Rajani Priya Ayilavarapu, founder of Unite & Inspire, believes in empowering children and youth to make a meaningful impact through empathy, care, and compassion. A dentist by profession and philanthropist by passion, Rajani’s journey began in India, where her experiences in rural communities and her upbringing in a culturally rich and value-driven family shaped her mission. In 2018, her vision materialized into Unite & Inspire, an organization dedicated to fostering a service-oriented mindset in younger generations.
Can you share a short summary of your background for the article?
I am a dentist by profession and a philanthropist by passion. I founded Unite & Inspire in 2018 with a vision to empower children and youth to give back to communities with compassion and empathy. My upbringing in Andhra Pradesh, India, in a family rooted in traditional Indian values and equality, deeply influenced my perspective on life.
After earning my Bachelor of Dental Sciences from Rajiv Gandhi Health University, I worked as a dentist across different locations in India, including rural areas. These experiences allowed me to understand the needs of underserved communities. Later, as an immigrant to the U.S., I spent over four years participating in clinical research at Boston University. Witnessing children in the U.S. living in a cocooned environment inspired me to create Unite & Inspire, fostering care and compassion in younger generations.
Before you ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, what were your deepest passions and most cherished interests? What captivated your imagination, ignited your curiosity, or simply brought you joy?
Growing up in a family that emphasized sharing and caring, I developed a passion for giving back at an early age. I volunteered as a dentist in rural areas of India, which gave me immense satisfaction.
Beyond that, I have always loved photography and travel. Exploring new places and capturing unique moments bring me joy and allow me to connect with the world on a deeper level.
How do you stay connected with your customers and gather feedback? What channels do you use to communicate with them, and how do you ensure that their voices are heard?
I prioritize open communication with the people we work with. To ensure their voices are heard, I use a mix of:
- Group conversations to share ideas openly.
- Panel discussions for in-depth insights.
- Open forums that encourage participation.
- Anonymous feedback forms to get honest perspectives.
These methods help me create a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued.
Looking back on your journey, what moments or milestones stand out as the most significant achievements in your career?
There are so many moments I cherish, both professionally and personally.
Professionally: Graduating as a dentist was a significant milestone, as was founding Unite & Inspire. One of my proudest moments was receiving the State of Texas Governor’s Award for Innovation in Volunteerism, recognizing the work we’ve done through the organization.
Personally: The birth of my daughter stands out as one of the most impactful moments of my life. She inspires me every day. Watching her take the lead on community projects fills me with pride, especially as she embodies the values we aim to instill in others through Unite & Inspire.
Another milestone has been seeing the youth mentored by our organization embrace entrepreneurial pursuits, naming us as their inspiration.
How do you stay updated with the ever-evolving marketing landscape?
I stay informed through digital media, which offers endless opportunities to learn and grow. I also engage with innovative spaces and collaborate with alliance groups to exchange ideas and stay current.
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