Alumni
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Srivarun Tummarakota
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Srivarun was first exposed to the fundamentals of social innovation in high school, ultimately becoming the co-coordinator for the Social Entrepreneurship program. Through his time refocusing curriculum to allow students to understand the root causes of social inequities, Srivarun found his passion in working with diverse groups to understand and dismantle the complex network of cultural, institutional, and ideological structures that create social inequities. This realization led to him to work with Dreams for Kids Inc. in designing and coordinating Holiday for Hope, a holiday themed event for youth experiencing homelessness, in Burundi and El Salvador.
As an aspiring healthcare professional, Srivarun has sought out opportunities to understand social determinants of health and develop a holistic view of medicine and public health. In his time, Srivarun has worked with a community health organization writing mental and physical health curriculum, dedicated his time to serving both the special needs and previously incarcerated communities, and is currently conducting research in health policy. The roots of his service in Nashville tie back to the homeless community – a group of individuals who have taught Srivarun the meaning of resilience and human connection. His relationships and time within the community ultimately opened his eyes to the stark health inequities, prompting him to write a long-form journalistic piece on the healthcare networks available to the homeless community.
Through the generosity of the Ingram Program, Srivarun conducted his summer project in Australia, working in depth with issues concerning Aboriginal youth. He worked with Show Me The Way to develop a sustainable business strategy to employ their innovative film workshops that allow Aboriginal youth to retain and spread culture. In addition, he was able to work with JustReinvestNSW, the first ever justice reinvestment program in Australia to better understand and subsequently develop school suspension alternatives for youth. Srivarun’s time in Australia allowed him to critically think about the ways we engage with Indigenous populations in the United States, and he hopes to use his newfound respect to engage with the traditional custodians of our land.
Srivarun is beyond grateful for the opportunities the Ingram Scholarship has provided him and is constantly humbled by the communities he serves, his mentors, and the family he is surrounded by.