{"id":7745,"date":"2021-12-02T16:07:29","date_gmt":"2021-12-02T10:37:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalindian.com\/youth\/\/?post_type=story&p=7745"},"modified":"2025-09-27T11:33:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T06:03:05","slug":"jeeva-senthilnathan-the-indian-american-2021-global-teen-leader-steering-change","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/old.globalindian.com\/youth\/story\/cover-story\/jeeva-senthilnathan-the-indian-american-2021-global-teen-leader-steering-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeeva Senthilnathan: The Indian American 2021 Global Teen Leader steering change"},"content":{"rendered":"

An Indian girl is hoping to change the unbearable plight of being in Colorado – through leadership, mental health awareness, and as a voice against sexual harassment. Even though it has not been even sailing for Jeeva Senthilnathan, the 18-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, she has persevered. Today, as a global teen leader, game changer and leader for the community at Parker, Colorado, Jeeva continues to inspire. Winner of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) STAR Scholarship, the National Honor Society Top 24 Scholarship (the only student from Colorado), and lauded by the Nile Rodger\u2019s We Are Family Foundation, the introvert is an activist at heart . The girl who ran for Parker Town Council, and a former council member at one time is now focusing on helping Afghans in the US seek asylum, and getting them to register to vote.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Among her most fulfilling endeavors, is starting Privando, an organization that works to solve the deep-seated malaise when it comes to sexual harassment and the rape crisis in India. She researched on mental health used electroencephalography (EEG) waves to identify cognitive abilities, levels of motivation, and consciousness in teenagers. Inspired by the emergency blue lights boxes used on university campuses to create a gadget that creates a network for women to receive help in life-threatening or unsafe situations, Jeeva tells Global Indian<\/a>, \u201cWe mobilized young women in India from village huts to city slums to build a coalition that would not only fight against such incidents, but also create a private network for victims to heal. Privando has been able to obtain $5,000, and is currently working on developing wearable technology: it has saved more than 1,000 women from human trafficking.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Indian

Rooted in India<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Her mother, a microbiologist from Chennai,<\/strong> and father, a software developer from Vellore,<\/strong> immigrated to the US in 1998. From Ohio,<\/strong> to Illinois,<\/strong> and finally Colorado,<\/strong> the\u00a0Senthilnathans\u00a0were in search\u00a0of\u00a0a job for her mother. Learning how it was to be discriminated due to race and color, her \u201cvery White school\u201d lacked diversity. She was bullied frequently, and unable to cope, she developed hypothyroidism in second grade, was on medication, and battled depression in sixth grade. \u201cI was quiet, known as the \u2018goody-two shoes\u2019 in school. I wasn\u2019t good at public speaking as I lacked confidence,\u201d she says. Taking the challenge head on, she started debating through high school, regardless of the brickbats, sneers, and laughs. Now, the bespectacled girl\u2019s gentle smile exudes wisdom, \u201cI worked hard on issues I cared about, and concentrated on no one but myself. I was my only competition.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, she feels integrated (tied to her Indian roots) rather than assimilated (Americanized). Having parents that helped her believe, and persevere helped her change her circumstances, and life. She and her elder sister Lakshmi Priya\u00a0saw their parents working long hours. \u201cIt helped me challenge myself. I understood the hardships they went through to give us better lives. I realized that I have to work hard to give meaning to my parents\u2019 struggles. Now, I have decided to not work under anyone. I want to lead by becoming my own boss,\u201d she declares.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Indian

Turning the spotlight on mental health<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Working on mental health started in high school, and while working at Colorado State Capitol in state representative Tom Sullivan\u2019s office, Jeeva saw states passing a legislation on students having to take off mental health days. This made her question America\u2019s standard of education.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy research became even more important after my greatest mentor, best friend and big brother Jai Rajagopal lost his battle against depression during my first run for office. I will always be thankful to Jai because he lifted me to greater heights unequivocally, and took good care of me in the most difficult times. My first government job was also because of Jai, and I will remember him every time I run for a new office,\u201d Jeeva says.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Covid warrior<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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During COVID-19 Jeeva started a donation drive to provide oxygen cylinders and oxygen tanks to prepare of India\u2019s third wave, with the\u00a0Privando\u00a0team. Jeeva also helped fund students from the High School Democrats of America with online training on larger campaign positions and winning strategies with 10 hours paid work with the help of a grant from Blue Future, an organization that helps mobilize young people to work on campaigns within America. \u201cI took leadership to provide students a stipend while working for a state race \u2013 House District 44 in Colorado. I wanted to provide a virtual opportunity for students who needed experience for college applications,\u201d she adds.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking against gun violence while she was working on her first campaign with Simone Aiken (who ran for House District 44 in 2018), and at Tom Sullivan\u2019s office, she explains, \u201cThe Extreme Risk Protection Order, also known as ERPO and Red Flag Law, was the legislation inputted to take away firearms temporarily from the mentally ill. The legislation was opposed by Sullivan\u2019s Republican colleagues, though Republican Sherriff Tony Spurlock\u00a0favored\u00a0it, and stressed the need for the legislation to assist the police force.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n