Padmaja Nandigama
Padmaja Nandigama is a seasoned psychologist, educator, and entrepreneur, with a career spanning over 25 years in higher education and mental wellness. After earning her Ph.D. in Psychology from Wayne State University, she taught at multiple universities including Northeastern University, Wayne State University, Mercy college of Ohio, Schoolcraft College, Eastern Michigan University, University of Detroit Mercy, and Oakland University developing curriculum and mentoring students while balancing family life. Her academic focus includes cross-cultural psychology, biopsychology, and holistic approaches to mental health, and she has published work on relationship building and cultural differences. In addition to her academic career, Padmaja has built a reputation as a motivational speaker, life coach, and community leader. She produces professional development and inspirational content on her YouTube channel “Life Musings by Padmaja Nandigama” and has coached professionals in leadership, conflict management, stress reduction, and effective communication. Her commitment to giving back is evident through her volunteer work as a judge, organizer, speaker, and mentor across a variety of educational and community organizations, including the North South Foundation and the Telugu Association of North America. Padmaja founded Ojasvi Holistic Health, a health and wellness organization based in India that focuses on in-home and online services, particularly for geriatric and underserved populations. She manages operations from Detroit, bringing together medical professionals, life coaching, and online mental wellness therapy to make healthcare more accessible and culturally sensitive. Through Ojasvi, she also supports young doctors in launching their own clinics, demonstrating her philosophy that professional growth and community service should go hand in hand. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to education, wellness, and creating meaningful impact.
• Wayne State University- Ph.D.
• Wayne State University- M.A.
• University of Hyderabad- M.Sc.
• Catalyst for Change Award
• Community Service Awards from 3 Indian Diaspora Associations
• Young Scientist Award
• Best Poster Award at International conference for mental health and wellness- Boston 2025.
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Pro Bono Life Coaching and Counseling in Metro Detroit Community
• Mental Wellness Camps
• Academic Advising
• North South Foundation
• Organizing Community Medical Education Gatherings
• Telugu Association of North America
• Supporting Immigrant Acculturation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to over 25 years of dedicated teaching and service, finding fulfillment in the daily feedback from students and knowing I’ve positively impacted many lives. Being curious, learning, unlearning, relearning, reinventing myself, persistence, rather than seeking quick wins, building relationships, positive living and thinking have been key to my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have learned a lot by observing my mentors, that one has to take time to understand who you are, Your values, Your strengths,Your limits. That clarity becomes your foundation. If you become someone who can learn, unlearn, and relearn—you will always have a place. Clarity comes from action, not by waiting.
Dont wait for perfect moment, be inquisitive, be ready to take chances. Write your own story, follow your own path, find your purpose. Conceive, believe and achieve has been my motto.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to embrace the long-term nature of building a career, persistence, continuous learning, realistic planning over expecting overnight success, while also considering paths that support a healthy work–life balance. Reflect often and remember—your worth is not tied to your productivity. Define and Design your own success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being an accidental entrepreneur, I am learning on the job.
There are lot of opportunities for service in health care and we strive to be the best in the industry. Providing affordable, personalized health care for older patients at the convenience of their home is Ojasvi’s mission.
The key challenges are keeping the team motivated, building the brand, marketing our services, sustaining the momentum and creating an impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work are integrity, honesty, empathy, equality and service. As an educator and life coach, I mentor, coach and provide resources on professional, academic and wellness matters. As a founder, CEO of Ojasvi holistic health, I enjoy the autonomy, creative freedom, flexibility, professional and personal satisfaction. Ojasvi mission is two fold, we want to mentor and provide resources and infrastructure to young upcoming physicians and therapists and help them establish their careers so they can serve the community at large.
While managing Ojasvi remotely from metro Detroit, I strive to balance work- life by maintaining a healthy life style, staying connected with my family and friends, taking nature walks, cultivating hobbies like painting, cooking and traveling. Finding my purpose through service gives me joy and happiness.