Millennium Fund Grants Committee Spotlight: Sia Mahesh

Building a future through meaningful change

Sia Mahesh is the newest and youngest member of the grants committee for Akron Community Foundation's Millennium Fund for Children. A junior at Western Reserve Academy, Sia plans to pursue a career in oncology. Beyond her medical aspirations, she said, "I am deeply committed to service and community advocacy, and I hope to leverage my skills and experiences to support patients and communities through connection, education, and programs that address their health and personal needs."

Why did you decide to join the Millennium Fund grants committee?

I am passionate about supporting meaningful projects in our community. Through my own service work, I have personally experienced how access to resources can shape opportunities, and I wanted to contribute to making those opportunities more accessible to organizations making a positive impact. The Millennium Fund Grants Committee gives me a chance to do that.

What do you like most about being involved?

Learning about the meaningful work that local organizations are undertaking and the challenges they aim to address has been most rewarding. It is inspiring to see so many nonprofits committed to creating positive change. I also value the collaborative decision-making process, which allows me to engage critically and consider proposals from multiple perspectives.

Why is this grant program important to you?

This program provides organizations with the support necessary to carry out impactful work in our community. Many nonprofits have strong missions but lack the financial resources to expand their reach. The Millennium Fund grants program helps bridge that gap, strengthening our community and enabling organizations to advance causes that make a real difference.

How will participating on this committee help your future goals?

Participating on this committee aligns with my future goals in medicine, leadership, and community advocacy. Reviewing proposals enhances my ability to evaluate needs, assess potential impact, and make thoughtful decisions — skills that are essential to be an effective physician. Collaborating with other committee members allows me to refine my leadership abilities while engaging with community-focused organizations and reinforces my commitment to serving and advocating for others.

For more information about the Millennium Fund for Children, visit www.akroncf.org/millennium.