Shubhada Saxena, The University of Texas at Austin

Shubhada Saxena, a graduate student in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the quality of life of the aging immigrant population of Austin, Texas, as founder of the South Asian Indians’ Volunteer Association (SAIVA), a nonprofit organization that provides services to the elderly and enables immigrant seniors to volunteer and engage in meaningful activity. Shubhada’s dedication to social justice is apparent in her decision to pursue graduate education in social work and concentrate on the roots and responses of social issues affecting women, immigrants, and the elderly, including family support services, transportation, and senior housing. In undertaking her vocation in service, Shubhada exudes a graceful passion for her cause and represents a model for those around her.