Mission and Vision

Mission
ApplyIT empowers Houston’s small businesses by building custom, pro bono websites and digital content that reflect who they are. We help entrepreneurs share their stories online so their work, values, and impact are visible to the communities they serve.

Vision
We imagine a Houston where every small business has the digital tools to grow, connect, and be seen. A city where creativity, culture, and local voices thrive online just as strongly as they do on neighborhood streets and storefronts.

By pairing small businesses with student creators, ApplyIT turns learning into service and experience into impact.

Our Team

Karina Lad

Karina Lad (she/her) is a senior at Elkins High School. She loves the Astros, and aspires to become a biomechanical engineer.

- Karina Lad, Director of Engineering

Nakshatra Kothapalli

Nikki Kothapalli (she/her) is a senior at DHS's Math & Science Academy. She is passionate about tech for social good, andenjoyed coding this website!

- Nakshatra Kothapalli, Founder & Executive Director

Scarlett Nguyen

Scarlett Nguyen (she/her) is a senior at Dulles High School. She truly enjoys crafting and designing, and hopes to be able to contribute to your guys' time by crafting ;-) an engaging and supportive environment!

- Scarlett Nguyen, Director of Marketing & Design

Trisha Vudata

Trisha Vudata (she/her) is a senior that attends Dulles High School. She plans to pursue a legal career in the future. In her free time, Trisha likes to read old novels, volunteer around her community, and style outfits.

- Trisha Vudata, Director of Operations

Varshni Venkatesan

Varshni Venkatesan (she/her) is a senior at Elkins High School. She hopes to pursue a career in business or data analytics to combine her interests in technology and marketing. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

- Varshni Venkatesan, Director of Finance & Sponsorships

Zhuohan Liu

Zhuohan Liu (he/him) is a junior at Elkins High School. He likes to play tennis, watch shows and movies and learn new hobbies like drawing or playing games. He aspires to major in either biology or mathematics and wants to be something related to those fields.

- Zhuohan Liu, Director of Volunteer Engagement