Chopra Family
Designed for teens and parents, Honeycomb’s Leadership Corp (HLC) continues building on leadership skills through service.
Annika Chopra (age 15) recently joined the HLC after several years of volunteering with Honeycomb Project. “Annika has a unique connection with Honeycomb,” says mom, Gauri. “It just seemed very natural that Annika would apply to the HLC so she could develop her leadership skills while helping to carry out the pioneering mission of Honeycomb.”
Annika, a sophomore at British School, says “I always leave a project feeling like I did something good for people and I was able to make someone’s day better, even if it is on a very small scale.”
Gauri and her husband, Raj, are extremely proud to see their daughter blossom through a love of service. Their son, Vikram (age 13), also participates since they found Honeycomb several years ago.
The Chopras feel Honeycomb provides families rich experiences to engage in together as opposed to other activities families might do on weekends. They also feel Honeycomb introduces volunteers to many organizations supporting Chicago communities, providing these organizations with additional support and awareness.
Gauri adds that Annika especially loves projects that make direct connections. Some of her favorites include hosting a senior social at the Lincoln Perry Apartments in Douglas, where families host a potluck dinner for residents and engage with them through games, crafts and music.
“Annika loves working with others in the community,” mom continues. “Another family favorite is making meals and bringing it over to Ignite’s Belfort House” (a 24-bed transitional housing program located in Bronzeville).
Gauri looks forward to spending quality time with Annika learning to lead HLC projects together, noting that in a few years she will be off to college. “Honeycomb just speaks to me and my family,” says Gauri. “Annika joining the HLC this year is a more formal way to be a part of an amazing organization that’s special to us.”
“We really value that Annika can continue to give back by helping engage kids and families in these activities and serving as an ambassador for Honeycomb in the community,” says Gauri. “It is also important that she continue to make connections with members of our community that she would otherwise never meet… this provides a lot of perspective — especially growing up as a teenager in today’s world.”
Annika adds that she’s looking forward to leading projects with her mom and making a difference in people’s lives. “I think that I can make even more of a difference in the community and I am excited to get started!”
The Chopra’s are proud Honeycomb Holiday Cheer Challenge committee members and sponsors. Outside of Honeycomb, the Chopra Family keeps busy. Gauri is an attorney and works for Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and Raj is a business owner. Annika enjoys playing tennis and works hard in her studies. Vikram likes playing baseball and the electric guitar. The family lives in the South Loop and loves to travel, spend time outdoors and cook family meals together.