Arati warrier

Connect: arati@the-banyan-tree.org

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Austin, Texas where I was given countless opportunities to find my voice, whether that was through losing myself in reading, endless dance classes and camps, writing and performing poetry, or the caring adults I knew who genuinely valued and uplifted my opinions and hopes. As I got older, deepening my journey into art and social justice, I also found myself coming back again and again to youth work. At first, this looked like teaching classes to the younger students at my dance school and my peer to peer academic coaching on-campus job. I got my English and Asian American Studies double major and UTeach certificate from the University of Texas. This brought me to classroom teaching in Oakland, CA and working as a program manager at Youth Leadership Institute. Even outside of my paid jobs though, work with young people kept filling my cup, and I spent time helping organize Bay Area Solidarity Summer, a 5 day political action summer camp for 18-25 year old South Asians, and co-coaching the poetry slam team at UC Berkeley. As a person who feels comfortable on stage, who believes deeply in the power of creating spaces for people to be successful, and who leads with warmth, it’s no surprise that I kept returning to youth work. I took a brief break in 2024 to try new types of work, including working at a bookstore, and now, I return to youth work with sharpened skills, big energy, and a deep appreciation for showing up authentically. I’m so excited to spend my days surrounded by the laughter, creativity, and resilience of young people, and to learn from them as much as I hope they learn from me.

What motivates you to be part of the Banyan Tree?

It’s easy for me to look at the world and think about all the things I feel powerless to change. When I think about the work at The Banyan Tree, I’m reminded of how much we are able to accomplish when we choose to work together to make meaning in the face of adversity, trauma, and loneliness. I’m grateful to work at an organization that has such a strategic, thoughtful, and clear vision for supporting South Asian youth. What we start here can (and will!) create a community and space for our people to come back to and rely on for their whole lives.

If you could be a potato, how would you be prepared?

I’d be chopped and double fried, reborn as the perfect, crispy fries. Dipped in ketchup, aioli, or even a milkshake if you’re feeling fancy, and as deeply satisfying as a side dish or a midnight snack with all your best friends.

We asked our team, “What is Arati’s superpower?” Here’s what one person said.

“Arati’s warmth, exuberance, and energy are the first things you notice when you meet her. Her love for life, literature, and youth work is infectious and brightens any room she walks into. Her superpower is that she’s a star facilitator, who can bring energy, curiosity, and connection into any space. We are so lucky to have her at The Banyan Tree!”