Aafiya Mahmood a rising senior at Northwood High School co-founded Neighbors Who Nourish inspired by her family’s experiences with food insecurity. She is committed to helping families access nutritious meals, learn practical cooking skills, and build a supportive, connected community. Through the program, she works to reduce stress and isolation while empowering families with tools and confidence to thrive.
In her own time, Aafiya enjoys exploring different cuisines, spending sunny days at the beach, and hanging out with friends. She is also the founder of her own cat care business and is deeply passionate about community projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Yeshwi Sharma being a rising senior at Northwood High School co-founded Neighbors Who Nourish after seeing firsthand how her Nepali grandparents, who rely on them. Their experience inspired her commitment to helping families build confidence in preparing healthy, affordable meals while fostering a stronger sense of connection and belonging. Through the program, she works to transform food insecurity and isolation into opportunities for support, learning, and shared experiences.
Beyond her work, Yeshwi is passionate about building community and creating initiatives that bring people together in meaningful ways. She believes in the power of connection, understanding, and shared experiences to make a lasting impact on people's lives. Dedicated to projects that strengthen communities and support overall well-being, she strives to create opportunities for people to learn from one another and feel a sense of belonging. In her free time, she enjoys matcha runs, spending time at the beach, going to concerts, and making memories with friends.