Abby Epperson
President
abby.epperson@nchosa.org
Abby Epperson serves North Carolina HOSA as President for the 2024-2025 academic year. Currently attending Mount Airy High School, Abby is a senior and has been an active HOSA member for over six years. Abby has plans to become a nurse practitioner with specialities in obstetrics and gynecology. Abby joined HOSA as a sixth grade student and instantly knew that healthcare was her calling. She received 1st place twice at the HOSA International Leadership Conference. Abby aspires to find more opportunities for NC HOSA members to grow as healthcare professionals. Abby has competed and participated in many HOSA supported service opportunities and Abby feels that this work drives her purpose. Aside from HOSA, Abby is an avid volleyball player, impeccable cook, and diligent student. Using the skills and knowledge she has gained from her year as President-Elect, Abby is extremely excited to work with Team 49 to help NC HOSA continue to be “Powered by People!”
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” - Ms. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus”
Aanandi Thakur
President-Elect
aanandi.thakur@nchosa.org
North Central Region/Northeast Region State Officer
Aanandi Thakur serves as the 2024-2025 President-Elect of North Carolina HOSA. A student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Aanandi has been an active HOSA member for three years, placing at the International Leadership Conference four times. Through its competitive event Community Awareness, HOSA ignited her passion for public health advocacy and the use of educational initiatives to address healthcare inequity.
Fueled by her interest in healthcare innovation, Aanandi aspires to pursue a career in radiology. As President-Elect, she brings her creativity, passion, and dedication to creating a strong NC HOSA community “powered by people”. Aanandi is excited to collaborate with Team 49 to drive HOSA's mission and support students in becoming global health leaders!
“Don’t fear failure, fear not having the chance.” - Cruz Ramirez (Cars 3)
Clara Smith
Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President
clara.smith@nchosa.org
Clara Smith serves North Carolina HOSA as Post-Secondary/Collegiate Vice President for the 2024-2025 academic school year. A freshman at Pfeiffer University, Clara has been a HOSA member for three years. Clara studies Biology/Pre-Med as she seeks to become an Autopsy Physician. Clara joined Topsail High School’s HOSA chapter her junior year and, thanks to the overwhelming support from her advisor, realized her passion for helping others. Clara’s dream for HOSA is to be accessible to as many students as possible-from rural areas to major universities. The impact her comparatively small chapter made on her educational aspirations was colossal, and this propels Clara’s mission of growth for membership. Outside of HOSA, Clara enjoys trying new things, spending time with loved ones, volunteering, and reading. Clara is beyond ecstatic to join Team 49 as we recognize that HOSA is truly “Powered By People!”
“We should always be aspiring to know more, and to better ourselves, and to improve ourselves. To improve ourselves, because that’s how we improve the world around us, by working within us.” - Lauryn Hill
Samanyu Manjunath
Vice President
samanyu.manjunath@nchosa.org
Northwest Region/Piedmont Triad Region State Officer
Samanyu Manjunath is currently serving as the Vice President of North Carolina HOSA for the 2024-2025 academic year. As a senior at the Early College at Guilford, Samanyu has been an active HOSA member since his freshman year. With a passion for global health, Samanyu aims to become a physician, specializing in oncology or cardiology. Samanyu’s vision for NC HOSA is centered on building strong connections and a supportive community where every member feels seen and heard. By fostering collaboration and shared growth, Samanyu aims to continue empowering HOSA members to explore, grow, and make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Aside from HOSA, Samanyu loves to read, do Taekwondo, and bake. Thrilled to be a part of Team 49, Samanyu is dedicated to inspiring all NC HOSA members to be “Empowered By People” and achieve their highest potential!
“When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole.” - Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
Tess Totten
Secretary
tess.totten@nchosa.org
Western Region/Southwest Region State Officer
Tess Totten serves North Carolina HOSA as the 2024-2025 Secretary. Stepping into her junior year at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Durham, Tess is passionate about a career in Neuroscience. Tess joined HOSA as a freshman but has been dedicated to giving back to her community and being deeply involved in HOSA. Tess has competed in the Forensic Science partner event which taught her the importance of teamwork and commitment in the healthcare space. Tess aspires to increase the membership of HOSA and showcase all HOSA has to offer. Aside from HOSA, Tess is a driven student, avid tennis player, and passionate Swiftie. Tess is grateful for the opportunity to serve on Team 49 and is thrilled to help HOSA members find their passion within healthcare!
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams
Emily Nethala
Historian
emily.nethala@nchosa.org
Sandhills Region/Southeast Region State Officer
Emily Nethala serves North Carolina HOSA as Historian for the 2024-2025 academic year. She is currently attending Marvin Ridge High School. Emily is a senior and has been an active member of HOSA for the past 3 years. Eventually, she plans to pursue a career in surgery with a specialization in GI. Emily was inspired by her seniors and joined HOSA as a freshmen in high school, quickly gaining chapter leadership positions before running for state office. She has always had a passion for healthcare and hopes to use this position to help herself and others grow in their journey as future health professionals. Furthermore, Emily has competed in multiple competitive HOSA events and earned the Barbara James Gold Service award. Besides HOSA, Emily adores soccer and basketball, and has played both sports for several years. She serves in the Calvary Church Choir and participates in many extracurricular activities outside of HOSA such as National BETA Honors Society, National Honors Society, and Science Olympiad. Her favorite hobby is reading. Emily is extremely excited to work with Team 49 to display to all NC HOSA members that HOSA is “Powered by People!”
"There is nothing impossible for those who will try."
— Alexander the Great