President & Co-Founder
About PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Building a stronger community for animals
PAWS FOR A CAUSE is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects volunteers, schools, shelters, rescues, and community organizations to strengthen animal welfare.
Animal shelters and rescues need more than funding — they need dependable volunteers, community awareness, and strong local partnerships. At the same time, many students and community members want to help animals but don't know where to start.
PAWS FOR A CAUSE bridges that gap by connecting volunteers and community partners with organizations that need support. Through service projects, outreach, fundraising, educational initiatives, and youth leadership, we help shelters and rescues expand their impact and strengthen their communities.
Our work is guided by compassion, service, collaboration, responsibility, accessibility, and community impact. We believe meaningful change happens when volunteers, partners, and local organizations work together toward a common goal.
How our model works
From a partner's need to community impact
- 01
Listen to partner needs
We start by learning what a shelter, rescue, school, or community organization actually needs.
- 02
Build the opportunity
We shape that need into a clear event, campaign, supply drive, volunteer role, or outreach initiative.
- 03
Recruit & prepare volunteers
We communicate requirements, promote the opportunity, organize signups, and help volunteers understand how to contribute.
- 04
Support the work
We assist with coordination, outreach, promotion, supplies, staffing, and other approved needs.
- 05
Strengthen the relationship
We gather feedback, improve future opportunities, and work toward consistent, long-term support.
Leadership
Meet the Team
The student leaders building PAWS FOR A CAUSE across local communities and states.
Executive Board of Directors
The Executive Board oversees strategy, partnerships, operations, outreach, and organizational growth.
Vice President & Co-Founder
Vaibhav Mahesha
Secretary & Co-Founder
Rithik Parthasarathy
State Leadership Boards
Each state board coordinates regional chapters, statewide initiatives, partnerships, and volunteer engagement.
Michigan
| President | TBD | Applications Open |
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| Treasurer | TBD | Applications Open |
New Jersey
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Florida
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Connecticut
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Regional Chapter Leadership
Regional chapters lead local volunteer programs, outreach efforts, fundraising initiatives, and community partnerships.
Michigan View regions
Greater Lansing Region
| President | TBD | Applications Open |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
| Secretary | TBD | Applications Open |
| Treasurer | TBD | Applications Open |
Metro Detroit Region
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New Jersey View regions
Central Jersey Region
| President | Avinash Jadhav | |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
| Secretary | TBD | Applications Open |
| Treasurer | TBD | Applications Open |
Newark Region
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Jersey Shore Region
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Florida View regions
Gainesville Region
| President | Dharish Kalaisenthil | |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
| Secretary | TBD | Applications Open |
| Treasurer | TBD | Applications Open |
Orlando Region
| President | TBD | Applications Open |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
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Tampa Region
| President | TBD | Applications Open |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
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Connecticut View regions
Hartford Region
| President | Hanyasai Ram | |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
| Secretary | TBD | Applications Open |
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New Haven Region
| President | Akshada B | |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
| Secretary | TBD | Applications Open |
| Treasurer | TBD | Applications Open |
Fairfield County Region
| President | TBD | Applications Open |
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| Vice President | TBD | Applications Open |
| Secretary | TBD | Applications Open |
| Treasurer | TBD | Applications Open |
See how we put this into practice
Explore the programs and partnerships that turn our mission into real community support.