NRI PULSE FEATURE
Atlanta, GA, May 15, 2025: At just 18, Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu has already made a mark as a climate advocate, environmental storyteller, and changemaker. A rising freshman at Emory University, she brings a deep passion for nature and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does—from backpacking across national parks to pushing for policy change on Capitol Hill.
Born and raised in Chicago and now living in Prosper, Texas, Saanvi traces her love for the outdoors back to her childhood. A visit to Mammoth Caves at age six sparked her curiosity and awe for the natural world. Over time, that love evolved into a desire to protect these spaces and make sure others, especially kids from underserved communities, could access them too.
“I started noticing how access to these kinds of experiences isn’t equal for everyone,” she said. “That’s what pushed me into climate advocacy.”
Saanvi’s advocacy has taken many forms—ranging from hands-on conservation work to national-level policy efforts. As a former National Park Trust Youth Ambassador and current advisor to the Outdoor Alliance for Kids (O.A.K.), she has made multiple visits to Capitol Hill to support legislation that ensures access to public lands. Her efforts contributed to the passage of the EXPLORE Act in both houses of Congress.
“I shared my story, what the outdoors has meant to me, and why it’s important that all kids have access to nature,” she said.
In addition to her policy work, she creates 90-second educational videos to bring awareness, delivers talks to schools and community groups, and mentors fellow students in environmental leadership.
Saanvi is also a gifted storyteller who understands the power of narrative in environmental work. “At some point, I noticed that facts weren’t enough, and people and children especially responded more to real stories,” she says. “So I started sharing mine. Whether it was a hike gone wrong or moments of peace in nature, those stories helped me connect with others. Storytelling became a way to make climate issues feel personal and immediate, especially for people who hadn’t experienced the outdoors in the same way.”
From challenging treks to quiet moments in nature, Saanvi’s own outdoor experiences have shaped her storytelling. She has hiked and backpacked over 1,000 miles, visiting more than 25 national parks in the U.S., many more than once. She has also taken on high-altitude expeditions like Mt. Everest Base Camp and the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Her trek to Everest Base Camp stands out as a defining moment. “The journey was a true test of endurance and determination,” she said. “It deepened my love for high-altitude trekking and taught me a lot about resilience.”
These experiences inspired her to found Project Nature Worthy, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth with nature and building environmental literacy. The organization runs hikes, builds educational gardens, and leads workshops that explore the connection between nature and mental health. It also mentors young leaders and promotes environmental justice.
Running a youth-led nonprofit hasn’t been easy. Saanvi admits that limited resources and support have been challenges. “There have been times when it felt like I was hitting a wall,” she said. “But even small wins—like getting one more kid outside—make it worth pushing through.”
Looking ahead, Saanvi plans to study neuroscience at Emory University. Her goal is to explore how the environment affects the brain and mental health, and to continue working at the intersection of science, policy, and equity.
“I’ll still be running Project Nature Worthy and staying involved in advocacy,” she said. “Just with new tools and perspectives.”
Whether through hiking trails or storytelling, policy advocacy or education, Saanvi Mylavarapu is helping to build a world where every child sees nature as a place they belong—and one worth protecting.
