We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vaishali Jha. Check out our conversation below.
Vaishali , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity matters more than anything else — even more than intelligence or energy. You can be smart and full of drive, but if you don’t have honesty or a strong moral compass, none of that really means much. Integrity is what defines who you are when no one’s watching. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s not easy or convenient. I’d rather surround myself with people who are genuine and trustworthy than people who just chase success at any cost.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there! I’m Vaishali Jha, a student at UC Berkeley who’s endlessly curious about how technology, psychology, and storytelling intersect to create meaningful change. I’m passionate about building spaces—both digital and real—that make people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
I’m currently involved with a few exciting projects that reflect that vision. With Caregena Conversations, I’ve been helping create open, honest discussions around mental health and emotional wellness—breaking stigma through dialogue and connection. With GloMood AI, I’m exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to support emotional well-being, making mental-health care more accessible and personalized for young adults. And with Lab Match Tracker, I’m diving into the intersection of education and innovation—helping students connect with research opportunities that truly fit their interests, values, and goals.
What makes my journey unique is that I’m still in the process of discovery—I’m learning, experimenting, and finding ways to merge creativity, empathy, and innovation. Whether it’s through technology, conversation, or collaboration, I want everything I do to reflect authenticity and integrity.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my understanding of how human connection and technology can coexist beautifully. My “brand,” in a sense, is all about being real, being curious, and building things that make life just a little kinder and smarter for everyone.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was curious, imaginative, and unapologetically myself. I was the kid who asked too many questions, dreamed too big, and felt everything deeply. I wasn’t afraid to fail or look silly—I just followed what made me feel alive. Somewhere along the way, expectations and labels crept in, but at my core, that same curious, creative spirit is still there—just learning to trust her instincts again and live in a way that feels true, not just impressive.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Breathe. Slow down. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Success isn’t a race — it’s a reflection of who you become along the way. Focus on you, and trust that the rest will follow. You’ve got more time than you think.
It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to rest. Growth doesn’t always look like constant motion — sometimes it looks like silence, self-reflection, and healing. The world will always tell you to go faster, to do more, to be more. But the truth is, you’re already becoming exactly who you need to be, even in the still moments.
Be kind to yourself. Celebrate the small wins, even the ones no one else sees. You don’t have to prove your worth through productivity or perfection. You’re allowed to take up space, to change directions, to grow at your own pace.
So breathe. You’re not behind — you’re just becoming.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people today are getting it wrong by overvaluing logic and underestimating humanity. We’re in this era where intelligence is measured by productivity, data, and optimization — but emotional intelligence, empathy, and genuine connection are often left behind.
Being smart isn’t just about knowing things — it’s about understanding people. I see so many brilliant minds who can build revolutionary tech but struggle to communicate with kindness or listen without judgment. That’s where we’re getting it wrong. We’re solving complex problems but forgetting that people — with their emotions, flaws, and stories — are at the center of it all.
The future doesn’t need smarter people; it needs wiser ones..
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I’d stop living for other people’s expectations. I’d stop overthinking my every move, trying to make everything perfect, or waiting for the ‘right time.’ I’d stop chasing validation and start chasing peace.
I’d pour my time into things that make me feel alive — deep conversations, spontaneous adventures, creative projects that light me up. I’d spend more time with people who make my heart feel safe, and less time trying to prove myself to the ones who don’t understand me.
I’d stop doubting myself so much and start trusting that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be — even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s timeline. Because if time is limited, I want to spend it living, not just existing.
Image Credits
Vaishali Jha received the Mayor of San Jose Commendation and Senator of California Recognition.
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