Meet Saismaran Vummadi of Fitoxa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Saismaran Vummadi.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into advocacy started when I interned at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering communities and promoting equity. At the time, I didn’t realize how much that experience would shape my path. I spent my days phone banking, helping register new voters, and reaching out to families who often didn’t have a voice in local decisions. By the end of my internship, I had made over 500 calls and helped 100+ people register to vote. That experience opened my eyes to how change starts—one conversation, one act of outreach at a time.

Not long after, I started noticing something troubling closer to home. I saw classmates and peers turning to vaping and alcohol—habits that were taking over more and more young people’s lives. It was hard to watch, and I realized this was becoming a national issue that needed local voices. That’s when I joined the Forsyth County Drug Awareness Council (FCDAC), where I began helping spread awareness about substance misuse among youth. Through FCDAC, I’ve helped organize booths and community events, coordinated a recovery walk for over 500 people, and distributed 100+ Deterra bags and Naloxone nasal sprays to schools, pharmacies, courts, and other community locations across Forsyth County.

Later, I branched out to another nonprofit called The Connections, which focuses on supporting people in recovery from substance misuse. Through The Connections, I’ve participated in coat drives, going around to different neighborhoods and restaurants to collect and deliver winter clothing to individuals reentering society after incarceration or recovery.

Looking back, what started as a small internship project turned into something that drives me every day—a commitment to help others find hope, recovery, and community support, and to use my voice to bring attention to issues that truly matter.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started getting involved in advocacy, one of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance being a student with taking on real community responsibilities. There were times when I’d have to juggle school, exams, and events I was helping organize for hundreds of people.

Another challenge was simply being young in spaces where most people were much older and more experienced. Early on, I sometimes felt like my voice didn’t carry the same weight, but I learned that passion and consistency can speak louder than age. Over time, by showing up, staying informed, and doing the work, I started earning that respect.

In substance abuse awareness especially, it can also be emotionally heavy. Talking to people who’ve lost loved ones or are struggling with addiction themselves can be difficult. But those experiences have taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of listening. Every challenge I’ve faced has only made my commitment stronger and reminded me why I started in the first place—to make a difference, even if it’s one person at a time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Fitoxa?
Alongside my advocacy work, I created Fitoxa—a youth-led brand and online business focused on empowering people to overcome their insecurities and live healthier, more confident lives. The idea came from seeing how social media and comparison culture often make people, especially teens, feel like they’re not enough. I wanted to build something that did the opposite—something that encouraged self-growth, positivity, and balance.

At Fitoxa, we specialize in promoting both physical and mental wellness through our products, content, and outreach. From fitness-inspired apparel to awareness campaigns about confidence and self-care, everything we create is meant to remind people that “fit” isn’t just about your body—it’s about your mindset and how you see yourself. What sets us apart is our mission-driven approach: we’re not just selling a brand, we’re building a movement that helps young people feel stronger, inside and out.

(https://fitoxa.store/collections/all)

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I see risk-taking as essential for growth. Starting Fitoxa and stepping into advocacy work at a young age meant entering spaces where I didn’t always feel experienced, but I learned that waiting to feel ready can hold you back. Launching a brand centered on people’s insecurities was also a leap of faith, but it taught me that meaningful change only happens when you’re willing to take bold steps and believe in your purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://forsythcountydrugawarenesscouncil.org/
• Other: https://forsythcountydrugawarenesscouncil.org/our-newsletters