Sanja is a graduate of Soka University of Japan, where she majored in International Liberal Arts and wrote her capstone on student motivation for learning within schooling. Her research is inspired by Daisaku Ikeda, whose philosophy highlights the importance of humanism and mission in life. She seeks to carry these ideas forward in the ways she contributes to education and community.

She is currently raising funds and organizing community events with the aim of starting her own business, “Little Lantern.” Her goal is to address the erosion of community and the rise of isolation in our increasingly capitalistic and technologically driven society by reintroducing the qualities that define strong communities.