As an EMT, Yash frequently encountered emergencies where patients and their families were unable to act quickly, simply because they lacked the essential skills to perform CPR or first aid. The root of the issue? Barriers like the high cost of training and limited access to CPR classes in underserved communities. After discussing these challenges with his friends, Jay and Suket, it became clear that something needed to change. Together, they founded Beat to Breathe CPR, a nonprofit dedicated to making lifesaving skills like CPR and first aid not just a privilege for a few, but an accessible, affordable resource for all.
Executive Board
Yash Patel
Co-Founder &
President
Yash is a graduate of Rutgers University and is currently a medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. During his time at Rutgers, Yash was the First Lieutenant of the the Highland Park First Aid Squad and an EMT for close to four years! Yash has close to three years of experience as a CPR instructor and loves to paint/draw in his free time.
Jay Patel
Co-Founder &
Vice President
Jay is a recent graduate of Rutgers University and is currently a medical student at New Jersey Medical School. During his time as an undergraduate student, Jay was an EMT for over two years in Highland Park and the President of the Rutgers Redcross Chapter! Jay has close to three years of experience as a CPR instructor and loves to weight lift in his free time.
Suket Shah
Co-Founder &
Treasurer
Suket is currently a student at New Jersey Medical School. Suket’s EMS experience includes being an assistant Captain of the Highland Park First Aid Squad as well as hundreds of EMS calls throughout Burlington and Woodbridge Township. In his free time, Suket loves to watch football and baseball, especially the Giants and Yankees.
Divakaran Manimaran
North NJ Coordinator
Divakaran is currently a Biology major at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He rides with the North Brunswick First Aid and Rescue Squad, and enjoys helping his community by volunteering at local events. In his spare time, he loves exploring both the city and nature, and is a big fan of Manchester United.
Vishnu Chennapragada
Event Director & Central NJ Coordinator
Vishnu is a current junior at Rutgers University, with plans to go to medical school. He currently works as an EMT for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and volunteers at the Highland Park First Aid Squad. Vishnu is passionate about teaching CPR and First Aid, and loves seeing others gain confidence in learning new skills! In his free time, Vishnu likes to listen to music, try new foods, and go for runs.
Daarsh Goradia
South NJ Coordinator
Daarsh is a graduate of Rutgers University and is currently a medical student at Rowan Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. During his time as a high school and undergraduate student, Daarsh worked as a medical assistant at Harshem Family Practice and was actively involved in both medical and biomedical engineering student organizations. In his free time, he loves to lift weights and be active in all types of sports.
Leadership
Andrea Lopez
Central Operations
Associate
Andrea is currently a student at Rutgers University with a current major in biology and doing a minor in Spanish. She currently works at the Eric B. Chandler Health Clinic as she prepares to go into medical school. Andrea loves to dance during her free time and spend time with her little siblings.
Arjun Sarangapany
Community Outreach
Arjun is currently a student at Rutgers University – New Brunswick and is majoring in Biological Sciences. He has worked as an EMT for the past 3 years and currently works as a Medical Scribe. During his free time, he enjoy playing basketball, listening to music, and eating food.
Chloe Uy
Media & Digital Content
Chloe is a pre-med student at Rutgers-New Brunswick Honors College, majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Her hobbies include listening to music and podcasts, crocheting, and reading. Fun fact: She’s played the violin for 10 years!
Fatema Hirani
Community Outreach
Fatema is a biology major at NJIT. A few of her hobbies include running, reading and planning trips into the city. A fun fact about Fatema is that she loves skiing!
Grace Gerhardstein
Greek Life Relations
Grace is a student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, majoring in psychology, minoring in cognition and biology. Her hobbies include going to the gym, traveling, and hanging out with friends. One fun fact about Grace is that she did gymnastics and competition cheerleading her entire life up to college.
Jocelyn Davis
Community Outreach
Jocelyn is currently a student at Rowan University double majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Neuroscience, with minors in Premedical Studies, Chemistry, and Law & Justice Studies. She currently work as an EMT with Virtua and serves as an Army Combat Medic. Outside of academics and work, Jocelyn love working out and exploring new coffee shops!
Parisa Priyam
Educational Lead
Parisa is currently a Biochemistry major at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and plans to go to medical school. She volunteers at various hospitals in her community and is passionate about health education in underserved communities. In her free time, Parisa loves to try new foods, stay active, and go on spontaneous trips with friends.
General Members
Iman Iqbal
Jada Williams
Khushi Dengale
Maggy Hanna
Medha Singireddy
Milena Yagui Rivera
Nathan Macaranas
Nivedita Ilangovan
Priyanka Sunkara
Rohan Rao
Rosa Alejandra Rojas
Sandra Orjih
Sarah-Grace Coren
Schayta Sharma
Sisr Datla
Zofia Bath
Beat to Breathe CPR 