VOLUNTEER AT SAI

Volunteering at South Asia Institute offers an unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community while being immersed in the creativity of South Asian arts. We are looking for volunteers from many walks of life, who share a passion for fostering cultural appreciation for the South Asian diaspora.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Outreach & Communications

Design promotional flyers and infographics for social media
Spread the word about SAI events by distributing flyers

Audio-Visual

Record and edit video footage for SAI events
Assist SAI team with AV needs during events

Thank you for your support!
Please email info@saichicago.org with any additional questions or concerns.

VOLUNTEERS

Aryaman Jain has a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and works as a software engineer in the city. He has a deep appreciation for South Asian art and culture which led him to discovering SAI, where he helps set up for events and manages the “highly technical” job of maintaining and editing the website.

Anushka Kulshreshtha (she/her) graduated from Grinnell College in 2021, and calls Chicago, Oman and India home. She appreciates all forms of art, especially around themes of human condition and diaspora. Her artistic interests include filmmaking, poetry, theater, and languages, especially from the Middle East and South Asia.

Shruti Muruganandan (she/her) holds Bachelor’s degrees in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Georgia, which she uses to support the SAI team with communications initiatives. After moving to Chicago, she was drawn to SAI for its one-of-a-kind vision of uplifting South Asian culture and has a love of engaging with South Asian music, dance & art.

Ramish Zaidi holds a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Northwestern University, where he was part of the liberal arts program and actively involved in campus organizations. As a Chicago local, he values the opportunity SAI provides to stay connected to the arts, give back to the community, and engage with the rich diversity of South Asian culture. At SAI, Ramish supports events and contributes his skills in photography, with a particular interest in meeting artists and learning about their stories.

Aayan Krishan graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Mathematical Sciences from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Raised in New York State, he volunteered with local South Asian cultural organizations and the East West School of Dance and Music, and sees SAI as a way to stay connected to South Asian culture and expression.

Kavya Kashyap is a strategic marketing and communications professional with eight years of experience crafting purpose-driven stories across higher education, technology, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in leading multi-channel campaigns, impactful content, and brand storytelling. Through her volunteer work at SAI, Kavya celebrates her South Asian culture while contributing to a space that fosters representation, dialogue, and community.

Aetant Prakash is currently studying Economics and Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. In the past he’s spread South Asian culture mostly through food and cooking, but now looks to find new ways through SAI in his new home of Chicago.

Rhia Theccanat studied Graphic Design and Anthropology at Saint Louis University. As a designer, she focuses her work on finding the intersection between design and social justice. Rhia uses her skills to support the communications and exhibitions at SAI. She appreciated SAI for its dedication to uplifting South Asian voices, especially in the arts.