Our Story
The Student Harm Reduction Coalition (SHaRC) is a Student Organization at the University of Pennsylvania founded in 2022 by Catherine Hood, Katelyn Colamesta, and Anooshey Ikhlas.
Opioid Prevention Services at Prevention Point
Our Executive Board
Spring 2025 - Fall 2025
Co-President
Allison Li
2026 | Neuroscience
Why SHaRC?
SHaRC pulls you in because no matter how many articles you read about the opioid epidemic in Philadelphia, nothing can compare to seeing its impact for yourself and connecting with people with lived experiences. Every outreach is different, and the warmth and trust that you build up with participants over time is invaluable.
Co-President
Nicole Budiman
2026 | Neurobiology
Why SHaRC?
I joined SHaRC because it provides me the space to learn and connect to people who have struggled with substance use in the hopes of bridging the gap and overcoming the stigma that has been associated with the population. I also love that I can help this community in a practical and tangible way.
VP of Outreach
Sophia Liu
2026 | Urban Studies & Health and Societies
Why SHaRC?
I joined SHaRC because I wanted to get involved with outreach opportunities and the wonderful community organizations in Philly.
VP of Finance
William Yoo
2026 | Biochemistry
Why SHaRC?
I joined SHaRC because I am interested in harm reduction and how that can positively impact the communities around Philly that suffer from substance abuse. Our mission of reducing the stigma around opioid addiction is one that I am passionate about, and working with the other students and volunteers with this common goal has also been greatly rewarding!
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VP of Internal
Teresa Xiao
2026 | Biology
Why SHaRC?
I joined SHaRC because I wanted to learn more about harm reduction and how to better support people struggling with addiction.
VP of Marketing
Grace Tan
2026 | Neuroscience
Why SHaRC?
Through my volunteering experiences at SHaRC, I became more proactive to help out individuals struggling with substance abuse. As a club, SHaRC regarding the impact of the opioid epidemic in joining forces with harm reduction outreach groups.
VP of Education
Aksa Choudhry
2026 | Health and Societies
Why SHaRC?
I want to help change the narrative that’s associated with harm reduction efforts. I believe this starts with volunteering on the ground in communities affected by addiction and bridging the gap between individuals struggling with substance abuse and those in recovery.
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VP of Education
Joei Chandler Lee
2026 | Neuroscience
Why SHaRC?
Ever since high school, I’ve been deeply engaged in learning about our country’s opioid epidemic and exploring harm reduction solutions. Joining SHaRC has allowed me to further educate myself and others about harm reduction and discover ways to integrate these life-saving practices into our society. I was also inspired by the passion and dedication of other Penn students who share my commitment to this critical issue, and I’m proud to join their mission to make a difference.
Clinical Liaison
Ruchi Agarwal
2027 | Sociology
Why SHaRC?
I’m passionate about harm reduction and addiction medicine because I believe everyone deserves compassionate, evidence-based care, no matter their circumstances. SHaRC’s work is important because it pushes back against the stigma and misinformation that can surround substance use disorders. By creating space for honest conversations and providing practical resources, SHaRC helps build a community that focuses on understanding and support instead of judgment.
Secretary
Anvesha Guru
2028 | Biology & Economics
Why SHaRC?
I joined SHaRC because I wanted to interact firsthand with those in the Philadelphia community who are living the opioid pandemic to learn their stories. It’s through being involved in SHaRC and coming to know members of the Kensington community specifically that I have become more passionate about harm reduction and finding evidence-based methods to turn the tide of the opioid epidemic.
Advisory Board
Jessica Lin
2026 | Neuroscience & English
Why SHaRC?
I joined SHaRC because I was interested in the opioid epidemic and substance abuse disorder. Through the club, I hope to learn more about addiction and help those who are affected.