Hello! My name is Devin Smith and I have von Willebrand's Disease. I am currently attending Iowa State University pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Ever since being diagnosed with VWD at the age of 2, I have been involved with the community. I am looking forward to getting to experience many important bleeding disorder events, such as BDC, from a new perspective as a representative of NHF and an adult rather than just an attendee. In my free time I enjoy hiking and biking.

I am a student at the University of Colorado - Denver studying political science. I have a platelet disorder and have always been very involved with my home chapter in STL, but I have had the opportunity to start volunteering more with the Colorado chapter after moving out here this past year for school. One of my favorite things about this community is getting to meet people and expand my bleeder family. When I am not volunteering I love going hiking, watching soccer, spending time with my friends and family, and traveling! I am super excited to start my NYLI journey and to become a better advocate for those with chronic bleeding disorders.

I am a 19-year-old college student with Von WIllebrand type 2A. I have been advocating for bleeding disorders for years and I mainly focus on athletics.

Luke is a senior studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. After graduation, he plans to go to medical school and become either a neurologist or psychiatrist. He was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A at birth. He is a part of his hemophilia chapter at Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan and actively volunteers for his bleeding disorders community by advocating for better health insurance for those impacted by bleeding disorders through annual Lansing Days. As a member of NYLI, he hopes to gain various professional skills that can help him make a long-term impact in the bleeding disorders community. Furthermore, through NYLI, he hopes to meet new people and make new friends. During his free time, he enjoys playing the violin, traveling to different places, and spending time with family and friends

I am Sam, a Senior at Southern Virginia University (SVU). I am majoring in Biochemistry and Business Management. My career plan is to work as a hematologist researching the rare bleeding disorders. I currently work as both a Chemistry Tutor and Resident Advisor at SVU. If I'm not at work, you can find me at the gym, studying, or volunteering. I like to work with Remote Area Medicine (RAM) or with my local chapter. I am excited to work with my colleagues in NYLI and at NHF.

Hello Everyone! My name is Swedha Rajaram. I am 20 yrs old and currently attending Michigan State University. I am majoring in Human Biology and have an interest to pursue a career in the medical world. I have recently joined the National Youth Leadership Institute through NHF. Through this program I plan to expand my involvement in the bleeding disorder community and integrate myself through research and volunteering. I am currently working as an analyst for a research study relating women and girls with bleeding disorders and the effect of telemedicine on diagnosis and treatment. My other interests involve swimming, painting, and traveling.

Hello! I am a undergraduate student attending University of South Florida. I am studying Biomedical Sciences. My career goal is to work in the Hematology field hopefully doing research to help further treatments for those with bleeding disorders. I am heavily involved in my local chapters, The Bleeding Disorders Coalition of Florida, Florida Hemophilia Association and the Hemophilia Foundation of Greater Florida. Some of my favorite things to do is to travel and go to Disney. I love going to the beach and going on new adventures with my friends and family.