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Aashna Taneja

655

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Aashna Taneja is a first-generation Indian immigrant and first-year law student at DePaul University College of Law. With a background in biomedical engineering from Tufts University and over a decade of experience in healthcare systems improvement, she has managed multi-institutional collaborations and federal contracts focused on advancing health equity and patient safety. As the founder of SAMNA, a nonprofit organization empowering women through mentorship and leadership initiatives, Aashna is passionate about addressing systemic inequities and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. Outside of her professional pursuits, she is a Guinness World Record holder and a hands-on innovator. Aashna taught herself how to DIY, completing a major home renovation and discovering a love for power tools and creative problem-solving.

Education

DePaul University

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Engineering Science
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
    • Law

Cornell University

Technical bootcamp
2022 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations

Tufts University

Master's degree program
2010 - 2013
  • Majors:
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Maharishi International University

Bachelor's degree program
2005 - 2009
  • Majors:
    • Biotechnology

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      law

    • 2014 – Present11 years

    Sports

    Marathon

    2021 – Present4 years

    Research

    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      Tufts — RA
      2010 – 2013

    Arts

    • Rythmology Dance

      Painting
      2002 – Present

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      SAMNA — President
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Lotus Scholarship
    Coming from a single-parent household and a low-income background has profoundly shaped my resilience and drive to make a difference. After my mother’s passing, my father took on the immense responsibility of raising my sibling and me while ensuring we had every opportunity for success. Despite financial constraints, he worked tirelessly to support our education and dreams, instilling in me a relentless work ethic and a deep appreciation for perseverance. These challenges taught me to navigate obstacles with determination and resourcefulness. When I arrived in the United States alone in 2010, I carried my family’s aspirations with me, determined to make their sacrifices worthwhile. I earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, launching a decade-long career in healthcare systems improvement. I worked on advancing health equity and patient safety but yearned to address inequities at their root. This realization led me to law school—a leap of faith driven by my desire to create systemic change. I have embraced challenges not only in my career but also in my personal life. In 2021, I ran the New York City Marathon in a traditional Indian outfit, setting a Guinness World Record. Undertaking this challenge without prior training was a tribute to my late mother and a celebration of the resilience of Indian women. It taught me that perseverance and cultural identity can be a source of strength. As the founder of SAMNA, a nonprofit focused on empowering women, I work to bridge socioeconomic gaps through mentorship and leadership initiatives. I’ve also taught myself how to DIY, renovating and flipping a home, which reinforced my belief in resourcefulness and growth through effort. I aspire to use my legal education to empower marginalized communities, challenge systemic barriers, and build a more equitable world—one step at a time.
    Aashna Taneja Student Profile | Bold.org