How We Started
We are a passionate group of undergraduate students, driven by a powerful cause: organ donation advocacy. Our journey began in the halls of NYU in 2019, when two of our board members, Chirag Ram and Candice Medina, decided to challenge the notion that students couldn't make a significant impact on society. Fueled by this belief, they embarked on a mission to prove that youthful determination knows no bounds.
Board members; Chirag Ram and Candice Medina
Our Growth
From those early days, we've grown beyond our NYU origins, now encompassing a diverse array of students from universities across the country. Our shared dedication to the cause of organ donation advocacy unites us, transcending geographical boundaries and educational backgrounds.
New York Branch runs tabling event in Washington Square Park
Our Next Steps
Our vision extends far beyond campus borders. We are committed to connecting with youth nationwide, engaging in conversations, and dispelling harmful myths surrounding organ donation. Our aim is clear: to foster understanding, provide accurate information, and ultimately create a society where organ donation is seen as the fairest and most equitable system.
New York Branch gives presentation to Bard High School Early College
Meet Our Board of Directors
Chirag Ram
Chief Executive Officer
Chirag is a recent graduate of NYU and is currently studying to be a physician at Vanderbilt’s medical school. He has been involved in organ transplantation research for over five years and is also a published author in the field. Organ transplantation and organ donation are some of his biggest passions, and he hopes to see the world join together for this wonderful cause. You can reach him at chirag@odacus.org
Alexander Fraser
Chief Operating Officer
Alex Fraser joined ODAC in 2020 as one of its first members and served as executive director of its New York branch from 2022 to 2023. A lifelong New Yorker, Alex is passionate about community organizing and has worked to improve services and empower others through education and awareness initiatives in his hometown. In addition to his work with ODAC, Alex has experience in the governmental and political sectors and currently serves as a chief of staff in the New York State Assembly. He holds a BA from McGill University. You can reach him at alex@odacus.org
Diya Cherian
Chief Commercial Officer
Diya is a recent graduate of NYU — she studied global public health and biology. Her work in public health and medicine helped further refine her interest in infectious disease epidemiology. Diya joined ODAC in January of 2021 and is passionate about raising awareness about the life-changing effects that organ transplants can have. She also hopes to work towards addressing unfair prioritization practices within the organ transplant allocation program and making the system more equitable for disenfranchised groups that suffer from disproportionately lower rates or transplantation. You can reach her at diya@odacus.org
Candice Medina
Chief Financial Officer
Bio coming soon!
You can reach her at candice@odacus.org
Meet Our Entire Team
Each branch of ODAC has a number of talented individuals working together to advocate for the organ donation community. Click the buttons to get to know the rest of our team!