The Team
At its core, The Grassroot Project is a program founded by students and led by students. The programs are currently staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers, including more than 40 Division I athletes from more than 10 teams.
Founder, Tyler Spencer
Tyler Spencer first conceived of the idea for The Grassroot Project after spending two summers in South Africa volunteering to set up HIV prevention programs in DeBeers/Grassroot Soccer diamond mining communities. Realizing that HIV was a big problem in DC, that the curriculum he used in South Africa could be adapted to fit DC, and that athletes had the potential to change lives and have their own lives changed in the process, he started The Grassroot Project.
Advisory Board Member, Somdev Devvarman
Somdev Devvarman, a native of Chennai, India, is a 2-time NCAA national singles champion in tennis. Since graduating from UVA in May 2008, he has risen from a world ranking of 1000 to 150, becoming one of the highest ranked new players to the professional circuit. He hopes to use his platform as a professional athlete to give back to underprivileged and at-risk youth.
Advisory Board Member, Gauri Raval
Gauri Raval, a first year MD/MPH candidate, has done extensive research on community-based HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care. She has a keen eye to understanding ‘what works’ and what doesn’t with youth.
Other Key Players
Numerous stakeholders are also involved in the planning and implementation of our projects. These include business consultants, NGO executives, professors, and practitioners from a wide range of fields.
