Department of Special Issues

Vibha Nanduri
Bel Air High School
Harford County
Vibha.Nanduri@mdstudentcouncils.org

Special Issues Director

Bio:

Vibha Nanduri is a senior at Bel Air High School in Harford County, where she is enrolled in her school’s Biomedical Sciences program. She has previously served as a two-time Environmental Affairs Coordinator for MASC, Vice President of the Harford County Student Councils (HCRASC), and a two-time Class President at Bel Air. Vibha currently serves as the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for Harford County.

Outside of student leadership, she is involved in medicine and works on cancer research, and she frequently volunteers at her local hospital’s oncology department. In her free time, she loves volunteering, watching shows, and performing music in her community! This year, Vibha is focused on building partnerships with organizations and advancing policies related to special issues.


Sidharth Harishanker
Poolesville High School
Montgomery County

Environmental Affairs Coordinator

Bio: Sid (Sidharth) Harishanker (He/Him) is a junior at Poolesville High School in Montgomery County in the Global Ecology Program. Sid serves as the Treasurer for the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association (MCR). He started his advocacy journey after 7th grade, after attending the Maryland Association of Student Councils Convention, realizing that students have a say in adult spaces.

Within his county, Sid serves as the Co-President for Eco MoCo, the largest student-led nonprofit in Montgomery County, fighting for environmental justice across the state. Sid also serves as the Vice President of Programs for OCA-DC, an organization dedicated to representing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, where Sid runs the youth council and aids in the planning of events.

Outside of student councils, he loves to go outside to hike or kayak, be with friends/family, and watch shows. He is excited this year working with everyone on the executive board and expanding MASC’S environmental efforts.


Zia Kapadia
Resevoir High School
Howard County

Environmental Affairs Coordinator

Bio:  Zia Kapadia is a freshman at Reservoir High School in Howard County. She previously served as the Howard County Environmental Affairs Chair for the Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC), where she led environmental initiatives and worked to engage students in sustainability efforts throughout her county. Zia also served as the Student Council President at both Lime Kiln Middle School and Fulton Elementary School, helping expand student involvement.

Beyond student government, Zia is passionate about environmental advocacy and youth engagement. She is the co-founder of the What-a Sisters environmental platform and nonprofit, where she helps to educate the youth and spread awareness about the scarcity of water. She is also the co-host for her very own podcast where she and her sister collaborate with local leaders and environmental professionals.

Outside of Zia’s leadership and advocacy, Zia loves planning service projects and expanding her debate skills. She enjoys playing basketball, singing, taking pictures, and spending time with her family and friends. Zia is overall thrilled to continue empowering student voices and building connections throughout Maryland this year!


Jessica Taylor
Rockville High School
Montgomery County

Wellness Coordinator

 

Bio: Jessica (Jess) Taylor is a strong student advocate from Montgomery County. She has spent the past 3 years as Rockville High School’s class of 2027 President, preparing her to currently serve as the Rockville High School School-Wide President. She has also spent 3 years dedicated to the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association in the Task Force department. With this being her second year as MASC’s Wellness Coordinator, she is dedicated to providing wellness resources to all students.

Outside of student council, Jessica works a part-time job as a cashier (which she loves with her whole heart! She also enjoys staying up to date on local sports and being as creative as possible. (Look out for her sunflower-covered car).

She is a friendly and valuable member of MASC who is always available to have a conversation and listen to any of your concerns!


Paige Williams
Severna Park High School
Anne Arundel County

Wellness Coordinator

Bio: Paige Williams (she/her) is a junior at Severna Park High School in Anne Arundel County. She is proud to serve her second term as the Secretary of Service for the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils (CRASC). In her school’s student council, she serves as the whole school Vice President and the Class of 2028 President, working to further student opportunities with meaningful initiatives. She is enjoying her time, taking her involvement to the next level as one of MASC’s Wellness Coordinators.

Outside of student council, Paige is Vice President of her school’s Key Club, a leader in her school’s Wellness Club, a member of Anne Arundel County’s Student Service Learning Team, Partners and Projects Chair for the Key Club Capital District, and a Girl Scout since kindergarten. In her free time, Paige loves listening to music, doing yoga, reading, spending time with her family, and kayaking whenever she gets the chance.


Katelynn Gaumer
Allegany High School
Allegany County

Service Coordinator

Bio: Katelynn Gaumer is a junior at Allegany High School in Allegany County. She serves as her school’s SGA vice president, as well as the Allegany Class of 2028 president. She previously served MASC as the Division One Liaison during the 2025-26 academic year and is excited to serving this year as a Service Coordinator for MASC 

Outside of her SGA involvement, Katelynn loves to be actively involved in her school and community! Playing clarinet, she participates in her school’s symphonic, pep, and full-orchestra ensembles. Additionally, she participates and receives honors in her school’s FBLA, SkillsUSA, and Envirothon Clubs. She is also an active member of her school’s track and field team, throwing shotput and discus at a varsity level. In her community, Katelynn is heavily involved in the Cumberland Marbles Program! In this role, she assists in organizing fundraisers, leading team practices, and refereeing tournaments at a local and national level!

In her free time, Katelynn enjoys learning the Spanish language and challenging herself with rigorous academic coursework and AP classes! She is ecstatic continuing her work with MASC this year!


Lauren Lucena
Westminster High School
Carroll County

Service Coordinator

 

Bio:  Lauren Lucena is a sophomore at Westminster High School in Carroll County. She serves as the Charity and Outreach Coordinator for Carroll County Student Government Association (CCSGA), 2nd Vice President of the Westminster High School Student Government, and Treasurer of Westminster High School’s Class of 2029. This is her first year involved at this level in MASC, and she is excited to be a Service Coordinator!

Outside of student leadership, Lauren is interested in pediatric medicine and is a leader in her school’s Pre-Med Club, Key Club, and Sources of Strength Club. She also loves volunteering for children with disabilities and is a childcare nursery volunteer. In her free time, Lauren loves playing flute, crocheting, solving jigsaw puzzles, and volunteering in her community.

Lauren is passionate about collaborating with everyone and advancing MASC’s service initiatives!