Influential Woman · Math coaching and enrichment
Aditi Budhraja Sarkar
Founder and Educator, ThisMathisFun LLC, ThisMathisFun LLC
Ashburn, VA 20147
Her Story
About Aditi
Aditi is an educator and entrepreneur on a mission to transform how the next generation experiences mathematics. Her journey began as a top-scoring STEM student, but it was her time navigating the technical landscapes of the telecom, finance, and pharmaceutical industries that truly shaped her vision. Having seen firsthand that the most successful problem-solvers are masters of conceptual thinking, she launched her studio to move beyond rote methods and focus on deep, logical foundations. By blending creative teaching approaches and visual mediums, she helps students develop critical thinking and a genuine appreciation for the subject.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Aditi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a clear vision and a sense of strategic curiosity that keeps my work both focused and fresh. Whether I’m designing custom kits or experimenting with new mediums, I’m dedicated to making math an immersive experience. I’ve realized that if a student doesn't get it, I simply haven't found the right medium yet and it’s that consistency that keeps me digging until the 'aha!' moment finally clicks.
Math is a universal language, but the dialects can be dense. I like to think I have a finger on the pulse of the learner, providing the creative subtitles they need to appreciate the conversation. Ultimately, I believe that maintaining a growth mindset is essential to success, as it transforms every challenge into an opportunity for discovery and long-term impact.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received actually came from my young son during a time of financial adversity. In a moment when well-meaning people advised me to weigh in on safer and more conventional options, he simply reminded me to trust what genuinely excited me, and then take full ownership of it. That idea stayed with me because I’ve always been drawn to depth and understanding, especially in math, and I realized I didn’t have to follow a predefined path to pursue that. Instead, I chose to build something of my own by starting a math studio where I could teach in a way that emphasizes strong foundations, intuition, and creativity. It hasn’t been the easiest route, but it’s been the most meaningful one, because it reflects what I truly care about. That advice continues to guide me!
Following your heart gives you direction, but taking ownership is what transforms it into real impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to be patient with the process and invest in building a versatile skill set. Take the time to get a solid education, gain meaningful work experience, really understand how the field operates, and where your strengths naturally fit. That period helps you build not just skills, but perspective, especially when it comes to managing priorities and understanding what a sustainable work–life balance actually looks like. Entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding, but it also demands a level of maturity and self-awareness that comes with time and experience.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges for me at the moment is balancing personalization with scale. Digital marketing, for instance, is relatively new for me, and it’s been a learning curve to understand how to reach the right audience. At the same time, managing parent expectations can be complex, there’s often a desire for quick, visible results, while meaningful learning takes time and consistency. At the heart of it all is the individuality of each student, with different personalities, learning styles, and paces. Navigating these three aspects, learning how to effectively communicate, building trust with parents, and staying true to personalized teaching are the most meaningful opportunities in my work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My professional and personal life are guided by a holistic definition of wealth. I view wealth not just as financial success, but as the freedom of time, the pursuit of purpose, and the ability to make a meaningful impact. I fuel this vision through a commitment to family, a moderately disciplined routine, and keen focus on a healthy lifestyle. My simple goal is to 'live' life well.
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