
Hobbies and interests
Running
Bodybuilding
Music
Hiking And Backpacking
Travel And Tourism
Latin Dance
Foreign Languages
Meditation and Mindfulness
Reading
Academic
Business
Art
Architecture
Cookbooks
Design
Environment
Economics
Gardening
How-To
Spirituality
Mystery
Science Fiction
I read books daily
Aashna Taneja
655
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Aashna Taneja
655
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
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.)Majors:
- Engineering Science
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Law
Cornell University
Technical bootcampMajors:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Tufts University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Maharishi International University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biotechnology
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
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 — RA2010 – 2013
Arts
Rythmology Dance
Painting2002 – Present
Public services
Advocacy
SAMNA — President2022 – 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.