Minal Hajratwala, born in 1971 in San Francisco, USA, hails from a family of immigrants with roots tracing back to Fiji. Her parents, both of Gujarati descent, were born in Fiji. Growing up, Hajratwala experienced diverse cultural influences, spending her childhood in New Zealand and suburban Michigan. She pursued her higher education at Stanford University, where she honed her literary and journalistic skills. In recognition of her talent and dedication, she was granted a prestigious National Arts Journalism Program fellowship at Columbia University for the academic year 2000–2001.