Teen Uses Art to Build Empathy Around Disabilities 

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Shreya Poladia. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

Shreya is a junior at Vandegrift High School. She is passionate about computer programming, robotics, cybersecurity and engaging in STEM activities. When she is not immersed in technology, you’ll often find her expressing herself through painting.     

Shreya started her own nonprofit, Art for a Cause, where she organizes annual art shows to raise awareness and dispel myths about disabilities. Having a brother with a disability, this cause is very close to Shreya’s heart!     

Shreya is passionate about using art as a way to drive social change. She is always open to discussing how creativity and technology can come together for a greater purpose. 

What inspires you to volunteer? 

I am inspired to volunteer by my brother, who is diagnosed with both Autism and Down Syndrome. Witnessing his struggles and the ignorance or indifference of others has driven me to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance of disabilities.   

I am motivated by a desire to transform negative perceptions and stereotypical attitudes into understanding and empathy. The experience of starting Art for a Cause and the positive responses from the community has strengthened my commitment to making a difference through art. 

Tell us about your volunteer role with Art for a Cause. 

I am the founder of Art for a Cause, a nonprofit organization that I started in 2020 as a 7th grader. As founder and CEO, my role involves organizing and hosting art shows and events to raise awareness and funds for various causes related to disabilities.      

I manage everything from curating the artwork to setting up virtual and in-person shows and coordinating with donors and supporters. I also handle the creation and maintenance of our websites, budgeting and marketing, where I showcase our artwork and provide information about the causes we support.     

I’ve organized events that have raised significant funds for organizations like the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, Safe in Austin, Austin Pets Alive and Oak Creek Academy. I am dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of Art for a Cause by actively seeking grants, diversifying funding sources and forming strategic partnerships to support our ongoing efforts to promote social inclusion and artistic expression.    

I work hard to ensure that each event not only raises money but also educates the community about disabilities and promotes greater understanding and acceptance. I am passionate about using art as a vehicle to foster empathy and create positive change in our community.    

Our model works on three main pillars for sustainability. The first pillar is creative expression. Art transcends mere aesthetics. Each meticulously crafted piece serves as a powerful catalyst for conversation and awareness. It ignites dialogue which sparks change and sheds light on important societal issues. We want to encourage other young people and artists to start their own initiatives or get involved in similar causes to create a larger movement of change driven by passion and creativity.      

The second pillar is technological Innovation. We harness the power of technology to amplify our message, extend our outreach and enhance educational efforts. We leverage technology including digital initiatives, educational outreach and strategic partnerships to advocate for our cause and support aligned organizations. 

The third pillar is sustainable business practices. We’ve built a robust value chain that empowers the underserved and financially disadvantaged. Our sustainable business models uplift communities and foster economic resilience and inclusivity on a global scale.     

Art for a Cause is not just a business venture. It is a commitment to using creativity and technology as a force for positive impact in creating a more inclusive and understanding world for individuals with disabilities.     

I am hopeful that my paintings can act as a positive catalyst to educate people, combat bullying, debunk myths and erase derogatory language towards people with disabilities by fostering awareness, understanding and acceptance not just in our homes but in our communities, schools and neighborhoods. 

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?  

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it was crucial for my family to stay home and maintain social distance since my brother, Raj, was at high risk. I watched Raj transition from being excited about all of us staying home to struggling with social distancing. It was hard to see him suffer like that. That’s when I decided to engage Raj by teaching him to paint. My art and paintings make me happy and help me de-stress but in the bigger picture, I want to use art to help the community and raise awareness about causes that are important to me. I hope that every piece, when it makes it to someone’s home, will generate more discussion on the history behind it and how the artwork has supported the cause 

What are your long-term plans or goals for Art for a Cause? 

My long-term goals for Art for a Cause include expanding its reach and impact within the community and beyond. I aim to continue using art as a powerful tool for raising awareness about disabilities to foster empathy, promote acceptance and continue to harness art and technology’s transformative power to drive social change and economic empowerment. We plan to diversify the causes we support to include a wider range of disabilities and related issues, ensuring that our efforts benefit as many people as possible. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

The most rewarding part of my work with “Art for a Cause” has been witnessing the positive impact on both individuals and the community. I was overwhelmed by the response I got from the community. Experiencing the genuine care and curiosity people showed towards disabilities was a heartwarming experience for me. So many people approached me with questions about the cause I was supporting. The positive feedback I’ve received from our community fills me with hope and strengthens my resolve to continue making a difference. It’s rewarding to know that our efforts are not only raising funds but also educating people and fostering greater empathy and understanding.   

 I am so grateful to all the people who continue to support me and the causes I champion every year. My supporters are my true inspiration! With every painting they purchase, we collectively spread awareness and foster acceptance for various disabilities.     

On a personal level, there is the satisfaction of seeing my brother’s face light up with joy as he sees the stories and experiences represented through art. This is a powerful reminder of why I started this initiative. The connection and change we create through art make all the hard work and challenges worthwhile. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a founder of a nonprofit? 

As the founder of Art for a Cause, I have gathered a wealth of insights that have profoundly shaped my perspective.      

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the power of perseverance. Building an initiative from the ground up demands unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of many challenges and setbacks.      

Community engagement, innovation, effective communication and having a business model are all crucial for raising awareness and building enthusiasm around a cause. I can’t emphasize enough the significance of feedback. Listening to input from the community, supporters and beneficiaries helps refine our approach.     

Empathy has played a central role in my approach. Understanding and respecting the perspectives of individuals affected by disabilities has deepened my resolve to advocate for them and highlights the importance of empathy in fostering positive change.      

I have also gained a lot of leadership skills and strengthened my belief in the transformative power of art. Art has an amazing power to bring people together regardless of age, race, color, need or ability. It is the universal language!

Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about. 

I am really excited to see how much we have grown in the last few years. A small project that started at home to engage my brother has grown into a force for change.      

We now offer employment opportunities by establishing a production pipeline in underprivileged communities. This initiative provides them with essential skills while offering a reliable source of income. Through this, we have an opportunity to uplift and empower these communities and support economic stability and personal growth.     

Our goal is to expand our global reach and community engagement. Our marketing strategy utilizes both digital and traditional channels to connect with a diverse global audience to raise awareness and increase community involvement. 

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about? 

Getting involved provides personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. It’s so rewarding to know that your efforts contribute to meaningful change. Anyone can make a positive impact by addressing critical issues and supporting underserved communities while creating a sense of community and connection among individuals with shared interests.    

Involvement helps raise awareness, educate others and challenge misconceptions. It promotes understanding and acceptance. It empowers individuals to use their skills and resources to effect change, leading to personal growth and a broader impact.    

Active participation can also inspire others to join in, which ultimately contributes to a better future for everyone. 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

If you’re thinking about starting to volunteer, I’d suggest beginning by reflecting on what genuinely excites you. Find causes that resonate with your values. This will make your volunteering experience more rewarding and engaging.     

Start by researching local organizations that align with your interests and explore various roles to see what fits best with your skills and schedule. It’s a good idea to start with a small commitment to get a feel for the work and the organization. Be open to trying different tasks and learning new things because flexibility will enrich your experience.     

Building connections with other volunteers and staff can be incredibly valuable, so don’t hesitate to reach out and engage with them. Set some realistic personal goals for what you want to achieve through volunteering and try to stick with them. Regular involvement will help you make a bigger impact. Don’t forget to ask for feedback. Feedback is a great way to grow and improve. Take time to reflect on what you’re learning and how it’s affecting you.     

Sharing your experiences with friends and family can also inspire others to get involved. Volunteering is a wonderful way to contribute to your community and make a difference, and approaching it with passion and dedication will make the journey more fulfilling. 

What do you want people to learn from your story? 

I hope to demonstrate the profound impact that personal experiences and passions can have on driving meaningful change. My journey illustrates how deeply a personal challenge such as supporting a sibling with disabilities can inspire innovative solutions like Art for a Cause.      

I want others to see that even small personal initiatives can grow into powerful movements. My story emphasizes the importance of perseverance, the value of community engagement and the transformative power of combining creativity with a purpose. I hope I encourage others to find their own ways to make a difference and remind them that their unique experiences and passions can lead to impactful and positive change in the world.      

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Shreya? Find local volunteer opportunities.