Seleni Spotlight: Seema Bajaj, Executive Director

January 2022 - We are thrilled to welcome Seema Bajaj as our new executive director. We look forward to the Seleni community getting to know Seema as she settles into her new role and shares her perspectives on healthcare and reproductive mental health. We sat down with Seema for a Q&A. We hope you’ll read and learn more about our newest team member and follow her on LinkedIn.

Seema, welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Thank you, I’m thrilled to be here! I am the youngest daughter of first generation parents of Indian descent. My two older brothers and I were raised by supportive parents who instilled strong values in each of us. They took us to India to spend time with grandparents and family annually as well as broadened our world perspective by taking us to travel and experience diversity. With minimal means, they supported their extended family’s education and beginnings in the US, thereby teaching us the power of empowering and paying it forward. Because of their guidance, maintaining relationships and upholding values is of utmost importance to me. I am married and have four boys. It’s always chaotic but it works and I can’t imagine it another way

What led you to want to work in the healthcare field?

My healthcare background starts with my grandparents, father, brothers, sisters and cousins, all in the medical profession. Seeing the impact they had on their patients’ lives created a respect for the healthcare profession at an early age. I went to Emory University, a large university and health system, after which I started a research role at Columbia University. My healthcare journey began at Columbia, where I worked on a clinical trial for Alzheimer’s disease. In that role I saw how the administrative work behind research and clinical initiatives was fulfilling, meaningful and critical – critical to the point that it could make or break success for those on the front lines of research and clinical endeavors.  I continued my career at the American College of Rheumatology, where I developed nonprofit experience focused on mission-based research and education. All these experiences led me to pursue my education at NYU for my MPA in health policy, finance and management, and I’m so grateful for where it has led me in my career.

What most excites you about joining Seleni as executive director?

I find working with an organization focused on servicing the source – the parents in the family building years – to be powerful. The messaging – Change a mother’s life, change a child’s life – resonates with my professional and personal life. Seleni is the logical fit coming from pediatrics, and I feel fortunate to be given this opportunity to work with individuals committed to such an important mission. The founders’ dedication to the purpose is a leading light to continue the great work already accomplished.

What is your favorite podcast, movie, book, or magazine, related to the field of mental health?

I enjoy any media based on real-life mental health struggles. I find there are elements of mental health in many venues from podcasts to Netflix series to MasterClasses. I also find importance in using children’s programming to bring awareness to all ages, and I partake with my own children, as you can see from some selections from my list below. .

• Five Days at Memorial 

• Ron’s Gone Wrong

• Inside Out 

• Ted Lasso

• TED Talk by Nora McInerny on Grief 

• Former PepsiCo CEO’s Indra Nooyi’s “Leading with Purpose” MasterClass

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

I have been given two pieces of advice that remain with me. Both of these are simple mantras that highlight perseverance, passion and staying the course to achieve the mission. “Failure is not an option” and “Don’t take no for an answer.”

With self-improvement on many people’s minds at this time of year, what are some self-care tips you can give?

Set realistic goals, ones that provide joy and can be achieved. Figure out what brings you happiness, and it doesn't need to be complex. Sometimes it can be the simplest thing you do daily that helps set your day or refocus your day in a better direction.

Learn more about Seema here and read the press release.