Book Presentation to Congresswoman Andrea Salinas
U.S. Representative for Oregon's 6th Congressional District
I recently presented my book to Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, and discussed with their office about the journey of turning challenges into opportunities and the importance of youth leadership in shaping our future. Looking forward to discuss takeaways and share with community soon!
Recent visits and community engagements
Senator Reynolds - Oregon Capitol Visit
Visit with Senator Lisa Reynolds
Visited the Oregon Capitol and met with Senator Lisa Reynolds to discuss Puddletown Chess and share the journey documented in "Audacity to Start."
"Ishaan is a junior at Jesuit High School. He founded and runs a nonprofit, Puddletown Chess, which teaches chess to metro area students. His monthly tournaments draw hundreds of players and he has raised money for his nonprofit to grow the game! I first met him and his father a few years ago so he could tell me about Puddletown. Well, he has now written and published a book about his Puddletown experience! He brought me a copy the other day. I plan to go to one of his tournaments after session. What a great kid, great family, and we wish him well on his future."
— Senator Lisa Reynolds' Newsletter
Rep Grayber - Oregon Capitol Visit
Visit with State Representative Dacia Grayber
Met with State Representative Dacia Grayber at the Oregon State Capitol to share the journey of building Puddletown Chess and discuss "Audacity to Start."
"This week, I had the joy of welcoming Ishaan Kodarapu to the Capitol. I first met Ishaan in 2023 when I arranged a chess tournament for legislators to play against students from the Oregon Scholastic Chess Federation. Needless to say, the students won every game. Since then, Ishaan has started and scaled a non-profit, Puddletown Chess, and has donated more than $80,000 back into the community in the last three years. He also wrote a book detailing his journey building Puddletown called, 'Audacity to Start: A Teen's Journey to Launch, Lead, and Build What Matters Most'. I was so honored to receive a copy of his book during his visit and hear all about what is giving him hope right now. I was moved by his positivity and investment in his community and I look forward to sharing more about his story in my next newsletter!"
— State Representative Dacia Grayber
I speak at schools, libraries, youth programs, and community events. Let's create something meaningful together.