Mini Balachandran got her start as an electronics engineer in IBM's semiconductor technology business. She earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Rutgers University.

In 2009, Balachandran began her career at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as a lead manufacturing and quality engineer.

In the YouTube video, Balachandran talks about her job at NAVAIR, her heritage, and her passion for inspiring the next generation of women scientists and engineers.

In 2013, Balachandran received the Community Service Award at the Women of Color STEM Conference in recognition of her dedication to sharing her love of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Through the Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Southern Maryland chapter, and as the leader of the Outreach and Recruitment Committee, she worked with the publicity committee to inform a wider audience about the EYH STEM event and volunteer opportunities. The event reached its capacity of 70 students within nine days of the registration period. There was also an average of 30 volunteers a week, which resulted in more than 100 EYH SoMD volunteers.

The STARBASE Atlantis Academy also benefited from Balachandran's volunteer efforts. She spent more than five hours each month at the academy, working with students from local schools. Her background in engineering and electronics allows her to teach students about integrated circuits and related STEM activities.

In addition to hands-on activities, Balachandran tutored girls in math and science via Skype.