New Delhi: When international students arrive in the U.S., they usually focus on adjusting to new academics and adapting to cultural differences, making entrepreneurship feel like a distant goal. But for Ramya Tulasi Dega and Swetha Maadugula from Hyderabad, Telangana, that journey turned into something much bigger. While pursuing their Master of Science in Entrepreneurial Leadership at Texas A&M University, they found purpose in their shared experiences as immigrant students, which ultimately inspired them to build a nonprofit centered on mental health and wellness.
In 2023, they founded Healing Circle USA, a nonprofit shaped by personal experience and the growing need to support students and young professionals struggling with mental health. Having faced these challenges themselves, the duo recognized the deep-rooted cultural stigma around mental health and the unique pressures international students encounter — from loneliness to academic stress and the lack of accessible care.
Their story redefines what it means to be an international student. Instead of merely adapting to their surroundings, Ramya and Swetha became changemakers, showing that even far from home, young people can create meaningful impact and build organizations that empower thousands.
Since its inception, Healing Circle USA has reached and impacted countless young people across the U.S. and globally and has positively impacted more than 2000 young people directly through their wellness services. The organization has been recognized in the Roam College Weekly Newsletter, which reaches over 1,900 subscribers and more than 26,500 international students worldwide, highlighting the profound influence of its programs. Through workshops, wellness events, community-building initiatives, and advocacy campaigns. Healing Circle USA has been selected as an Aggie founder’s project for MGMT 680: Business & Corporate Strategy and MGMT 466: Strategic Management courses at Mays Business School, Texas A&M University. Healing Circle empowers students and young professionals to prioritize mental health, cultivate resilience, and embrace holistic well-being.
The founders, Ramya Tulasi Dega and Swetha Maadugula, have also expanded Healing Circle’s impact through participation in the Eforall Business Accelerator Program, gaining critical skills in scaling social ventures. Additionally, the organization was recognized as one of 15 changemaking projects worldwide under the MindForward Program by UNLEASH and RIVET, reflecting its global potential and innovative approach to youth mental health and wellness.
Healing Circle USA’s growth reflects the resilience of its founders and their lived experiences in the mental health field. Through campus workshops, strategic partnerships, and community events, they are breaking down barriers and making wellness inclusive. Their journey is a reminder that immigrant stories are not just about survival, they are also about leading with purpose, creating impact, and shaping the future of mental health advocacy.
