In today’s world, where identity, culture, and resilience shape new narratives, Punita Khanna stands as a beacon of inspiration. She is an international best-selling author, speaker, breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, healthcare executive, and community builder whose journey beautifully weaves together personal strength, cultural diversity, and a passion for change.
Living in Los Angeles with her husband and son, Khanna has dedicated her life to empowering others—whether through her voice, her writing, or her relentless advocacy in healthcare and patient support.
Punita Khanna: A Journey Rooted in Resilience
The words “you have breast cancer” are life-changing. For Punita Khanna, that diagnosis came in the form of triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and challenging forms of the disease. Instead of being defeated, she transformed her journey into a mission of hope and advocacy.
Through her lived experience, she became a vocal breast cancer patient advocate. Today, she raises awareness about the importance of early detection, personalized treatment plans, and the emotional realities survivors face after treatment. Her story illustrates not only survival but the courage to thrive.
Khanna’s advocacy work includes serving as an Oncotype Dx Patient Ambassador and as a Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). In these roles, she uses her voice to influence policy, educate communities, and encourage individuals to explore advanced treatment options.
Punita Khanna – Author of Multicultural Narratives
Beyond healthcare advocacy, Punita Khanna is an international best-selling author whose work explores the experiences of children and families navigating multicultural identities. Together with her son, Rahul, she co-authored Mixed Desis: Stories of Multiracial South Asians—a groundbreaking collection of stories that amplify the voices of individuals from multiracial families.
This book is not just literature; it is a movement. It highlights the beauty and complexity of mixed-race South Asians who often encounter the question, “What are you?” Khanna’s work redefines belonging, challenging stereotypes while celebrating the duality of identity. By telling these stories, she helps multicultural families feel seen, validated, and empowered.
Punita Khanna: A Distinguished Career in Healthcare
With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Punita Khanna has built a strong reputation as a strategic leader. She has held roles in management consulting, business development, managed care, and integrated health systems, bringing expertise in strategic planning and execution.
Her academic background reflects her commitment to excellence:
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Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Chicago
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MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management
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Fundraising Certificate from UCLA
These achievements, combined with her personal journey as a patient and advocate, position her uniquely at the intersection of healthcare leadership and patient-centered care.
Personal Life and Multicultural Family
At the heart of Punita Khanna’s story is her family. Married to John, a White American who shares her appreciation for global cultures, Punita’s life reflects the growing community of interracial marriages in the United States. Their son, Rahul, is multiracial and currently a student at Harvard College.
Together, their family represents the evolving face of America—a place where cultures blend, traditions fuse, and diversity becomes a source of strength. From blending Indian and American traditions at home to co-authoring a book about mixed identities, Punita and her family are living proof of the beauty of cultural integration.
Voice of Advocacy and Inspiration
As a speaker and patient advocate, Punita Khanna continues to share her story with audiences across the globe. Her message is clear: life’s challenges—whether cancer, cultural identity, or societal barriers—can be transformed into opportunities for growth, healing, and community building.
She speaks openly about the struggles survivors face even after treatment, raising awareness of the physical, mental, and emotional battles that continue long after cancer care. Her authenticity allows her to connect deeply with diverse audiences, encouraging them to take charge of their health and embrace their cultural identities.
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