Endometriosis Education & Awareness
A Women's Health Initiative — Sponsored and Hosted by NPREMA Since January 2025
Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 people who menstruate — yet it often goes undiagnosed for years. At NPREMA, we are committed to changing that. Through Shine Endo Awareness, our student-led endometriosis initiative, we bring evidence-based education, community support, and advocacy to the next generation of healthcare professionals and the patients they will serve.
About The Program
Shine Endo Awareness
The Endometriosis Initiative, also known as Shine Endo Awareness, is an education and advocacy project founded by Sophia Tarasenko as a Girl Scout Gold Award project. It is now an official program of NPREMA's Women's Health Initiative.
Spread Health Information on Endometriosis.
Origin of The Initiative
Sophia Tarasenko is the founder of Shine Endo Awareness (shineendoawareness.com), an endometriosis education project she created as a Girl Scout Gold Award project. Sophia is a Duke University student who has personal and advocacy-driven reasons for raising awareness about endometriosis.
In January 2025, Prof. Noble Zaghi introduced Sophia to NPREMA's Women's Health Initiative director Brushie (Dobrushе) Denburg with the express purpose of bringing Sophia's project under the NPREMA umbrella. Sophia also works with the ENPOWR Project (Endometriosis Foundation of America) — a free, youth-centered education program for schools, colleges, and communities.
Initiative Timeline
Learn About Endometriosis
Explore key topics to understand endometriosis, its impact, and how to take action.
Meet The Team
Sophia Tarasenko
Founder & Initiative Lead, Shine Endo Awareness at NPREMA
Sophia Tarasenko is the founder of Shine Endo Awareness, a Girl Scout Gold Award project dedicated to educating schools and communities about endometriosis. A Duke University student, she partners with EndoFound’s ENPOWR Project and leads the initiative under NPREMA’s Women’s Health Initiative to expand awareness nationwide.
Bhavna Sonare
Regional Manager
Bhavna Sonare holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Binghamton University, with experience in biomedical research, clinical care, and community volunteering. She is passionate about STEM education and mentoring students, offering tutoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and SAT Math. She speaks English and Hindi.
Olivia Carrafiell
Policy Development & Advocacy Lead
Olivia is a University of Pennsylvania graduate with a background in philosophy, pre-medical studies, and translational medical research. She supports NPREMA’s women’s health advocacy and policy initiatives, with a strong commitment to equitable healthcare, patient education, and community engagement. She speaks English and French.
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