Home of the Kansas City Kannada Association
MEET THE TEAM
The Faces of Our Organization
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Chandana Kannada Sangha Kansas. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.
ARJUN RAMESH
President
After living in Kansas City for more than a decade it is easy to lose your identity from back home, CKS gives me an opportunity to be connected and rooted to being a Kannadiga, celebrate the true culture and heritage of Karnataka with my fellow Kannadigas and at the same time a lot of ways through which i can give back and serve the community.
SHARATH SOMASHEKAR
Vice President
I have been a Kansan for around 11 years, and have been part of CKS for around 7 years now. Having a Karnataka based community who speak the same language, savours the same cuisines and relates to the traditions and culture, is what has made the cities in Kansas no different to me than Bangalore or Mysore would be. This connection is what drives me to participate in the CKS community and motivates me to further foster this community.
DHEERAJ URS
Treasurer
I have been in Kansas for about 4 years, and have been attending CKS events since 2019. CKS is a very friendly community, and has provided comfort when I missed home. I would love to give back to the community by providing the same comfort the community provided for me.
USHA KERAKATTY
Secretary
DEEPTHI
Cultural committee
SACHI
Cultural Committe
KRIPESH KRISHNAN
Cultural Committee
SHRUTHI SURESH
Cultural committee
CKS provides a great opportunity to socialize with fellow Kannadigas. There is a feeling of comfort in interacting with people of similar backgrounds. I see this as a wonderful platform to give back to our community.
TBD
Youth Committee Representative
SUNIL REDDY
Web & Media
Sunil has been a Kansan for about 10 years and have been involved in CKS in various capacities. He likes road trips, photography, hiking and an outdoors person. He likes to keep up with latest technologies. ನನ್ನ ನಾಡು ಕನ್ನಡ, ನನ್ನ ನುಡಿ ಕನ್ನಡ, ನನ್ನ ಗುಡಿ ಗಂಧದಗುಡಿ! ಜೈ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಮಾತೆ!
RAJATH DEV
Web & Media
Being a part of this group gives me a sense of purpose in doing my bit for our community. Additionally, it helps me stay rooted and provides an ideal environment to be amidst people who probably have had similar upbringing as I have.
SMARAN GIRI
Web & Media
TBD
Youth Committee Representative
SUNIL MADHUSUDHAN
Food & Logistics
RAKESH ACHARYA
Food & Logistics
TBD
Youth Committee Representative
NIVEDITHA SADAGOPAN
Youth Committee Co-ordinator
Having lived more than half my life in the US, being a part of the CKS family has helped me continue my Kannada culture, language and ensuring the connection to my heritage. It also gives my daughter Rhea a chance to participate, experience and learn the culture and traditions of my hometown and state.
ROOPA GOWDA
Youth Committee Co-ordinator
I have lived in Kansas for around 22 years and been part of CKS for around 18 years since the day it was formed. It has given me immense pleasure and satisfaction being a active member of CKS and serving the community in different ways along with many others. I have seen CKS grow from just a handful people to a good size community with kannadiga joined from different part of Karnataka. It has absolutely helped us stay connected to the language, culture and pass that on to the next generation. Kansas is a home away from home while CKS is like a family. Looking forward to work with the new motivated executive committee.
RHEA SADAGOPAN
Youth Committee co-president
I have been attending CKS activities with my family since my early childhood, and it has given me a glimpse into my family’s culture and heritage from Karnataka. I have always enjoyed being a part of the youth committee and have formed strong friendships with kids like me with similar backgrounds. As co-president of the CKS youth committee I want to lead meaningful and fun activities for the youth group that make an impact to our community and CKS.
SIRI GOWDA
Youth Committee co-president