The Founders
Who We Are
Mirali Patel
Co-founder
Mirali Patel is a co-founder of Momentum Makers, driven by her passion for education and helping others. She is a senior at Barrington High School, where she continues to explore how small acts of connection can create lasting impact.
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During her junior year, Mirali traveled around the world, meeting professionals and talented students in countries with limited resources. Those experiences opened her eyes to the deep gap between access and ability—and inspired her sisters to build Momentum Makers as a bridge between people with resources and those with the drive to create change.
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Mirali connects deeply with people from all walks of life—with authenticity and curiosity that bridge generations and backgrounds—from CEOs of tech companies to factory workers in India, from three-month-old babies to her grandparents.
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An avid volunteer, Mirali has spent summers coaching at an archery camp and is a certified archery coach. Within Momentum Makers, she leads board development, playing a vital role in expanding the organization’s leadership circle and strengthening its community of mentors and supporters.
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In her free time, Mirali enjoys reading, rock climbing, and baking. As a high school senior, she brings fresh perspective, creativity, and passion to every conversation—helping ensure that Momentum Makers continues to inspire and connect people across generations.
Sarina Patel
Co-founder
Sarina Patel is the youngest co-founder of Momentum Makers, driven by her passion for helping others make a difference. A sophomore at Barrington High School, she is an avid runner and a member of the school’s cross-country team.
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Beyond athletics, Sarina is also the youngest person to complete her Rang Manch Pravesh at Tarana Academy
where she now teaches young children the art of Kathak dance—inspiring a deeper love for Indian culture, storytelling, and the history of classical dance.
Within Momentum Makers, Sarina leads the U.S. student outreach initiative, helping establish local chapters that engage high school students across the country in meaningful impact projects. She brings discipline, creativity, and a contagious sense of purpose to everything she does.
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In her free time, Sarina enjoys running and cooking, always finding new ways to connect people and culture through shared passion and purpose.
Niyati Patel
Co-founder
Niyati Patel is a co-founder of Momentum Makers and a biomedical engineering student at Boston University with a deep passion for mentorship and equity in learning. She is committed to building pathways for students in underdeveloped regions to continue their education and achieve their potential.
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A recipient of the Gold Presidential Service Award (2021), Niyati has long been recognized for her dedication to community service and education. At Boston University, she serves as Production Chair for Fatakada, the university’s co-ed Garba-Raas team, and has completed her Visharad in classical Indian dance, where she also taught young students.
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Within Momentum Makers, Niyati leads professional recruitment, helping bring together experts and industry leaders whose knowledge, time, and generosity fuel the organization’s impact. She focuses on outreach, community building, and turning expertise into opportunity—creating a bridge between professionals and the students who can benefit most from their guidance.
