Meet Lipika Devara

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lipika Devara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lipika, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by being present in the moment. I find inspiration in the small, often overlooked moments of daily life—like the way rain sounds against a window or how someone’s expression changes mid-conversation. I love talking to people, even strangers, and building real connections. These conversations often lead to unexpected stories that spark new ideas.

Some of my favorite creative sparks have come from lived experiences and oral storytelling—especially through my grandma, Annapoorna. Listening to her stories growing up, filled with wisdom, emotion, and vivid detail, taught me the beauty of passing down life through words. Whether it’s those personal moments or someone else’s shared journey, creativity, for me, flows through connection, presence, and deep listening.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Music has always been my emotional outlet and the truest way I connect with others. I’ve been singing since I was a child, and I’m now pursuing a minor in music in college, specializing in Carnatic, Western classical, and opera. I’ve found joy in collaborating with musicians from all walks of life—engineers, pre-med students, and artists—who share the same passion for creating something that resonates.

What excites me most is using music as a bridge for healing. I’ve recently begun collaborating with researchers and fellow musicians to compose original pieces for underserved communities—music that speaks to mental health, identity, and resilience. As the lead vocalist, I work alongside talented friends who play piano, violin, and guitar to create performances that aren’t just artistic—they’re deeply human.

That passion for mental health and community also drives my nonprofit, A.W.E (Addressing Wellness & Equity), which I founded to expand access to mental health education in marginalized communities and global equity. We’ve hosted multiple Mental Health Awareness Events reaching over 500 attendees, partnering with other youth-led organizations to tailor culturally responsive experiences. Our most recent event on May 17th marked a milestone—bringing together 100+ attendees for guest speakers, interactive stations, and community healing. It was the first time we collaborated with the Red Cross on this scale, and it reminded me how powerful youth-led initiatives can be.

While I continue to volunteer with the Red Cross in various leadership roles, it’s the intersection of art and advocacy—music and mental health—that fuels my purpose. Whether I’m singing a solo or organizing an event, I’m always chasing that same feeling: the spark that happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three of the most impactful skills I’ve developed along my journey are time management, learning to prioritize what truly matters, and learning to say no.

In the beginning, I used to say yes to everything—every opportunity, meeting, and collaboration—because I didn’t want to miss out. But I quickly learned that trying to do it all isn’t sustainable, and not everything deserves equal time and energy. Learning to be selective—protective even—of my time allowed me to pour more of myself into the things that truly aligned with my purpose.

To anyone just starting out, especially those who are driven and eager to make change: start by looking inward. Ask yourself what really moves you—what issues or experiences you can’t stop thinking about. When you understand your “why,” everything else becomes easier to navigate. Your path won’t feel as scattered because it will be rooted in intention. From there, you can build the time management skills and boundaries needed to pursue that purpose with clarity and sustainability.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly, I’d say myself—because at the end of the day, in this life, you are the only constant you truly have. I’ve had to rely on my own resilience, reflection, and self-discipline to overcome challenges and grow. But I also wouldn’t be where I am without the quiet, unwavering support of my family.

My parents and grandparents have never questioned what I do—they’ve simply supported me. That kind of unconditional encouragement, especially in fields like mental health, music, and nonprofit work, where the path isn’t always traditional, has meant everything. Their belief in me gave me the space to believe in myself. And while I’ve had to do the inner work to grow and still am working on myself on a lot of things, knowing they’re standing behind me has made the journey far less lonely.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://addressingwellness.wixsite.com/awengo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.w.e_ngo/
• Other: https://addressingwellnessandequity.carrd.co