In this episode, host Norielle Blanco speaks with Krisha Karen, a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in psychology and minoring in gender, health, and healthcare equity on the pre-med track. Krisha is also the founder of Club Kids for a Cause, an organization that raises funds for cancer patients through tennis tournaments. In this conversation, Norielle and Krisha discuss the importance of mental health and health equity, particularly in Asian American communities, and the initiatives Krisha is involved in to promote these issues.

Key Takeaways:

• Krisha defines health equity as everyone having a fair and equal opportunity to be their healthiest version without facing substantial barriers to healthcare.
• Her interest in health equity and mental health advocacy was sparked by her personal experiences with the stigmatization of mental health in Indian culture.
• Krisha discusses the importance of starting conversations about mental health at a young age to break the stigma and encourage openness about mental health.
• She highlights her role models as her parents who immigrated from India and established successful careers in a new country, inspiring Krisha to pursue her own passions and career goals.
• Krisha also shares details about Club Kids for a Cause, an organization she founded that raises funds for cancer patients through tennis tournaments.
• The episode concludes with Norielle highlighting the upcoming My City, My Health conference, and Krisha's involvement in organizing the Community Health and Outreach Expo.

Conclusion:
This episode sheds light on the importance of mental health and health equity, and the initiatives being taken to promote these issues, particularly in Asian American communities. Krisha Karen's story is inspiring, and her work with Club Kids for a Cause is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact in her community.

About the host: Norielle Blanco is a student at the University of Iowa, studying both health promotion and nursing. Norielle is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health