Hi, I’m Tajila Mullahkhel.

I was born in Afghanistan and spent my early childhood in Pakistan before moving to the United States as a teenager. That transition shaped me in ways I’m still unpacking—it was a mix of culture shock and opportunity. I didn’t speak much English at the time, but I was determined to adapt, and education became my foundation.

I went on to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah. Science has always fascinated me—especially how we can use it to solve real-world problems. While at the university, I had the chance to work on biomimetics research, studying how nature inspires smarter design. I also taught Pashto, which allowed me to share my culture and language with others. That was really special to me—staying connected to my roots while building a life here.

Later, I worked at Fresenius Medical Care in sustaining engineering and project management. It was a fast-paced environment with real impact, especially in healthcare. I learned how to balance technical work with leadership and collaboration.

These days, I’m self-employed. I value the flexibility it gives me to be fully present for my kids while still using my skills in meaningful ways. I’m a big believer in healthy living—running, walking, and baking are daily rituals that keep me grounded. I also give back whenever I can, quietly, because I believe charity should be done from the heart, not for show.

At the core, I’m driven by growth—personal, professional, and spiritual. I want to be a role model for my children, especially as a woman with a multicultural background in a technical field. My hope is to always keep learning, keep building, and keep contributing—no matter where life takes me.