Meet Roshni | Student Entrepreneur & Community Advocate

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

Hi Roshni, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been drawn to solving problems in my community, and starting a business offered me a method to do so. Since the start of all my ventures, I have been guided by a goal to make small, meaningful changes where they were most needed.

After volunteering with people from underserved backgrounds through the Swift Youth Foundation, I closely noticed how something as simple as lacking an appropriate outfit could hold them back from a job interview or other professional settings. Having experienced the impact that feeling prepared has on confidence, I dedicated myself to helping others gain the same advantage. This led me to launch the initiative Driven and Dressed for Success, which collects and distributes professional clothing to students in need. Though the project originally started as a few donation drives collecting hundreds of pieces of clothing, it quickly turned into a broader mission to equip students with both attire and the confidence behind it to pursue their goals.

Similarly, the idea for Desi Rental Rack came while I was reflecting on the beauty and culture of Indian traditional clothing, yet the shortcomings that reside with it. I was particularly taken up by the fact that despite their expense and craftsmanship, these pieces are often worn once and tucked away. This inspired me to build Desi Rental Rack, an app that helps people rent or resell South Asian formalwear. This initiative is driven by the foundations of making cultural fashion more affordable, sustainable, and accessible.
Both ventures came from noticing real, unmet needs around me and wanting to act on them. I have learned throughout my experiences that the most meaningful work happens when you create from a place of purpose. Starting these initiatives gave me a way to uplift others, and that is what keeps me going.

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.
All of my work reflects my deep belief that acting on your passions is what leads to meaningful change, particularly by using creative tools to address real-world problems.

One of my most meaningful experiences has been working with the International Research Institute under a Duke-affiliated professor, where I co-authored a qualitative study on barriers to hepatitis C care among medically underserved populations in the U.S. This project sharpened my research and communication skills, and gave me insight into how systemic gaps in healthcare can be meaningfully addressed. Similarly, I also am a social media manager for the Go Girls Organization, where I help create digital content to spread stories of empowerment for young women navigating identity. Regardless of the project I am taking on, I always ask myself 2 questions: What problem does this tackle? How am I providing a solution?

Still, getting involved is not easy. There were times when I felt intimidated navigating unfamiliar fields or being the youngest person in the room, but I learned that showing up and staying motivated is often more powerful than having the right requisites.

One lesson that I learned along the way that I keep true to my heart as I continue exploring is to not wait for perfect conditions to start. No matter the moment, I actively seek out opportunities that stretch across fields as unfamiliar territory is not scary if you truly believe in the mission behind it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for the first time, I would definitely want to give them the ultimate West Coast experience. As someone who moved from New Jersey three years ago, I know how much of a culture shock Arizona can be and want to be able to show them all the state has to offer.

To start, I would have to take them to all of the unique drink places that only the West has to offer- heading to Dutch Bros first to pick out either a classic coffee or Rebel Energy Drink. After fueling up, we would definitely have to check out the outdoor activities nearby. For an easy but scenic climb, we could take Papago Park. If we were feeling more adventurous and ready to be challenged, we would hike Pinnacle Peak.

To cool off from the Arizona sun, we could finish the day tubing down the Salt River, hopefully spotting some wildlife or horses along our path. And to finish, after our long day of many activities, we would have to stop by In-N-Out to order a burger and their infamous Animal Style fries.

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?
Absolutely. I am so grateful for all the efforts and mentorships that I have received thus far, and I would not be where I am now without them.

I would love to start my shoutout by mentioning the volunteering organizations I am a part of, such as the Swift Youth Foundation, Teens Teach Technology, and Robotics for All. Each one of these organizations has shaped the way I think about leadership and community impact uniquely. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to work directly with children from underserved backgrounds through the Swift Youth Foundation, which opened my eyes to how acts of service can shift a person’s sense of self-worth. It also inspired me to create initiatives and give back to my community beyond the organization. With Teens Teach Technology, I have contributed to bridging the digital divide by teaching seniors how to confidently navigate tech tools many of us take for granted. Through Robotics for All, I have helped introduce STEM to young students who might not otherwise have access to those opportunities and showed them that they, too, belong in tech spaces.

I am also eternally grateful for my friends and family who have encouraged me to dream big and supported me throughout all my ventures. I would never have had the confidence to work as hard as I do now without their endless guidance.

Lastly, I want to shout out the mentors who have supported me across the various projects I have taken on. From those who guided me as I conducted data science and public health research to others who taught me how to apply business as a tool for community issues, each one has pushed me to think critically and helped me grow as both a student and problem-solver.

Instagram: @roshninagarakanti_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-nagarakanti-b2a4a2318/