FOUNDER & PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Nicholas Truong is a fourth year Biology and Biotechnology student at Santa Clara University and Founder of the Recipes for Relief Initiative. Previously, Nicholas was a volunteer cook at UC San Diego Hillcrest Medical Center, and co-organized several fundraising concerts benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego (NICU) and UC San Diego Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) research programs. Outside of classes, Nicholas interns with the Vietnamese American Roundtable and helps with community health outreach. Nicholas is recognized as a 2022 Stanford University Innovations Fellow, 2022 UCLA Bioscience Research Scholar and 2023 SCU Healthcare Ethics fellow. In his pastime, Nicholas enjoys hiking, watching NBA basketball with friends, and, of course, cooking.

TREASURER

Nico Licauco is a fourth year international student at Santa Clara University studying Biochemistry. In the Philippines, Nico worked with the One Million Lights organization to provide solar-powered light to off-grid communities located in remote wetland, mountain, and coastal areas. Following his interest in wood-working and product design, he also volunteered with Renovated to Educate (RED) to repair and reconstruct classroom desks and chairs in Philippine public schools. At SCU, Nico works in an organic chemistry laboratory and researches different ways self-assembling liquid crystal organic molecules can be built when attached to quantum dots. Nico is currently leading Recipes for Relief’s sponsorship and community partnership efforts.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER

Samira Billow is a Biology major and Public Health student in her third year at Santa Clara University. She has a strong passion for finding ways to help those facing disparities. In high school, she raised over $500 for PPE to support people living in Yemen. During the summers, Samira volunteers at local hospitals and reads to children with chronic illnesses. This experience has inspired her to pursue a career in the medical field. Currently, she is a member of the A.I. Club at Santa Clara and aims to develop a medical device. Furthermore, Samira works in a biochemistry lab, researching the potential use of fullerenes in treating lung cancer. She is also actively involved in the Bio Club, where she collaborates with other clubs to organize events. Outside of school, Samira has interests in fashion, art, gardening, and desserts.

SOCIAL MEDIA & OUTREACH

Suzan Amiri is a fourth year Philosophy and Journalism student at Santa Clara University, and is also the Co-Chair for the student club MENA/SWANA on campus. During the pandemic and fall of Afghanistan in 2021, she advocated & fundraised $3,000 for vulnerable families back home. She continues this passion for educating through fellowships with non-profits (such as Project Anar) and hosting conversations revolving around diversity and inclusion on campus. This passion in advocacy has translated into her drive towards attending law school after undergrad. In her free time, she likes to write, make music, play basketball, and cook.

LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER

Mariyam Lokhand is a Neuroscience and Public Health double major with a Biology minor in her third year, recently relocated to the vibrant Bay Area from Virginia. She is passionate about cooking, particularly dishes that connect her to her cultural roots, and she loves to travel, enriching her academic journey. Mariyam interns at Mucci Psychological Assessment in pediatric neuropsychology, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact. At ScaleAI, she guides AI to respond thoughtfully to users, combining her tech skills with a desire to help others.

Outside of her studies and work, Mariyam enjoys simple pleasures like scenic drives for mental peace, reading widely, and listening to Taylor Swift. She's drawn to the mountains for their serene beauty, showcasing her love for nature.