Tanya Sanjay Hema

She/Her/Hers
MSSM, 2026

This is how to say my name:

 

What unique skills or interests do you bring to the iii?

I bring a unique mix of technical experience, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep interest in solving meaningful, user-centered problems. Having worked as a software developer at Stanford, I’ve been part of projects that improved security, accessibility, and user experience—often under tight deadlines and challenging circumstances. I’ve collaborated closely with designers, product managers, and security experts, which sparked my passion for product strategy. Outside of work, I’m driven by impact—especially in health tech, inspired by personal experiences. I’m excited to bring this blend of empathy and curiosity to the iii community, and to learn from others equally passionate about innovation and technology.

Why MSSM?

I chose the MSSM program because it uniquely combines technical depth with product and business strategy—ideal for my transition from software development into product management. I’ve seen how critical it is to align engineering with user needs and business goals. MSSM’s hands-on, innovation-driven approach and its strong industry connections make it the perfect environment to develop the product mindset, leadership skills, and cross-functional perspective I’m aiming for. It’s a practical, focused alternative to a traditional MBA, and a strong fit for my career goals.

Education

Visvesvaraya Technological University & Computer Science

What type of role are you looking to obtain after you graduate?

After graduation, I’m aiming for a product management role where I can leverage both my technical background and newly gained business acumen to lead cross-functional teams and build software solutions. I’m particularly interested in working on products that have an impact—whether in health tech, edtech, or enterprise tools—and want to focus on user-centered innovation, strategic decision-making, and scaling technology effectively. I see this as a stepping stone toward long-term leadership in product and technology.