Meet Aditya Tyagi | Founder of Connect2Health & Public Health Equity Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aditya Tyagi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aditya, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The inspiration to start Connect2Health, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit, came from a deeply
personal place—my own family’s experiences navigating healthcare as immigrants in
the U.S. When we first moved here, I saw how challenging it was for my parents to
access medical care. From struggling with language barriers to deciphering
complicated insurance policies, their experience made me realize how difficult it can
be for underserved communities to get the care they need. I remember sitting in
waiting rooms with my dad, watching his frustration grow as we tried to understand
confusing medical terminologies and navigate a system that didn’t seem designed for
people like us.

That feeling of helplessness stuck with me. I couldn’t help but wonder how many
others faced the same struggles and how these challenges impacted their health. It
wasn’t until I began volunteering at Banner Health and working directly with
underserved communities that I realized just how widespread these issues were. I
met people who avoided going to the doctor because they couldn’t afford it or didn’t
know where to start. I saw the fear and uncertainty in their eyes, and it reminded me
of my own family’s experiences.

These moments inspired me to take action. I didn’t want anyone else to feel lost or
overlooked when it came to their health. That’s how Connect2Health was born—a
way to bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the people who need them
most. Through initiatives like health screening events, free mobile clinics, access to
food, essential home and baby supplies and educational resources, we aim to
simplify healthcare access and empower communities to take charge of their well-
being.

At its core, Connect2Health is inspired by a desire to create a sense of belonging in
healthcare. No one should feel like they don’t matter or can’t access the care they
deserve. I started this nonprofit not just because I saw a need, but because I
experienced it myself. I know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in, and I’m
determined to change that for others.

Ultimately, my inspiration comes from the resilience of the people I’ve met along the
way—my parents, who pushed through every obstacle to give me a better life, and
the countless individuals in underserved communities who show extraordinary
strength in the face of systemic barriers. Their stories drive me to keep going. They
remind me why this mission matters so much.

Connect2Health isn’t just a nonprofit to me—it’s a promise. A promise to fight for
equity, to break down barriers, and to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes
to their health.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Connect2Health is about more than just healthcare—it’s about building connections,
fostering trust, and addressing the root causes of inequities. What sets us apart is our
focus on empowering individuals through education and access. We don’t just provide
resources and distribute products; we work to create lasting change by addressing the
barriers that prevent people from seeking and receiving care. Whether it’s through
assembling harm-reduction kits, kindness kits, sick kits, packing nutritious meals,
organizing health education webinars, distributing multilingual flyers, or partnering with
local organizations to host free health screenings, our goal is to make access to
essential healthcare services, food, essential home and baby supplies, and educational
resources easily accessible. Our mission is to break down the barriers to care and
provide support for those who need it most. I am also the founder and host of Podcast
series MindBody Nexus, a platform where I share knowledge and raise awareness
about the vital connection between mental and physical health. Through this initiative, I
aim to explore and spread awareness about how mental health affects overall well-
being, which is especially important for the communities we serve.

Since I founded Connect2Health in June 2022, we’ve transformed the lives of 8,639
individuals across five countries, dedicating over 490 hours of heartfelt community
service with a small but dedicated team of four volunteers. Partnering with 11
organizations—including Desert Mission Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, Nourish
Phoenix, and Feed My Starving Children—we’ve distributed 619 food boxes to 1,269
senior families, 650 emergency food boxes to the homeless, and assembled 493 meal
packets, delivering 91,150 meals to 120 malnourished children for an entire year.
Beyond food security, we’ve created 100 hygiene kits, distributed 5,000 masks, and
worked with Project CURE to sort and box $0.6 million worth of essential medical
supplies for those in need.

In healthcare access, our partnership with the University of Arizona’s Community Health
Initiative Phoenix has been pivotal. Together, we’ve organized health screenings for
marginalized populations, including seniors, mothers, young children, and the
homeless, enabling early detection and referral to critical care centers. We’ve also
tackled overdose prevention by assembling 1,550 naloxone kits and have connected 27
homeless individuals with support services like Circle the City through food, water, and
kindness kits. Through our collaboration with Donor Network of Arizona, we’ve run
impactful organ and tissue donation awareness campaigns, amplifying a message that
saves lives.

One thing I’m incredibly excited about is how Connect2Health is evolving. What began
as a small initiative to help my local community has grown into a platform making a
larger impact. We are expanding our partnerships and integrating new technologies,
such as the Connect2Health web app, to make healthcare resources more accessible.
The inspiration for this app comes from witnessing the significant barriers underserved
communities face in accessing quality healthcare. The app
bridges gaps in access by providing unhoused, uninsured, and
underserved populations with a centralized platform to locate essential resources,
including clinics, food banks, and housing support. By leveraging technology, we are
expanding the reach and impact of our mission, ensuring that more individuals can
receive the care and assistance they deserve. The positive feedback from those who
have benefited from our work continues to inspire me to find innovative ways to help
even more people.

Professionally, my journey with Connect2Health has been one of growth and self-
discovery. As a high school student, I never imagined I could manage a nonprofit, let
alone lead one. But I’ve learned that passion and purpose can push you to achieve
things you never thought possible. One of the biggest challenges I faced was
overcoming self-doubt. There were times when I felt too young or inexperienced to
create meaningful change. But I realized that it’s not about having all the answers—it’s
about being willing to learn, adapt, and stay committed to the cause.

The process hasn’t been easy, though. Managing a nonprofit comes with its share of
challenges, from securing funding through donations and writing grant applications to
organizing events and coordinating volunteers. There were days when I felt stretched
thin, trying to balance my academic and personal commitments with my responsibilities
at Connect2Health. But every challenge taught me something valuable—whether it was
the importance of time management, the power of collaboration, or the need to stay
resilient in the face of setbacks.

What I want the world to know about Connect2Health is that it’s built on the belief that
healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We’re here to challenge the status quo and create
a system that works for everyone, especially those who’ve been historically
underserved. And while our mission is serious, it’s also deeply personal and filled with
hope. Every step we take, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where
healthcare inequities are a thing of the past.

Connect2Health is not just my story—it’s the story of the communities we serve, the
partnerships we’ve built, and the countless individuals who inspire me every day.

Together, we’re proving that change is possible, and that’s what keeps me moving
forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d show them the best of what Arizona has to offer. We’d
start with a hike up Camelback Mountain to catch some incredible desert views, then
grab brunch at Postino’s in Arcadia, where we’d share their famous bruschetta boards.
We’d take a day trip to Sedona, checking out the stunning red rocks on a Pink Jeep
Tour and ending the day stargazing at Airport Mesa—the sunsets there are unreal. To
mix in some culture, I’d take them to the Heard Museum to learn about Native American
history and the Desert Botanical Garden to see Arizona’s unique plant life.

We’d also explore Old Town Scottsdale, popping into art galleries and quirky shops, and
maybe catch a comedy show at Stand Up Live in downtown Phoenix. For some outdoor
fun, we’d spend an afternoon kayaking at Lake Pleasant or go on a sunset horseback
ride with Ponderosa Stables in Cave Creek. And of course, we’d indulge in Arizona’s
amazing food scene—starting with tacos at The Mission in Scottsdale and ending the
week with a farewell dinner at Steak 44 in Phoenix. There’s so much to explore in
Arizona, and I’d want to make sure my best friend gets to experience the very best of it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I had to dedicate my shoutout to one person, it would undoubtedly be my mom.
From the very beginning, she has been the backbone of Connect2Health and the
reason it exists today. Starting a nonprofit as a high school student wasn’t just a
big dream—it was overwhelming, and at times, I wasn’t even sure if it was
possible. But my mom believed in me, even when I doubted myself.

She wasn’t just there cheering me on from the sidelines; she rolled up her sleeves and
got involved in every step of the process. From helping me navigate the complicated
legal paperwork to brainstorming ideas for outreach, she made what felt impossible
suddenly seem manageable. Her insight, experience, and patience have been
invaluable—not only because of her expertise as a board member but because of her
unwavering belief in our mission and in me.

There were countless late nights when I’d get stuck trying to figure out how to turn an
idea into action, and she was always there with advice, encouragement, or even just a
comforting presence. She reminded me that change doesn’t happen overnight, but with
persistence and heart, we could make a real difference. Without her, I honestly don’t
think Connect2Health would have made it past the idea phase.

More than anything, my mom taught me what it means to lead with empathy and
purpose. Watching her work tirelessly, not just for my nonprofit but for our family, has
been one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life. She showed me that true
leadership is about lifting others up and creating opportunities for those who need it
most.

This nonprofit may have started with my vision, but it came to life because of her
guidance and support. I’m endlessly grateful for her belief in me and for standing beside
me every step of the way. So, this shoutout is dedicated to my mom—not just for
helping me start Connect2Health, but for being the foundation on which I’ve been able
to build this dream.

Website: https://www.connect2health.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect2healthorg/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-tyagi-96625427a/

Twitter: https://x.com/connecttohealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561151341411

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFN36Dq-q3D6BrDwQDCDIbA