Leadership Team

State Officer Team

Akshaj Bais, President	School: Newark Charter High School Career Area: Biotechnology Grade: 11th Activities: HOSA (2023 Delaware Silver Medallion Winner [Epidemiology], 2024 Delaware Gold Medallion Winner, 2023 ILC Delegate), 2024 BioGENUIUS Competitor, New Castle County Science Fair (2023 Croda Best in Show & Smart Science to Improve Lives Award, 2024 Environmental Science Silver Medal Winner), Newark Charter Computing in Biotech Club President, Intern at University of Delaware Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Intern at University of Delaware Department of Chemical Engineering, Christiana Care Volunteen, Newark Charter Model UN Delegate, Student Council, Newark Charter Biotechnology Board Student Representative, National Spanish Honor Society Member. What HOSA means to me: Regardless of whether someone is simply competing at their regional conference, or someone placing and getting on stage at the International Leadership Conference, HOSA, to me, is an opportunity for individuals that want to go into healthcare to be able to meet one another and connect. The healthcare field is pivotal in maintaining order and stability in the world, and encouraging young individuals to pursue healthcare as a profession is beneficial to creating the doctors and surgeons of the future. As a whole, HOSA is a wonderful opportunity to see my future in healthcare in the present. Future Goals: After high school, I want to major in biomedical engineering and molecular biology. I want to eventually go into medicine and research cancer and its causes. My end goal would be receiving a doctorate in medicine or my Ph. D in biomedical engineering, curing the diseases of the future. Favorite Quote: "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything." - Malcolm X
Sudipa Chowdhury, Vice President	School: Newark Charter High School Career Area: Biotechnology Grade: 12th Activities: HOSA Dental Terminology Silver Medalist at ILC, ThinkNeuro 2024 Summer Research Intern, Behavioral Epigenetics Intern at UD Roth Lab, 2025 National Youth Science Camp Delegate, 2025 Youth Environmental Summit Workshops Committee Chair, EnviroTHON Competitor, Student Council Secretary, National Honor Society Secretary, Exceptional Care for Children Hospice Volunteer, Kumon Center Assistant. What HOSA means to me: As I entered HOSA in my freshman year as part of our school’s biotechnology pathway, I could not have ever predicted how valuable and fulfilling my experiences were going to be. I can undoubtedly say that the past HOSA events, including SLCs and ILCs, have taught me so much about the expansive field of health studies, the multiple career pathways available, and what it truly takes to go into these fields. Competing has also consistently motivated me to delve deeper into my interests in health, which I know will serve me well as I begin to differentiate what careers I want to go into. I am truly indebted to HOSA for how it has indirectly guided me throughout high school and prepared me for my future. For these reasons, I look forward to being a part of the 2024-2025 State Officer Team and furthering my knowledge not only as an aspiring healthcare professional, but also as a leader. Future Goals: Following high school, I plan to go to college as a pre-med student majoring in neuroscience. I’m currently planning to go into medical school and study to become an oncologist as I have had a long-lasting desire to not only study cancer and its potential treatments, but I would also love to one day be able to diagnose and support afflicted patients. Favorite Quote: “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you” - Walt Disney
Carter Porter, Vice President	School: Indian River High School Career: Allied Health Grade: 11th Activities: I have been an active Member of IRHS (Indian River High School) HOSA since my freshman year. In 2023, I was elected as Vice President of the IRHS HOSA chapter. I participated in the State Leadership Conference all three years. In 2024 & 2025 I received the Barbara James Service Award. I volunteer for Enrichment of Hope, an afterschool program supporting local children, and many other local organizations. What HOSA means to me: Joining during my freshman year sparked an interest in HOSA, specifically the officer side. Being in HOSA has allowed me to develop leadership skills, and given me a chance to compete and engage with students who have similar interests in healthcare, and to become a problem-solver. HOSA has also allowed me to grow on a personal level. I have developed as a team player, expanded my communication skills, become a mentor for fellow students, and learned to adapt to changing situations and overcome challenges. HOSA has given me the opportunity to learn and serve in my community. Future Goals: After graduation, my goal is to pursue an undergraduate degree in pre-med. Afterward, I plan to obtain my degree in paramedicine. I plan to work as a paramedic and attend a medical school to obtain my doctorate in internal medicine. Favorite quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde
Joshua Soto, Historian	School: Delcastle Technical High School Career Area: Biomedical Sciences Grade: 12th Activities: HOSA - 1st place in Medical Terminology at the 2025 HOSA SLC, 2025 HOSA ILC competitor, HOSA VP of Social Activities for the Delcastle chapter, NHS member, CPR and BLS certified, CET certified, fundraising and event coordination for events at my school, seal of multi-literacy, studying for future competitions or tests, HEIDE intern, and volunteering for The Color In Dreams. What HOSA means to me: When I first joined HOSA my sophomore year of high school, I wasn’t sure what to expect. At first I was nervous because competing and interacting with a bunch of people at once was something I usually never did. But after having the chance to participate in the 2024 SLC, I was completely infatuated with all the opportunities I was met with and all the people I talked to at the competition. Even though I’ve only been to the ILC once, it’s still something that I’ll forever hold dear to my heart. HOSA has given me the guidance and motivation I needed to pursue my dream in healthcare, and showed me all the pathways that are available to me. HOSA, to me, is more than a competition. It’s a place where people across the world, each with their own dreams and aspirations, come together and can create. Because of all of these reasons, I’m forever grateful to the opportunities and experiences HOSA has given me, and am beyond excited to be the historian for the 2025-2026 State Officer Team! Future Goals: After I graduate high school, I plan to go to college and study medicine so that I could become a pediatric ophthalmologist. Since middle school, ophthalmology in all aspects have interested me, especially the surgical aspect. As a pediatric ophthalmologist, knowing that I can help kids see in their first years of life is something that I’m passionate about. As a firm believer in putting the people over profits, I plan to use the money I’ve earned as a doctor to help those who need it the most. My biggest goal in life is to create an organization that provides families with limited financial resources with shelter, job assistance, and educational aid. Although this dream is far-fetched, it’s still one of my biggest motivators knowing that it’ll eventually happen if I put my mind to it. Favorite Quote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller
Briana Catalon, Vice President of Kent County	School: Smyrna High School Career Area: Allied Health Grade: 12th Activities: Girl Scout for 12 years, recipient of The Girl Scout Bronze Award, recipient of The Girl Scout Silver Award, candidate for The Girl Scout Gold Award, Emergency Medical Technician and Volunteer at Smyrna-Clayton American Legion Ambulance Station 64, Delaware Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education Student Representative 2025-2026, Student Athletic Training Intern, 2024 Bayhealth Volunteer, 2024 Governor’s School of Excellence, Bayhealth Voyagers Program 2022-2024, Perry Initiative Outreach Program, CTE Ambassador for Allied Health, Vice President of SHS HOSA Chapter, President for SHS Girls United For Defense, SHS Student Government Association, SHS National Honor Society, SHS Rotary Club, Smyrna Environmental Action Seekers, Delaware State Fire School certified Emergency Medical Responder, (NREMT) Emergency Medical Technician, and for Hazardous Materials Awareness. What HOSA means to me: Through participating in SLCs, and serving previously as a chapter officer, I’ve developed skills in planning, leadership, and public service while forming lasting friendships with passionate individuals from around the world. HOSA is an organization that makes the healthcare industry accessible to all students. Students from different backgrounds, states, and countries can come together, compete, learn, and share ideas. Allowing for bonds to be created between people who otherwise would not have met. With its opportunities for students to learn firsthand from medical professionals, HOSA strengthens the skills of high school students so that they can carry them into the real world when the time comes. It has allowed me to grow not only as a leader but also as a person. It has been monumental in growing my skills both in planning and in leadership overall. HOSA has not only guided me in discovering my future but has also allowed me to see it come to life in the present. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the 2025-2026 State Officer Team and furthering my skills and knowledge as both an aspiring healthcare professional and as a leader. Future Goals: My goals following high school are to attend a 4-year college pre-med program, double majoring in biochemistry and history. After college, I hope to attend medical school and eventually match with a hospital for orthopedic medicine. Eventually being able to specialize in orthopedic sports medicine. I truly love the feeling of helping others and allowing them to return to whatever it is in life that they love and that motivates them. Favorite Quote: "We only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” -Mae West
Ella Zhao, Vice President of Community Service	School: Newark Charter High School Career Area: Biotechnology Grade: 12th Activities: HOSA - World Health and Disparities 1st Place in State (2024/2025) / T-Shirt Design 1st Place (2025), Intern at University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center, Youth Environmental Summit Committee Co-Chair, Chinese American Community Center (CACC) Intern, CACC Dragon and Lion Dance Team, Student Council Committee Chair, Mock Trial, National Chinese Honor Society Vice President, Debate Team, EnviroTHON Competitor, Nemours Children’s Hospital Summer Volunteer, Exceptional Care for Children Volunteer What HOSA means to me: The encouraging community and thrill of competition ignited my love for HOSA from the first moment I joined in freshman year. The countless study sessions, infectious laughter, SLCs, etc. have granted me with irreplaceable experiences and friendships that I will treasure forever–as well as a new outlook on my future. The HOSA events that I had seemingly chosen on a whim have shaped my life for the better in ways that I did not expect. By combining my varied interests in medicine, advocacy, culture, and art, this organization has helped me discover my true aspirations and connect with other passionate students. I am incredibly grateful for the valuable lessons it has taught me and how it opened my eyes to the many aspects of healthcare and leadership. It is clear to me that I would not have grown into the person I am now without HOSA. Moving forward, I also hope to lift others up in the same way! Future Goals: After high school, I plan to attend college as a pre-med student and major in either public health or neuroscience. Eventually, I would like to go into medical school and become a family doctor as I aspire to be somebody that my patients can always rely on. I also hope to contribute to health equity efforts and public health initiatives whenever possible. Favorite Quote: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." - Vivian Greene
Harshini Avula, Secretary	School: Newark Charter School Career Area: Pediatrics Grade: 11 Activities: HOSA - 2025 and 2024 SLC member for Human Growth and Development, HOSA State Team Secretary, CPR certified, Varsity Tennis player for both the 2024 and 2025 school year, member of Indian Cultural Appreciation Club, Cultural Dancer, and I have accumulated over 100 hours of volunteering over the past year What HOSA means to me: I joined HOSA my freshmen year of high school because it was mandatory for my pathway. When I first joined, I had no idea what HOSA would end up meaning to me. When I first joined, I told myself that I would give it 100% but I wouldn’t be disappointed if I didn’t place in anything. However once I made SLC my freshman year I began to realize what HOSA truly meant to me. It’s a way for me to connect with my peers over many things from what events were to what we learned because of HOSA. HOSA gave me a way to reach out to people that I normally wouldn’t have reached out to before HOSA. It allowed me to push my boundaries and figure out what I truly enjoy. It gave me ways to have real life experience on what type of things to expect in the medical field once I grow older. HOSA is something that has opened up many opportunities for me and allowed me to find something that I am truly passionate about. HOSA to me is something that connects many people and gives people real life experiences about what they want to go into in the future that they wouldn’t have had access to before this. Future Goals: After I graduate high school, I want to go to college where I will study medicine and eventually become a pediatrician. I want to go to a college that has very good six year programs because I feel like that is what will benefit me. Becoming a pediatrician is something that I have wanted since I was five years old. When I went to my first pediatrician’s doctor appointment, I remember seeing kids leaving the waiting room crying and then leaving their appointments with a big smile on their face with a sticker on their shirt. I remember feeling that anyone that could turn someone’s day around in less than an hour was a very cool person. And right there in that doctor’s office was when I realized that I wanted to be a pediatrician. Pediatrics is something that has been very close to my heart ever since I was a little girl and I want to be able to pursue that passion once I am older as well. Once I become a pediatrician, I want to be able to help kids all around the world, not just in one place. I want to be able to travel the world while also providing healthcare to kids that might not have access to it. Helping people that can’t help themselves is a way for me to give back to the world and I believe that I can accomplish it with the right mindset and the right attitude. Favorite quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

State Management Team

Rozie Townsend, State Advisor	Hello Future and Current Health Service Professionals! My name is Rozie Townsend. I am very excited to be Delaware State’s new HOSA advisor! I am looking forward to expanding HOSA’s mission to empower future Health Professionals to become leaders in their local and global communities through education, collaboration, and experience. As a previous Health Professional, I am in awe of how much the industry of Health Care is constantly changing. I'm thrilled at how HOSA is actively promoting career opportunities in the health industry to enhance quality and diversity in all health professions. I have over ten years of research related health care experience and over 16 years of education experience spanning alternative career and technical education (CTE), academic and special education. Being involved in health care started while I was in elementary school looking through a microscope. From that point on, everything science and medicine was my passion. Later that passion extended into teaching and education. This is the beauty of being involved in Health Care! There are many avenues one can explore and grow! I want our affiliated members (students in the Health Sciences) to not be “boxed in” to just one discipline but to explore other disciplines and see how they are interconnected. I want our affiliated members to be able to forge their own pathways into being future Health Professionals. I am excited to continue Delaware’s commitment in ensuring that any attending, public school student taking a science course as a CTE participant or involved in their school’s Health Science program as a CTE concentrator has access to HOSA, can become an affiliated member, and explore the career opportunities possible as a Health Professional. I am honored to work with our State Officers, Chapter Advisors, Affiliated Partners and students/affiliated members to grow our chapters and expand our community engagement! Favorite Quote: “She turned her Can’ts into CANS and her Dreams into PLANS” – Author Unknown
Amanda Grant-Scott, MBA, MS, PMP Program Manager	Hello Future Health Professionals! My name is Amanda Grant-Scott and I am thrilled to be joining the Delaware HOSA Management Team. For most of my career, I have immersed myself in project and program management, leading teams, solving complex challenges, and building processes that bring big ideas to life. With an MBA, an MS, and PMP certification, I have spent over 20 years navigating the fast-paced corporate world. Along the way, I have learned that leadership is less about titles and more about empowering people to grow, collaborate, and succeed. That is why I am so excited to bring my experience to HOSA. I see this as an opportunity to take everything I have learned in business, from planning to strategy to innovation, and use it to support future health professionals as they discover their paths. The energy, passion, and dedication within HOSA’s community is inspiring, and I look forward to being a part of programs, events, conferences, and experiences that spark confidence and possibility in our students. Favorite Quotes: “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” -Bobby Unser "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard." -Kevin Durant
Bhavesh Manne, State Officer Coach & Coordinator	Hello Everyone! My name is Bhavesh Manne, and I am beyond thrilled to join the Delaware HOSA team as the State Officer Coach and Coordinator! I am thrilled to be working with our State Officers, Chapter Advisors, and Affiliated Partners to help everyone reach their full potential in HOSA and beyond. When I joined my first HOSA Zoom meeting as a high school freshman, I never imagined the world that would be unlocked and the family I would find. HOSA led me to find his best friends and inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Now a 5-year HOSA member, I am a student-leader at the University of Pittsburgh with dual degrees in Neuroscience and Economics with minors in chemistry and applied statistics, dreaming of advancing healthcare equity and inspiring belief in medicine for all. When I’m not in HOSA, I’ll be found learning in the lab, dancing my heart out, binging Marvel movies, or yelling at my favorite sports teams on TV. With tons of unfunny jokes and boundless excitement, I can’t wait to meet the countless, amazing members of Delaware HOSA and for the upcoming year as we champion change together, powered by people!