singh is a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). As a member of Dream4LupusKids, she helps support the organization's activities and keeps things organized with the team. She works with other members on communication and planning to help programs run smoothly. She is passionate about service and creating a supportive space where children feel included and heard. Through her involvement, she hopes to help expand the organization's impact on families affected by lupus.
Sophie Li
Social Media Manager
Sophie Li is a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and serves as the social media manager for Dreams4LupusKids. Passionate about advocacy through digital mediums, she uses social media to amplify youth voices, increasing awareness about children affected by lupus. Sophie believes that everyone has a story to tell, and she hopes to inspire a space where young people feel supported and empowered to share these stories.
Benjamin Wang
Operations Manager
Benjamin Wang goes to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and manages day-to-day operations as the operations manager. He supports Dreams4LupusKids through coordinating activities, handling logistics, and developing outreach. Benjamin hopes children affected by lupus can feel included, and will continue helping Dreams4LupusKids to promote greater awareness for lupus.