Leadership
Advisors
Biology Teacher
Dr. Payal Mital (she/her)
Dr. Mital, fondly known as Doc or Doc M, has been an integral part of South Fayette High School since 2021, where she assumes the role of Biology Teacher. Beyond her academic pursuits, she has taken on the responsibility of SHOUT club co-sponsor since August 2022, highlighting her dedication to promoting inclusivity and support within the school community.
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In June of 2022, Dr. Mital helped organize the 2nd Uncommon Conference. This event held a special place in her heart as it became her favorite, showcasing the district's diversity in a beautiful tapestry that fosters an environment of unity and inclusion. Witnessing students pour their hearts into this celebration of diversity left an indelible mark on Dr. Mital, reinforcing her commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging for all.
Apart from her passion for education, Dr. Mital is a self-professed foodie, always eager to explore new and diverse culinary delights from around the world. This love for diversity extends to her role as a SHOUT co-sponsor, where she strives to ensure that the diverse voices of the students are not only heard but celebrated. Dr. Mital firmly believes in the power of student voices to inspire positive change and inclusivity in the school environment.
As a SHOUT co-sponsor, Dr. Mital actively works towards creating an atmosphere where every student feels welcomed, valued, and a genuine sense of belonging. Her commitment to amplifying student voices reflects her belief that a united and inclusive school community is the key to inspiring others. Dr. Mital hopes to be a beacon of inspiration, combining her love for education, diversity, and inclusivity in a way that positively impacts the lives of her students and the entire school community.
Co-Founder, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) - South Fayette School District
Dr. Chuck Herring (he/him)
Dr. Chuck Herring has worked in the field of education for over 25 years. He created America’s First Hip-Hop Superhero – GRAMMAR MAN!®, an educational program that uses rap music and storytelling as tools to teach students the parts of speech.
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In October 2019, Dr. Herring and two South Fayette High School seniors started a student-led organization called, SHOUT (Social Handprints Overcoming Unjust Treatment). SHOUT uses the Handprints Heal Footprints framework to help school districts create and maintain culturally-responsive, safe spaces for all students, faculty, and staff. Assisted by Dr. Herring’s leadership, SHOUT has rapidly grown to have chapters in over a dozen school districts in seven counties in Western PA.
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Dr. Herring is a member of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Task Force
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In August 2021, Dr. Herring was named one of the State of Black Learning’s Educators of the Year.
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In October 2021, Dr. Herring began implementing Project OTIS (Operation Teacher (of Color) Irrigation System) in the South Fayette Township School District.
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In November 2021, Dr. Herring was named the Pennsylvania School Board Association's 2021 Innovative School Leader Award.
Founding Members
Co-Founder, Co-Chair (2019-2020)
Yamini Yepuri (she/her)
Yamini is a Co-Founder and previous Co-Chair of SHOUT. Along with Berfin Bircan and Dr. Herring, Yamini helped recruit motivated students to partake in the Student Diversity Leadership Committee (SHOUT's previous name). Since then, SHOUT has greatly expanded and reached students across Pennsylvania. Yamini most enjoyed getting to know students from different walks of life and creating opportunities to learn different perspectives. She recently graduated with a BS degree majoring in Psychology and a minoring in Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
Co-Founder, Co-Chair (2019-2020)
Berfin Bircan
Coming Soon.
Founding Member, Co-Chair (2020 - 2022)
Zachary Betz (he/him)
Zachary Betz, a founding member of SHOUT, played a pivotal role in the organization's initial growth over two years, driven by his belief in its groundbreaking potential for the State of Pennsylvania. SHOUT, to Zach, offered a unique chance to bridge divides and foster uncomfortable yet essential conversations. His dedication to education, empathy, and unity led him to become a Co-Chair in the early years. Zach highlights the impact of the first annual Religions of the World Event, emphasizing its role in fostering a diverse and unified community. Recaps after such events were particularly rewarding for Zach. He takes pride in the organization's growth, crediting individual members for their dedication and the schools and organizations that support SHOUT. With gratitude, Zach acknowledges everyone who contributed to SHOUT's past, present, and hopeful future.
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Founding Member, Historian (2019 - 2024), Chair (2023-2024)
Aadi Balsaraf (he/him)
Aadi Balsaraf emerged as a foundational pillar of SHOUT since its inception in 2019, showcasing remarkable leadership and dedication to fostering change in Western Pennsylvania. As one of the organization's founding members, Aadi orchestrated impactful events by driving policy changes at local and state levels, and expanding SHOUT's outreach to schools across the region. Aadi's pivotal role as the Historian of SHOUT underscored his commitment to preserving the organization's legacy, while his contributions as a Co-Host of the SHOUT Podcast and Co-Author of "Raise Your Voices: The Stories of SHOUT" amplified diverse voices within the community. Transitioning to the role of Co-Chair in the 2023-2024 school year, Aadi continued to exemplify innovation and inclusivity, leaving an indelible mark on fostering safe-spaces and inspiring countless individuals to raise their voices for enacting positive change. Aadi's favorite event within SHOUT is the "Religions of the World" Panel Discussion, as it serves as a unifying force within the community, providing a platform for individuals with similar ideologies to come together, fostering understanding, empathy, and solidarity. Aadi plans to attend a competitive, accredited university, studying Pharmacy and obtaining a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) through an accelerated Pre-Pharmacy/PharmD (2+4) Program.
Founding Member, Co-Founder of SHOUT 2.0 (2021- 2024)
Anyce Rivera (she/her)
Founding SHOUT was one of the best decisions Anyce made in her 8th-grade year. She was able to meet people she saw around the school and never thought to talk to them. Anyce started as a shy founding member, not sure of what to say so she didn't say anything. As she grew in age and with this group, she became a key member of SHOUT and spoke more than she would have ever thought she would. Standing out was hard until she found her voice, and figured out who she was and who she wanted to be around until she graduated. SHOUT has shown her so much that life can bring to me and what she can bring to it.
Founding Member
Anastasija Gupta (she/her)
Anastasija Gupta is called "Anya" by just about everyone who knows her. In eighth grade, she was called to be one of the founding members of SHOUT. Her love for culture and diversity is what made her stick with it. SHOUT opened up the opportunity for her to learn more about herself and others, especially the things that unite us. In the future, she plans on getting a doctorate in philosophy, with her main goal being to spread new ways of thinking to all corners of the world. Her favorite SHOUT event is the Uncommon Conference, specifically because of how much she gets to learn each time!
Leadership
Co-Chair (2020 - 2021)
Mehreen Awan (she/her)
Mehreen joined SHOUT to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone. Her goal is to have meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and work with others in initiatives that honor and celebrate diversity and provide a sense of belonging for everyone. Mehreen is one of the previous SHOUT Co-Chair members. She stepped out of her comfort zone and took on the responsibility of being a leader because the organization and the message behind it meant so much to her. Even today and going forward she continues to be an ally and advocate for diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging for everyone everywhere. Mehreen's favorite SHOUT event is the Handprints Heal Footprints event because she truly believes that every action leaves an imprint so it's important to always leave a positive imprint instead of a negative one.
Director of Public Relations (2020-2021)
Mitch Howard (he/him)
As the Public Relations Director, Mitch connected with student leaders and administration from 13 school districts across the state. Mitch also organized the Virtual Harrisburg Conference, in which elected officials and their representatives met with SHOUT students to discuss their roles, importance, and how young activists can make a difference. Mitch recalls his introduction to SHOUT (formerly SDLC), where he was invited to speak at the Black Lives Matter In-Person peaceful protest. “I spoke at the event, agreed to run outreach, and never looked back.”
Director of Event Coordination (2021-Present)
Samihah Saleem (she/her)
Samihah Saleem is a junior at South Fayette High School who loves learning about science, art, and everything in between. Her curious nature leads her to ask questions many around her don’t think about. That’s why when she started asking about why the kids around her were separated into their cliques, she found herself at a SHOUT meeting. While she wasn’t one of the original members, she has been there since the first #HandprintsHealFootprints event in their intermediate school’s STEAM room. As the youngest member at the time, the seventh grader sought to make it her mission to bring equity and inclusivity to the people around her. Soon after, she became the Event Coordinator for SHOUT, and it’s been a roller coaster ride ever since. She is excited to see what opportunities lie in her future and the future of SHOUT.
Co-Chair (2022-2023)
Mohammad Shedeed (he/him)
Mohammad, a former Co-Chair of SHOUT, played a key role in revitalizing the organization's efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. After the pandemic, he organized the first in-person Uncommon Conference, featuring dances and traditions from various cultures. The annual Dress Like Your Culture Day was a highlight, fostering happiness as participants shared and discussed their unique garments. Inspired by movies but limited by diversity at his old school, Mohammad found a welcoming environment in South Fayette. In his junior year, he joined SHOUT, aiming to highlight the diversity of South Fayette and facilitate meaningful conversations. Now studying neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Mohammad aspires to become a psychiatrist, advocating for mental health equity. Outside academics, he enjoys soccer, Marvel movies, and time with his siblings. His advice to SHOUT members is to stay patient and focus on making positive changes.
SHOUT Historian (2024 - Present)
Aanya Angadi (she/her)
After joining SHOUT in 2022, Aanya has participated in numerous events and continues to enjoy her experience in the club.
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Co-Founder of SHOUT 2.0 (2020-2024)
Sarah Kornacki (she/her)
Sarah joined SHOUT in the fall of 2020 as a way to feel more involved and included in different aspects of her life. SHOUT quickly began to mean everything to her, as she realized the importance and beauty that the message has to each and every individual. Sarah has many favorite events, but one of them is Dress Like Your Culture day, as it allows traditional wear to be worn in a school setting. She has had many different leadership roles and opportunities throughout SHOUT and is now focusing on the media aspect. Sarah plans on majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Marketing at West Virginia University.
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SHOUT Chair (2024 - Present)
Bedirhan Bircan (he/him)
Bedirhan Bircan, a student at South Fayette High School, has been a dedicated member of the SHOUT Club since his freshman year in 2021. After being quarantined for the final year of middle school, he felt as though he needed to make a difference with the little time he had in high school and carry on the legacy of his older sister Berfin Bircan, who was one of the founding members of the club. One of the oldest events that SHOUT hosts each year is the #Handprintshealfootprints event, which holds great significance to him because it was the first event he could participate in. He has been helping the growth of the club by helping develop newer events during their creations such as the Uncommon Conference and the Religions of the World panel as well as helping to improve and innovate older events including Handprints Heal Footprints. SHOUT Club has been an incredible opportunity to meet new people in other communities and introduce other South Fayette students to those new communities. The events and people at SHOUT continue to give Bedirhan great insight into the lives of other people and provide a wider scope of the world.