When Pax Tandon ’96 reflects on her time at Baldwin, her voice carries both warmth and conviction. “I cherish so many of my Baldwin moments as among the most memorable and foundational of my life,” she says. Those formative years helped shape the voice, confidence, and leadership style that now define her multifaceted career as an author, producer, wellness coach, and advocate for mindfulness and well-being.

 

Today, Pax is widely recognized for her pioneering work in mindfulness education and positive psychology. Her award-winning book, Mindfulness Matters, earned medals from both the Coalition of Visionary Resources and the Independent Book Publishers Association. She also wrote, produced, and starred in the Mindfulness Matters short film — a creative project blending her passions for media and mental health awareness.

 

Pax’s academic journey is as impressive as it is inspiring. She holds three Ivy League degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, including a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology — often called “the science of human thriving.” Her studies also span certificates in Positive Psychology Coaching, Past Life Regression Therapy, and Mindfulness instruction, alongside yoga teacher training. “Mindfulness is the foundation, the key to priming all other well-being in life,” she says. “Where your attention goes, energy flows.”

 

At Baldwin, Pax found the encouragement and empowerment that allowed her to flourish. “When I matriculated to the University of Pennsylvania, I had no sense of shyness or reticence,” she recalls. “I felt no need to be subservient to male voices or opinions. That confidence came from Baldwin.”

 

Her fondest school memories capture Baldwin’s blend of creativity and camaraderie — singing with the Baldwin B-Flats, performing “Christmas Around the World” at the winter assembly, and bonding with classmates on trips to places like Williamsburg, VA. “It’s a spirit you can only channel when you’ve bonded so deeply with other girls in your youth,” she reflects. “It’s among the most special and magical feelings.”

 

Pax credits her Baldwin English teachers for igniting her passion for storytelling and communication. “Dr. Ledlie’s English class my Freshman year still stands out,” she recalls. “She entered an essay I wrote on Lord of the Flies into the school literary journal as the best of the freshman class. That was like a turbo-booster for my spirit!”

 

After graduating from Penn, Pax began her career in media, anchoring the news at CNBC in New Delhi. But a turning point came when she began questioning her role in broadcasting a constant stream of distressing headlines. “I wondered whether delivering news — which is essentially a cherry-picked version of the worst events in society — was the kind of change I wanted to create,” she says. That reflection led her back to Penn to pursue Positive Psychology, and ultimately toward her mission: empowering others to cultivate well-being through mindfulness.

 

Pax believes mindfulness is essential for young people navigating today’s fast-paced digital world. “Young people are bombarded with stimuli from all directions,” she explains. “Mindfulness is the one tool that can help them take back control.” Her current projects focus on bringing holistic well-being education to teens, helping them build emotional strength, confidence, and resilience.

 

She’s developing a teen-focused well-being coaching program and writing a youth edition of Mindfulness Matters. “I didn’t have this as a young person,” she shares, “and I can’t wait to see the positive changes that occur in the worlds of the teens I serve.”

 

Pax also continues her advocacy for mental health awareness through her work with Mural Arts Philadelphia. As a member of the steering committee for a mural on suicide prevention — recently unveiled at St. Christopher’s Hospital — she’s helping create both a public artwork and a documentary that tells its story. “It’s a testament to those lost to suicide, and a beacon of hope for those who struggle,” she says.

 

When asked what advice she’d offer current Baldwin students, Pax doesn’t hesitate: “Find the thing that lights you up — your authentic purpose — and let that guide your life. When you do what you love, you create an upward spiral that has positive impact on you, and everyone you encounter.”

 

And what would she tell her younger self? “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” she says. “Focus on your strengths, your passions, and where you shine. That’s where your true power lies.”

 

From the B-Flats stage to international television screens, from the Wharton School to mindfulness retreats, Pax Tandon’s journey reflects the essence of Baldwin’s mission — to inspire young women to lead with confidence, purpose, and heart. Her story is a reminder that mindfulness doesn’t just matter — it transforms.