Feel Heard.
Our Vision

Feel heard whenever you need it most.

Our mission is to create a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing what’s on their minds during moments of difficulty.

180K

Empowering interactions

1K

Students empowered

500

Empathic listeners (Vira)

Built by students, for students.

The dreamers behind Viranda's vision
Shaked
Shaked Yacoby
CTO
OSU
Paige Shane
Community leader
Hla Htun​
Full-Stack Developer
Keyla Leger
Community leader

Our story

When I was 14, I visited my grandmother in a remote village. With no kids my age around, I felt out of place and hesitant to share my thoughts with the older adults there, fearing judgment or indifference. This self-imposed silence left me feeling isolated.

One day, I discovered my grandmother’s veranda, a bright, sunlit room filled with glass windows. The space had a magical way of making my loneliness disappear. I didn’t feel judged or out of place there—I simply felt at ease, like I could be myself.

Years later, when I founded Viranda, I wanted to recreate that feeling—a safe, light-filled space where people could express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or loneliness. I chose the name Viranda instead of veranda because in our space, you’re not alone. You’re joined by anonymous friends called Vira, inspired by the Sanskrit word for “hero.” These empathetic listeners are there to make sure you feel heard and supported in your own safe, judgment-free room.

Pavel Israelsky
Founder & CEO

Led by world-class mental health professionals

Meet our advisory board
Prof. Avraham Schweiger​
Prof. Avraham Schweiger​​, Ph.D.
Researcher & Clinical Psychologist, NY
Dr. Naama Hofman​​​
Dr. Naama Hofman, Ph.D
Clinical Psychologist, NY
Omri Gillath
Prof. Omri Gillath, Ph.D.
Prof. of psychology at KU
Avi Kluger
Prof. Avi Kluger, Ph.D.
Prof. of Organizational Behavior at HUJI
Dr. Naava Yoeli-Bligh​
Dr. Naava Yoeli-Bligh​​, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Avi Kluger
Prof. Avi Kluger, Ph.D.
Prof. of Organizational Behavior at HUJI
Shira Hon-Lahav​​
Shira Hon-Lahav, M.A.
Psychoanalyst, NY

Why we do what we do?

In a world that’s always online, it’s wild how many students still feel lonely—nearly 63% according to the ACHA. The stress of college life, fear of being judged, and the pressure to fit in can leave anyone feeling isolated. That’s why we created Viranda—because every student deserves a place to be heard and understood.

Physical consequences of poor connection can be devastating

29%

Increased risk of heart disease

32%

increased risk of stroke

50%

increased risk of dementia

Source: U.S. Public Health Service Report, 2023

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