Anisha grew up in Apache Junction, Arizona, where her parents, immigrants from India, managed a motel. During her high school years, Anisha balanced rigorous coursework with enormous responsibilities at home, managing the day-to-day operations of the family business while her parents struggled with serious health issues and financial challenges. Still, Anisha focused on her future. She graduated in the International Baccalaureate program at Westwood High School in Mesa, and is now a political science major in the Barrett Honors Program at Arizona State University.

“When you are starving, you would do anything to get the food that you so desperately need,” she said. “Likewise, to get the knowledge, the opportunities, and the future that I want, I would do almost anything.”

Anisha’s focus was always on serving others. During high school, she was an active volunteer in her community, raising money for international causes through the New Global Citizens organization. She regarded Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Sandra Day O’Connor as her role models because of their commitments to social justice and their achievements as women. She also promoted understanding of her Indian heritage and Hindu religion by participating in intercultural organizations and performing as a Bollywood dancer.

Throughout her college career, Anisha has followed in the footsteps of her idols by pursuing work in government and public service. She was a summer intern at the Center for American Progress in Washington D.C., where she worked on issues related to economics and higher education. She has also interned at the Office of Presidential Personnel at the White House and plans to pursue law school with the goal of one day being named to the Supreme Court herself. Most recently, Anisha was based in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. to serve as the College Caucus Chair on the Joe Sestak for Senate campaign.