MEET THE TEAM

Gavin Reddy
Founder and President

Gavin is the Founder and President of EMPWR Arizona Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to combating childhood obesity by promoting Indigenous food traditions and sustainable practices. A sophomore in high school and a dedicated athlete, Gavin understands firsthand the vital role that nutrition plays in overall health, performance, and well-being.

  • His passion for this issue deepened while volunteering at Native Health, where he saw that the biggest barrier for many families wasn’t a lack of knowledge, but a lack of access to nutritious foods. Through research, he uncovered how historical disruptions to Indigenous food systems contributed to today’s health disparities, particularly among Native American youth. Determined to make a difference, he founded EMPWR Arizona to restore food sovereignty, reconnect communities to traditional diets, and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive through proper nutrition.

  • At EMPWR Arizona, Sebastian applies his analytical skills and commitment to equity to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability and growth, helping expand access to Indigenous food systems and nutrition education.

Sebastian Reddy
Chief Financial Officer

Sebastian is a student at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studies economics and applied mathematics. Passionate about education and community service, Sebastian has worked extensively with refugees through Of One Heart, where he coordinated a backpack drive and a summer reading program to support displaced youth.

  • At EMPWR Arizona, Isabel combines her leadership and marketing expertise to expand outreach, foster community partnerships, and drive initiatives that promote Indigenous food sovereignty and nutrition education.

Denise Reddy
Secretary

Denise is a physician dedicated to women's health, breast cancer awareness, and community-driven health initiatives. She has been a prominent advocate for early breast cancer detection, frequently educating women on the importance of screenings through public speaking engagements.

Isabel Edmonson
Chief Operating Officer

Isabel is a student at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where she studies marketing. Her dedication to food equity began with organizing a food drive in Cincinnati alongside her family, helping bridge the gap in food access for families during the summer break.

  • Denise also recognizes the role nutrition can play in reducing cancer risk through healthy eating and exercise. This belief in early intervention and education aligns with EMPWR’s mission to equip families with the knowledge and skills to build lifelong wellness through food.

ADVISORY TEAM

Mario Etsitty
Advisory Team Member, Chef and Consultant

Chef Renetto-Mario Etsitty is the owner of "The REZ," an Urban Eatery which caters and provides pop up stands. His recipes explore traditional, organic and plant based foods using sustainable food practices.

  • Chef Mario was born on Navajo Reservation. As a child, he learned how to cook from his grandparents, who taught him the techniques to preserve the traditional (Dine) foodways. For Chef Mario, food reconnects him to sacred traditions. When Chef Mario teaches, he not only shares his culinary knowledge but also tells stories which allow him to honor and pass on his Dine' Heritage.

  • Martha acts as liaison between EMPWR and the school district and families. She plays a critical role in advising on the cooking class programming.

Martha Sullivan
Advisory Team Member, School Liaison and Consultant

Martha Sullivan is the Native American Education Program technician for the Madison Elementary School District. She facilitates supplemental educational and enrichment activities for Native American students that are culturally relevant. The program receives funding through the Title VI Indian Education and Johnson O'Malley grant.

  • Ishaan is an avid tennis player. As an athlete, he understands the importance of a nutritious diet.

Paul Shamoun
Advisory Team Member, Treasurer for School Programming

Paul is a student at Brophy College Preparatory. Paul enjoys cooking at home and is passionate about using food as a way to bring people together. He has served on the financial committee of the Brophy DEAL Club, where he helped raise funds to support the club’s initiatives. Paul is deeply committed to service and enjoys working with others to make a positive impact in the community.

Ishaan Patel
Advisory Team Member, Vice President of School Programming

Ishaan is a student at Brophy College Preparatory. He has a passion for cooking and creating wholesome, nourishing meals for others. He loves bringing people together over food, savoring the moments shared around the table, and believes that enjoying a meal with others is just as important as the nutrition it provides.

Wanda Huber
Advisory Team Member, Curriculum Advisor

Wanda is an instructor and course designer for Global Launch, Arizona State University’s global education platform, where she creates accessible learning experiences that are culturally relevant and enjoyable. Her work is grounded in active, collaborative learning and in the belief that students’ experiences matter.