Gaathri Chakka

Hi, I'm Gaathri Chakka, a student interested in innovation, economics, and business. I've been involved in several global organizations and have innovated solutions to people-centered problems, with the goal of equity and accessibility.

Work Experience

Research, business development, and finance experience across academia, startups, and global markets.

July 2026 — August 2026

Commodities & Global Markets Extern

Macquarie · Houston, TX

Selected as 1 of 5 externs from a competitive applicant pool for Macquarie's Houston office and received a $1,000 stipend.
Researched energy commodities market shocks (Strait of Hormuz conflict, Ukraine drone strikes) and their impact on oil/gas pricing.
Analyzed Macquarie's award-winning Natural Gas/LNG hedging strategy case study to understand risk management in volatile markets.
Presented research findings to senior leadership and built an industry network through mentor sessions with finance professionals.

Project 1 → Project 2 → Project 3 →

July 2025 — Present

Research Assistant for Dr. Priyanka Dwivedi

Texas A&M Mays Business School

Project 1 CEO Behavior and Gender

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Collected data from the 10-Ks and Annual Reports to Shareholders (ARS) of 300+ publicly traded companies across retail, finance, real estate, and management consulting.
Analyzed the letters to shareholders to identify CEO characteristics and how CEOs' behaviors shape decision-making within their companies.
Examined differences between male and female CEOs.

Project 2 Mega Events Literature Review

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Coded and analyzed about 200 articles on mega events, such as COVID-19, the Global Financial Crisis, and Chipotle's E. coli outbreak.
Used the analysis to determine how different mega events shape organizations and how those changes affect their stakeholders.
Findings from the analysis fed a proposal to the Journal of Management.

Project 3 Voice in Organizations Literature Review

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Reviewed literature on crises at the individual level, focusing on how stakeholders (employees, consumers, investors, regulators, and others) speak up.
Coded and analyzed 450 articles to determine whether each discussed silence or voice, and which stakeholder was involved.
Used the coding to identify the factors that influence speaking up, such as gender and ethnicity.

July 2025 — Present

Business Development Intern

Mehrzad & Associates

Worked under owner Nighat Mehrzad to help 100+ small businesses grow sales through marketing and financial advice, supporting their startup efforts.
Hosted 10+ events with businesses and created promotional materials for social media and in-person distribution using Canva and Adobe Illustrator.
Developed growth strategies — service bundles, social media planning, a networking event — to expand client reach, and redesigned entrepreneurship workshops to boost attendee engagement.

February 2025 — March 2025

Fellow

Civics Unplugged Civic Innovator Fellowship

Selected among the top ~10% of 3,000+ applicants for a Fellowship covering the future of cities, media and misinformation, law and government, AI and education, climate innovation, and reinventing justice.
Developed a four-pronged approach to ethically using AI in schools, addressing resistance to change and lack of resources — proposing pilot testing, stakeholder engagement, and compliance monitoring.

Solvathon → Case Brief →

Initiatives

Youth-led organizations and ventures I've founded, led, or grown.

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Peared

A 501(c)(3) youth organization centralizing local volunteering efforts from youth-led nonprofits.
Supported 70+ nonprofits and 300+ volunteers through social media, promotional materials, microgrants, and event logistics.
Featured on NPR's Hello Houston, Bold Journey Magazine, Scholars Budget, and Civics Unplugged.

Visit Site →

Chief Executive Officer

The Youth Economics Initiative

Organized and hosted EconBowl and EconOlympiad, reaching 1,000+ participants.
Launched CORE (Community of Rising Economists) to unite student economists worldwide.
Managed 170 staff working under executive board and 120+ chapters internationally, reaching about 7,000 active members.

Visit Site →

Innovator, Co-Founder, Business Developer

Clarity

A low-cost home microplastic detector and filter that builds a data map to power water-processing policy.
Recognized/endorsed by NASA officials, Equinor, and Katy Magazine for innovation in water safety technology.
Designed a hardware-and-data revenue model and piloted a 3D-printed prototype from concept to working device.

Visit Site → Watch Pitch → Innovation Brief →

Student Visionary, Junior Leadership Committee

Blood Cancer United Student Visionaries of the Year

Personally raised $2,500+ to support 55,000+ patients and fund 300+ treatment methods through LLS.
Guided Team Cure Seekers (20+ students) to raise $30,000+ over two years.
Hosted spirit nights with Jeremiah's, Junbi, and Cinco Ranch Feng Cha for patient support and policy reform.

Visit Site →

Director of Outreach

Girls For Business

Organized monthly education events — admissions advice, career panels, networking — with speakers from The Wharton School and Columbia University.
Led a team of 7 members coordinating outreach, partnerships, and weekly planning.
Helped grow the organization's reach to 6,000+ girls across 200+ regions worldwide.

Visit Site →

Writer

The Teen Magazine

Published opinion and analysis articles on media, technology, and gender, including "Why Are We Pitting Women Against Each Other?" and "Should We Ban TikTok?"
Analyzed the social, political, and environmental implications of digital platforms and online discourse.
Reached an audience of 5,100+ readers across published articles and online content.

Read Articles →

President

OTHS UNICEF

Hosted issue-based fundraisers through spirit nights and marathons, raising about $2,000 for global causes.
Educated the student body on malnutrition and food insecurity affecting developing nations.
Grew club membership by 400%, reigniting a previously inactive club.

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Competitions

National and global recognition in business, innovation, and speech & debate.

🏆 National Finalist

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

June 2025 — Competed in Sports and Entertainment Management, placing 2nd at ALC, 3rd at SLC, and 9th overall at the National Conference.

🏆 Global Finalist

The Conrad Challenge

March 2026 — Selected as 1 of 27 teams from 1,500+ globally to pitch Clarity at the NASA Space Center in Houston.

View Feature →

🏆 Semi-Finalist

The Diamond Challenge

March 2025 & March 2026 — Advanced to the pitch round (semi-finals) in the Social Innovation Pathway for Peared and Clarity — top 10%.

🏆 National Qualifier

Technology Student Association (TSA)

March 2026 — Competed in STEM Mass Media, placing 1st at regionals and 5th at state, qualifying for the national conference.

🏆 Varsity Competitor

Tompkins Speech & Debate

Competed in extemporaneous speaking and World Schools Debate, analyzing global political, economic, and social issues to develop persuasive, evidence-based, and ethical arguments.