About YADA

Ramya Ranganathan Srinivas is a dancer, choreographer, guru, and engineer with a Master's in Electronics Engineering from USC. She is the creative arts director of Amba Anandeswari Kalalaya AZ wing, training the next generation of Devanrityam and Bharatanatyam performers. Professionally, she is a Validation Architect at Intel, while her passion lies in nurturing young artists and bridging cultural gaps.

Moved by how promising young artists often drop out during high school, Ramya launched “Jagadananda Karaka” in 2015, a youth artist showcase that has run successfully for five years. This led to the founding of Youth Artists Development Association (YADA) — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Arizona. YADA empowers youth artists by offering continuous learning, feedback, and performance opportunities, blending Indian classical arts with innovative approaches.

Since 2020, YADA has hosted numerous events, including live performances, chamber concerts, workshops, meditation sessions, and the first-ever Margazhi Yuva Utsav in the US, uniting global youth artists. YADA also hosts Anandotsav, now with 53 editions, and collaborates with Bharat Heritage Organization to promote Bharat's arts, architecture, and Agamas.

The YADA Youth Leadership Committee plays a crucial role in these activities, exemplifying excellence and teamwork. Ramya invites the community to support YADA's mission by volunteering (including through corporate programs) or donating using YADA's EIN: 83-4340329. Youth volunteers gain meaningful experience for school and beyond.

To learn more or get involved, reach out at youthartists.az@gmail.com.