UMass Amherst Students Ignite a New Wave of Youth Diabetes Advocacy Through the Kopp Foundation for Diabetes
Blue Bell, PA –
Led by student Aditya (AJ) Jayamohan, the UMass Amherst Chapter exemplifies how determination, collaboration, and creativity can transform campus awareness into national impact.
In a year defined by growth and innovation, the Kopp Foundation for Diabetes (KFD) celebrated one of its brightest examples of youth leadership: the rise of its University of Massachusetts Amherst Chapter, founded and led by Aditya (AJ) Jayamohan.
During KFD’s Hybrid Fundraising Gala and National Leadership Forum on October 8, 2025, AJ’s story stood out as a testament to perseverance, vision, and the power of student leadership. Although he couldn’t attend live due to a biochemistry exam, AJ’s presence filled the virtual space — his update video drew enthusiastic responses from participants across the country.
“AJ’s leadership represents what this Foundation is all about,” said Max Kopp, Founder of KFD. “He’s shown that one student, driven by purpose, can mobilize an entire community to learn, act, and care.”
Photo Caption:
Aditya (AJ) Jayamohan, leader of the Kopp Foundation for Diabetes Chapter at UMass Amherst, inspires youth nationwide by transforming campus advocacy into a movement for empathy, science, and health equity.
Turning Challenges Into Momentum
AJ’s chapter began as an idea in early 2025. Without official recognition yet as a Registered Student Organization (RSO), he built the foundation himself: drafting a constitution, creating a strategic plan, and assembling a team of passionate peers. Within months, the Amherst chapter had recruited more than 20 active members, hosted interest meetings, and launched outreach efforts in partnership with campus organizations and nearby health advocates.
“Even before we were officially approved, we wanted to start making a difference,” AJ said. “We didn’t wait for permission — we built momentum through creativity, trust, and teamwork.”
That spirit reflects KFD’s guiding principle: youth-led change is strongest when it’s powered by initiative and empathy. As AJ put it, “This isn’t just about diabetes — it’s about building communities that care.”
A Model for Student Leadership
The UMass Amherst team operates like a microcosm of KFD’s national vision. Members are divided into working groups focusing on education, outreach, and fundraising. They organize tabling events, create digital health-awareness campaigns, and collaborate with local clinics to promote screening and healthy living.
Rachel Horvath, KFD’s Director of Operations and Strategy, praised AJ’s leadership for setting a new benchmark:
“AJ turned challenges into opportunities. He shows how our chapters can start small and grow sustainably through passion and structure. His model is one we’ll share with future chapters nationwide.”
Bridging Campus and Community
AJ’s chapter has quickly become a hub for students across majors — from pre-med to data science — all united by a shared desire to contribute to diabetes innovation. One of their first initiatives was a virtual “Science and Society” panel, where student members discussed how technology can make glucose monitoring more accessible. Another group began developing a social media series called ‘My T1D Story’, sharing personal narratives from patients and families to humanize the science behind diabetes.
“We want to build empathy alongside knowledge,” AJ explained. “Every story, every conversation helps chip away at the stigma and misunderstanding around diabetes.”
His approach mirrors KFD’s national philosophy: bridging the emotional and intellectual sides of public health.
National Collaboration, Shared Mission
AJ’s leadership has also strengthened bonds among KFD’s college network, which includes chapters at UCLA, UC San Diego, Pitt, Temple, and more. His willingness to collaborate, share resources, and exchange strategies with peers has accelerated the Foundation’s unified impact.
“AJ’s drive and humility have inspired student leaders across campuses,” said Max Kopp. “He leads by example — not by titles, but by action.”
AJ frequently participates in KFD’s internal leadership forums, where chapter presidents meet to discuss volunteer recruitment, event planning, and data-driven outreach. These sessions, hosted via KFD’s national Slack and Zoom platforms, have become a vital training ground for young advocates preparing to enter fields like healthcare, research, and public policy.
The Spirit of Resilience
AJ’s story also underscores one of KFD’s core values: resilience. He faced bureaucratic hurdles in registering the UMass Amherst chapter and struggled to secure space for early meetings. Yet he persisted — using borrowed classroom time, digital platforms, and creative scheduling to keep his members engaged.
“Leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect conditions,” AJ said. “It’s about creating opportunities where none exist.”
That philosophy has already paid off. The UMass chapter is now poised to receive full university recognition, paving the way for expanded programming and partnerships with local health organizations.
Looking Ahead: The November 14 World Diabetes Day Run/Walk
Building on the momentum of the October 8 event, AJ and his team are preparing to join KFD’s World Diabetes Day Virtual Run/Walk on November 14, 2025 — an initiative uniting students, families, and communities nationwide.
The Amherst chapter plans to host its own on-campus version, encouraging students to run or walk together while learning about T1D research and prevention. “It’s about unity,” AJ said. “We want people to move — for health, for awareness, and for each other.”
Rachel Horvath added:
“AJ embodies the kind of leadership that keeps this Foundation moving forward. He’s proof that youth-led change is not just possible — it’s powerful.”
A Future Built by Youth
As KFD continues to grow nationally, AJ’s work at UMass Amherst stands as a model for how students can turn local action into lasting change. His leadership demonstrates that progress doesn’t require waiting for authority — it begins with one idea, one group of committed people, and one mission to make things better.
“If I could sum up what KFD means to me,” AJ reflected, “it’s hope — hope that small actions can ripple outward, that one student voice can start something big.”
About the Kopp Foundation for Diabetes
The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes (KFD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering young leaders to transform Type 1 Diabetes awareness, education, and innovation. Through its Youth Ambassador Program, campus chapters, and community partnerships, KFD bridges science, technology, and social impact to improve lives worldwide.
www.koppfoundation.org | press@koppfoundation.org
