Conversations with Nishi Badireddi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nishi Badireddi.

Hi Nishi , 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?
My name is Nishi Badireddi and I am a senior at the University of Toledo majoring in Biology and committed to the Pre-Medical Track. With having doctors in my family and gaining medical experience throughout high school, I became drawn to improving people’s health while supporting them during their most vulnerable time. When I got to college, I continued to build my medical foundation by working as a medical scribe in the Emergency Department and working as a undergraduate research assistant in a cancer lab, but I felt that I wasn’t making a meaningful difference in these positions. This is when I found Relay For Life, an organization dedicated to raising money for the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and treatment for patients across the nation. I joined in my junior year where I served as the Financial Director, securing sponsorships for companies and partnering with local businesses for fundraising events, to help raise $9,000 for the year. I enjoyed working with my fellow student leaders to accomplish this goal, but I wanted to make the event better and more memorable, which is why I came back, serving as the Overall Director. We have a fundraising goal of $12,000, and our main event is on November 14th, 2026 at the University of Toledo Recreational center. We hope to have a large turnout from our campus and the Toledo community to honor cancer survivors, and to celebrate the American Cancer Society’s efforts to battle cancer.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, our organization shut down during COVID-19, and a couple of student leaders came together to restart the organization in 2022. We have struggled to bounce back t0 reach our fundraising goals pre COVID times (which were $20,000-$25,000). In addition, it’s hard to keep people motivated and engaged, which is why turnout hasn’t always been the greatest throughout the years. However, we are changing the structure of our event to overcome these problems, including fun and unique activities for our participants and strengthening our outreach, so more people our aware of the event and its mission.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a student at the University of Toledo and serve as the Overall Director for Relay For Life University of Toledo. Committed to pursuing the medical career, one of the issues I became passionate about helping patients overcome the factors that affect their ability to receive healthcare including lack of insurance, no transportation, and not being able to afford treatment. Many of the organizations I have joined are dedicated to solving this issue such as Relay For Life, Mortar Board, and UT CPR. I have served in financial positions in all three of these organizations, where I have enjoyed organizing fundraising events and securing sponsorships for companies to help these organizations achieve their mission.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have found that the best way to find a mentor is to be willing to introduce yourself and start a genuine conversation. Some of my most valuable connections have come from simply reaching out to professors, physicians, and professionals whose work interested me and asking about their experiences. I have learned that networking does not have to be about immediately asking someone to be a mentor; it can start with asking thoughtful questions, showing genuine interest in their work, and staying in contact. I also think it is important to be involved in organizations and activities where you naturally interact with people who share your interests. Through research, clinical experiences, and leadership organizations, I have been able to meet people who have provided advice and opened doors to new opportunities.

Pricing:

• It costs $0 to attend the event.
• Sponsorship Benefits Presenting Sponsor — $4,000+ • Naming rights on the event website homepage: o “Relay For Life of the University of Toledo, Presented by [Company]” • Company logo featured on all post-event thank-you emails • Promotional/vendor space during the Relay For Life event • Rights to promote sponsorship in company materials using the ACS-branded logo • Company logo placement on co-branded event signage, including banners, track signs, and video where available • Recognition on local Relay For Life social media through an in-feed post and story • Company logo featured on the Relay For Life website homepage with a link to the company website Platinum Sponsor — $2,500 • Company logo featured on all post-event thank-you emails • Promotional/vendor space during the Relay For Life event • Rights to promote sponsorship in company materials using the ACS-branded logo • Company logo placement on co-branded event signage, including banners, track signs, and video where available • Recognition on local Relay For Life social media through an in-feed post and story • Company logo featured on the Relay For Life website homepage with a link to the company website Gold Sponsor — $1,500 • Promotional/vendor space during the Relay For Life event • Rights to promote sponsorship in company materials using the ACS-branded logo • Company logo placement on co-branded event signage, including banners, track signs, and video where available • Recognition on local Relay For Life social media through an in-feed post and story • Company logo featured on the Relay For Life website homepage with a link to the company website Silver Sponsor — $1,000 • Rights to promote sponsorship in company materials using the ACS-branded logo • Company logo placement on co-branded event signage, including banners, track signs, and video where available • Recognition on local Relay For Life social media through an in-feed post and story • Company logo featured on the Relay For Life website homepage with a link to the company website Bronze Sponsor — $500 • Company logo placement on co-branded event signage, including banners, track signs, and video where available • Recognition on local Relay For Life social media through an in-feed post and story • Company logo featured on the Relay For Life website homepage with a link to the company website Signature Sponsor — $250 • Recognition on local Relay For Life social media through an in-feed post and story • Company logo featured on the Relay For Life website homepage with a link to the company website

Contact Info:

• Website: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=112605
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relayforlifeutoledo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RFLofUT/