In northwestern Pennsylvania, young leaders are stepping up in big ways.
An Erie County student is being recognized for work that could save lives across our region.
Collegiate Academy senior and public health advocate Asheen Udgiri is one of Junior Achievement of Pennsylvania’s “18 Under 18” honorees recognized not just for leadership, but for a lifesaving mission across Erie County.
Through her work, Udgiri has raised more than $49,000, expanding access to AEDs and emergency training. The founder of Mission AED explains what this milestone means and how she plans to make Erie a “four‑minute city,” where help is never far away.
Udgiri is also working with Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, helping shape public health policy and prepare the next generation of leaders.
As Erie’s first Teen of Impact with the American Heart Association, Asheen also helps lead HEART Erie’s youth programs distributing more than $70,000 in grants for mental health, education, and community improvement.
She will be honored February 3rd in Pittsburgh as a Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 award recipient.