Meet Pravneet and Hurshneet Chadha

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pravneet and Hurshneet Chadha.

Hi Pravneet and Hurshneet, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
We are two brothers who started Project Smile AZ in 2020 with the goal of spreading smiles to all A2Z. The project started during the pandemic time when everyone was isolated during the lockdown and there was a need to spread smile in any way!

We have been sending motivational messages to improve the mental health of patients alone in the hospital, kindness cards for the homeless, Gratitude cards for essential workers, and Hope cards for cancer patients. We share cards for veterans throughout the year for their service to the nation. More than 6000 cards have been shared so far! Secondly, we have been sharing art supplies in a Smile Kit for kids in need who wish to participate but lack resources. More than 160 kits have been donated to children at Child Crisis Center of Arizona, ACCEL centers for children with disabilities, Welcome to America Project, and now to Phoenix Dream center next! Our third mission has been to spread literacy. We have shared more than 587 books with children in need. We collect gently used or new books throughout the year to share with those in need. In addition to the above, we have done a successful mask drive with more than 500 masks donated so far and Food drives throughout the year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When the project started, we would go door to door to collect cards from friends who agreed to help while maintaining social distancing! We shared our messages through school emails. Social media and neighborhood flyers. Slowly over time, our message spread via the online community and we got the involvement of NJHS/NHS, boys and girl scouts, church groups, etc., and the response was amazing! Just remember to stay persistent!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Pravneet: I am an incoming Freshman at Mountain Ridge High School. I love to play Basketball and am a good team player! I love STEM-based activities and want to pursue a healthcare-related career to help those in need.

Hurshneet: I am a Junior at Mountain Ridge High School. I am interested in Global policymaking and Entrepreneurship. I am an avid Esports player and also design adaptive videogames for children with disabilities.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Pravneet: We can all do something with what we have and where we are. We were stuck in lockdown and found a way to reach the world through our hopeful messages. Stay persistent! Hurshneet: The best views are after a hard climb! You may have to work alone sometimes and keep innovating constantly to keep the project running. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the help you wish for; there will be better days!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.projectsmileaz.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectsmileaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectsmileAZ/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectsmileaz