Our Team

Shrusti Amula (she/her), Founder and CEO

Shrusti Amula is a Senior at Richard Montgomery High School. She is also a bronze and silver awardee girl scout. Shrusti identified and extensively researched a problem in her community that was being overlooked, the Food waste. She presented this topic and the possible solutions at the eCybermission competition, a STEM Competition, which is backed by US Army where she was placed top 5 in the nation. One of the proposed solution was to start Food waste collection programs to be diverted to compost facilities. She currently runs this program in 12 public schools in her county. She is partnered with local schools and multiple corporate sponsors to make this solution a big success. She founded this youth-led non-profit organization to promote and motivate kids to participate in such initiatives to give back to the community. She works with people with of all ages and backgrounds through a wide array of service campaigns that support causes ranging from hunger and social justice to quality education, civil rights, and youth activism. She has participated and contributed to various legislative bills at the school and county level. Outside of school and community activities, she is a trained Indian classical dancer, USA, National Women's cricket player, mentor, and a debater.

American Climate Leadership Finalist Award (2024)
The Gloria Barron prize for young Heroes (2023)
The George H.W. Bush Inspiration Spotlight honoree (2023)
Top 10 under 20 Food Hero by Hormel Foods (2023)
L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award (2023)
Citations from The Maryland General Assembly (2023)
Riley's Call for Kindness Award, Grant and Fellowship Winner (2023)
EPA President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) Winner (2023)
Governor's Youth Service Award (2023)
Proclamation from The County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland (2023)
Citation from The County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland (2023)
Women Making History Award, Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women (2023)
Points of Light Award Honoree (2023)
Sports - Cricket - USA Cricket: National level player. U19 Batsman- Ranked #14 nationally, #3 regionally (2023)
The President's Volunteer Service Award (Gold) (2022)
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Climate and Energy Leadership Awards (2022)
Points of Light, Inspiration Honor Roll (2022)
Future Business Leaders of America, Placed 2nd in regionals (2022)
Future Business Leaders of America, State Chapter award - 2nd place in Political Science (2022)
Future Business Leaders of America, Placed 10th in regionals (2020-21)
First Tech Challenge - Motivate Award Finalist at Houston Worlds Robotics Championship (2022)
First Tech Challenge - Tennessee State Competition - 2nd Inspire Award, 2nd Control Award (Qualified for Worlds Championship) (2021-2022)
First Tech Challenge Qualifiers - MD McHenry - Winning Alliance 1st place, Innovate Award winner, 2nd place Control Award, 3rd place Inspire Award (2021-2022)
First Tech Challenge Qualifiers MD Columbia - 1st place Innovate Award, 2nd place Inspire Award, 3rd place Connect Award, 3rd place Performance Award in Robot game, 3rd place Motivate Award (2021-2022)
Gold Star level award for Student Engagement from MCPS (2022)
National Honor Society (2022-present)
Composting programs - Running in 9 schools (2018 - present)
Food Recovery Program - Running in 40 school (2022-present)
Food Recovery Program from various Business (2021)
Community Garden - Opened Community Garden in 2 schools (2020 - present)
eCybermission National Finalist (2017-2018, 2018-2019)
eCybermission People's choice award & STEM-In-Grant recipient (2017-2018)
Sports - Cricket - DC Tigers, USA Cricket Intraregional Team (2021-present)
SheSoft - Technologist award honorable mention (2018-2019)
Girl Scouts - Bronze and Silver Awardee
Superintendent Student Service Learning Hours Award (2019)
President's Education Awards program (2017, 2020)
National Junior Honor Society (2018-20)

Vayun Amula (he/him), COO

Vayun Amula is a Sophomore at Poolesville High School. As a COO of Rise N Shine he is actively engaged in day to day operations . Outside of school and community activities, he is a USA, Maryland state level cricket player.

Baltimore Ravens Community Quarterback Award (2023)
Governor's Youth Service Award (2023)
Gold Star level award for Student Engagement from MCPS (2023)
The President's Volunteer Service Award (Gold) (2022)
Sports- Cricket - USA Maryland State U15 Team
First Lego League - Maryland Official qualifying Tournaments - 1st place in Innovation Project award (2022)
First Lego League - Maryland Official qualifying Tournaments- 1st place Robert design award, 1st place Core values award (2021)