HealthMPowers today announced the appointment of three new board members: Dr. Hari Athreya, Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila, and Pratima Yellayi.

The new board members include the co-chairs of HealthMPowers' Youth Advisory Board (YAB), who will play a vital role in keeping the Board of Directors informed about the needs and perspectives of Georgia’s youth. In addition, the appointment of a primary care physician will continue the acute focus on child health. Their leadership will ensure that the objectives of the YAB and the board are aligned, creating a strong partnership that amplifies youth voices and advances HealthMPowers’ mission.

"I could not be happier to welcome the new members to the board, especially as we continue to amplify youth voices and center child health to create healthier environments,” said Jennifer L. Owens, President and CEO, HealthMPowers. “Their expertise and commitment will strengthen our efforts to make a lasting impact on the well-being of Georgia’s children and families."

"I am excited to welcome our new members,” said Kirk Diamond, Chair, HealthMPowers Board of Directors. “We are doing something very unique at HealthMPowers. Ensuring that young people’s voices and perspectives are lifted up alongside child health and community experts at the strategic board level is revolutionary in many ways. We believe this approach will get us closer to a vision where all children are nourished and active."
New Board Members

Dr. Hari Athreya
Medical Director
Crossover Health

Dr. Hari Athreya is a primary care physician with a passion for public and preventive health, particularly in community health and obesity prevention. Originally from San Antonio, he earned both his medical and public health degrees from the University of Texas McGovern Medical School. He completed his residency at the University of Illinois and his fellowship at Emory University.

Dr. Athreya found his way to HealthMPowers after a conversation with a former board member. During medical school, he had developed several obesity prevention programs both within his school and the local community. Reflecting on how much he missed the sense of purpose and connection those efforts provided, the former board member mentioned HealthMPowers—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila
HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board Co-chair
McClure Health Science High School

Álvaro Saldarriaga Arcila is a senior at McClure Health Science High School. He was born in Colombia and is a dedicated student, always striving to achieve health and academic goals. Álvaro is passionate in everything he does and is committed to embracing his love for soccer and sports. He is an active player in the GSA academy and has a goal to play in his high school’s soccer team. Currently, Álvaro is on a journey of exploration, seeking to discover which aspect of health resonates with him the most. Alongside his academic pursuits and sports activities, he is enthusiastic about fitness and can often be found at the gym, working out to build muscle and improve his cardio fitness. His hobbies include spending time with friends and swimming.

Pratima Yellayi
HealthMPowers Youth Advisory Board Co-chair
South Forsyth High School

Pratima Yellayi is a member of the varsity cross country team, track team, and a senior dancer. She is a part of the Girls Empowering Movement, otherwise known as GEM, as well as the Pebble Tossers Teen Leadership program. She takes pride in her ability to accomplish anything she puts her mind to. Her hobbies include painting, gym, and listening to music. Music is a very big part of her life.