In a generous act of community support, Lavanya and Sharat Nagaraj have established the Nagaraj Family Nest Endowment to combat food insecurity among students at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Created through the Wake Tech Foundation, the endowment will serve as a permanent funding source for The Nest, the college’s on-campus food pantry, ensuring a consistent supply of bulk food items for students in need.
The Nest, which serves approximately 1,000 students annually, is a vital part of Wake Tech’s Care Center, a comprehensive support hub aimed at helping students achieve their educational and career aspirations. In addition to providing accessible, free food pantries across Wake Tech campuses, The Nest offers monthly shopping opportunities, nutrition education, and connections to community resources. It also allows students to place personalized food orders, accommodating their preferences and dietary requirements. By addressing food insecurity in such a holistic way, The Nest empowers students to focus on their education without the added stress of worrying about basic necessities.
The Nagaraj family’s donation reflects their commitment towards community well-being and supporting student success. Speaking about the endowment, the Nagarajs expressed their dedication to the cause, saying, “We’re honoured to support The Nest and Wake Tech’s commitment to ensuring students have access to essential resources. Our hope is that this endowment will contribute to the incredible work already being done to help students succeed.” Their generosity was warmly acknowledged by Wake Tech’s vice president of development and strategic partnerships, Matt Smith, who noted, “We are grateful to Lavanya and Sharat for their kind and generous spirit. Their dedication to Wake Tech and our students will have a lasting legacy.”
Dr. Lavanya Nagaraj, a board-certified dermatologist with Blue Ridge Dermatology, brings an impressive educational and professional background to her community efforts. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with Highest Honors from North Carolina State University and graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her internship and residency in dermatology at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Specializing in general dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and skin cancer surgery, Dr. Nagaraj is also a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, reflecting her dedication to professional excellence and patient care.
Sharat Nagaraj is the founder and President/CEO of Celito Communications, a Raleigh-based technology firm he launched in 1999 while studying Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. With a passion for providing ‘desktop to the Internet’ solutions, Sharat has been a driving force in the local business community. Over the years, he has shared his expertise in network security by teaching corporate and governmental organizations and implementing security systems nationwide. Beyond his professional achievements, Sharat is a committed advocate for arts, education, and children’s charities. He has served as the Board Chair at Marbles Kids Museum and is a current Trustee of The North Carolina Symphony, embodying his dedication to giving back to the community.
The Nagaraj Family Nest Endowment highlights the family’s enduring commitment to education, community support, and the well-being of students. By ensuring that The Nest remains a sustainable resource, the endowment will have a lasting impact on the lives of students at Wake Tech. As the college community celebrates this meaningful contribution, it stands as a reminder of the transformative power of generosity and the importance of addressing food insecurity to pave the way for student success.