When Nimisha Goyal ’02 (Master’s in Health Science) and Priya Gangwani ’05 (Master’s in Health Science) moved to the United States to attend the University of Indianapolis, they didn’t just earn degrees—they found a community. Now, as co-founders of Grassroot Projects, they’re creating that same sense of belonging for immigrant children and their families across Indiana and the state of Washington.
Goyal approached her graduate school search with intention. She researched the top physical therapy programs, focusing on those that offered financial aid and credited her clinical experience in India. UIndy stood out only for its competitive master’s in health science program. Once on campus, Goyal found a welcoming community that helped ease her transition to life in the U.S.
“What drew me to UIndy was the post-professional master’s program because I was already working as a physical therapist in India,” recalled Goyal. “It was a different approach that I appreciated. I also earned a graduate assistantship, so it was interesting learning how to be a physical therapist in the U.S. while also teaching clinically.”
Goyal and Gangwani met during their undergraduate studies in India, where Goyal, a few years ahead, became a mentor and friend. Although they attended UIndy at different times, Goyal’s positive experience in the master’s in health science program—along with the program’s unique neuroscience concentration—convinced Gangwani to apply.
Both Goyal and Gangwani credit UIndy as the place where their passion for community work was sparked. The hurdles they experienced as immigrants—adjusting to cultural norms, navigating on-campus employment, and coping with feelings of displacement—made them realize the need for greater support for immigrants.
“UIndy was my first immigrant experience,” reflected Goyal. “I remember, despite having a stipend and knowing the language, feeling displaced: having to learn the norms, the culture, the food. Everything was different.”
After graduating from UIndy, Goyal’s journey took her across the country as she pursued her doctorate, got married, and eventually settled in Seattle, Washington. Gangwani went on to work at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana and join the faculty at Indiana University as an adjunct professor.
No matter where life led them, their passion for service remained strong. When Goyal and Gangwani launched Grassroot Projects in 2017, they designed it to grow with them and meet families where they are.
“Nimisha and I were always wanting to give back,” said Gangwani. “As international students, we had the privilege of knowing the language. It was easier for us, but we had conversations about how difficult it can be for families with little children who come to the U.S. with nothing.”
Today, Grassroot Projects supports immigrant children and their families in over 30 cities across two counties in Washington and throughout Central Indiana. While the needs vary between communities, their mission remains the same: to empower children and families by removing barriers and giving them space to thrive.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” said Goyal. “We are a part of that village, and we take that responsibility seriously. Children from immigrant and refugee families are often forced to grow up too soon. They’re the ones translating, filling out paperwork, and talking to us over the phone. So our mission is to allow them to be kids a little bit longer and just enjoy their childhoods.”
One of their most relied-upon programs, Care and Connect, serves as a one-stop shop for immigrant families in need of essentials like hygiene products, baby formula, and clothing. The program takes this support one step further by customizing each care package to the family’s specific needs.
“Every time someone fills out the form, a staff member—who is bilingual—calls them to ask what they need,” explained Gangwani. “We want to give a voice to the families and customize their care. For example, we ask, ‘What kind of formula does your baby need?’ or ‘What kind of clothing do you want your child to wear?’”
Of all Grassroot Projects’ initiatives, the one dearest to Goyal and Gangwani is the Sponsor a Passion program, which provides scholarships for sports, arts, music, and STEM activities. These opportunities allow children to express themselves, make new friends, and experience joy and stability.
“We helped four sisters, whose family had fled Honduras due to gang violence, join an art class,” recounted Gangwani. “The first day, the kids were very quiet, not very communicative. But over the course of six weeks, we saw them become happier and open up. All they needed was an experience of normalcy.”
Grassroot Projects has already served thousands of children, including more than 1,200 representing over 32 countries in Indianapolis last year alone. The organization recently received a grant from United Way to expand its early literacy program, providing families with books, literacy kits, and support accessing local libraries.
Both Goyal and Gangwani continue to practice as physical therapists in their respective communities—Goyal in Washington and Gangwani in Indiana—while ensuring that Grassroot Projects delivers impactful programming across both states. Balancing their roles can be demanding, but the mission keeps them grounded.
“Every semester, I try to go to at least one program and sit with the kids,” said Gangwani. “When I see how happy they are, I think, ‘This is why we’re doing this.’ It’s all worth it.
“Every child has a right to be in any part of the world without having to give an explanation. That is our core value,” she continued. “It’s important that we invest in future generations and tell them they’re welcome and that we care about them as human beings.”
“Giving back is everyone’s responsibility,” added Goyal. “If we all looked at giving back as not a choice, nor a privilege, but instead as a responsibility, the world would be a much better place.”
To the next generation of UIndy students looking to make an impact, Goyal and Gangwani encourage starting with what you have and staying rooted in your passion.
“Don’t wait until you feel privileged enough to give back. Start however you can,” advised Goyal. “Don’t get bogged down worrying that you don’t know enough or that you’ll fail. If you’re passionate enough, it’ll work out.”
“Remember you will not know everything and that’s okay,” added Gangwani. “What you need is passion. That will drive you to get the resources you need.”
You can learn more about Grassroot Projects and their mission at https://www.grassrootprojects.org/.