Ashani Hirway, Founder & School Head, Da Vinci Montessori
With over a decade of experience in education, Ashani Hirway is a seasoned professional with a
diverse background. Trained by the Association Montessori Internationale in the Netherlands, she is well-versed in teaching and launching Montessori programs globally.
In addition to her educational expertise, Ashani holds an MBA from the Wharton School (USA) and has served as a strategy consultant for multinational clients in New York and Mumbai. Her journey began in the tech industry, where she worked as a hardware engineer in Silicon Valley after completing her BE from Gujarat University and MS from Purdue University (USA).
Despite her successful career in various fields, Ashani’s passion for education remained constant. The birth of her daughter, Sanaya, inspired her to pursue this passion wholeheartedly, leading to the establishment of Da Vinci Montessori. Ashani feels privileged that both her daughters had the opportunity to experience their formative years at Da Vinci Montessori.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY (PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL), WHEN YOU STARTED YOUR JOURNEY IN THIS EDUCATION (MONTESSORI) INDUSTRY AND HOW IT IS GOING AND WHAT IS THE FUTURE PLAN?
I was born into a family in Ahmedabad that deeply valued education and integrity. My father, the epitome of lifelong learning, earned his management degree at 65 and later pursued a PhD in Law at 75. My mother, an esteemed academic, remains a passionate economist at 82, embodying a fiery and opinionated spirit.
Growing up, my parents instilled in me a love for both health and art, introducing me to
the world of tennis and music from an early age. In my teenage years, my aspirations oscillated between dreams of becoming a professional tennis player or a singer. However, influenced by my firm Indian middle-class upbringing, my ambitions eventually focused on pursuing a career as either a doctor or an engineer.
Following the course set by fate, I embarked on a path in engineering, graduating from Gujarat University and later obtaining a master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Purdue University. My journey led me to Silicon Valley, where I began my career as a Microprocessor Designer during the boom years of 1999 to 2004.
In 2004, I transitioned to the east coast, where I earned my MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Subsequently, I was recruited by a management consulting firm, where I worked with global clients across the US and Europe, leveraging my expertise in both computer engineering and management.
WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES AS FOUNDER & SCHOOL HEAD AT DA VINCI MONTESSORI. BRIEF ABOUT DA VINCI MONTESSORI.
In my capacity as the Head of School, I undertake various responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of Da Vinci Montessori. At the core of our institution’s success lies the commitment of our team. A central aspect of my role involves nurturing a diverse yet unified team, comprised of individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives who share a common vision.
Through ongoing workshops, open dialogues, and collaborative brainstorming sessions, we cultivate an environment where each team member consistently delivers their best, contributing to the ongoing refinement of Da Vinci as an exemplary educational establishment.
My commitment to staying abreast of the latest educational practices is demonstrated through active participation in conferences, training programs, and networking with other Montessori schools. This involvement extends to ensuring the availability of high-quality classroom materials and providing constructive feedback to our teachers through regular classroom observations.
Furthermore, I place great emphasis on fostering strong partnerships with parents. Recognizing the importance of parental guidance in child development, we prioritize accessibility and engagement. Our school offers regular parent education programs, including workshops on Montessori principles and other aspects of child-rearing.
Lastly, my role involves forward-thinking. I am dedicated to upholding our school’s vision and continually striving to enhance its physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions.
WHAT ACCORDING TO YOU IS THE ADVANCEMENT IN THIS INDUSTRY IN TERMS OF TECHNOLOGY? DO YOU THINK YOUR ADOPTION OF SUCH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
HAS BROUGHT YOU TO THIS ELITE POSITION?
Technology has emerged as a valuable asset, facilitating teacher training and fostering connections within the national and international Montessori community. It enables collaborative idea-sharing and empowers our team to explore new ideas for lesson planning. Additionally, technology facilitates seamless communication with parents through online platforms.
However, our preschool children do not engage with devices or any form of technology. This stage is dedicated to hands-on learning, emphasizing human interaction over gadgets. In the early years, personal engagement holds unparalleled importance and cannot be replaced by
technology.
As for our Elementary children, technology is judiciously integrated into their learning journey. We selectively use technology to watch documentaries, conduct research, and occasionally create
presentations. Nevertheless, our focus remains on utilizing traditional resources such as books for research and handcrafted charts for presentations whenever possible. Some of our Elementary children pursue AI and programming lessons outside of school.
ACCORDING TO YOU, WHAT CHALLENGES ARE THERE FOR INDIAN WOMEN LEADERS / CXO’S? ANY CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED? IF YES, PLEASE ELABORATE.
Women often aspire to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, believing they can juggle everything effortlessly. However, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of prioritization and the inevitability of making compromises. While some compromises may be difficult, they are necessary for achieving meaningful goals in life. The concept of the ‘Superwoman’ is a myth, and attempting to do everything can lead to a life burdened with stress and little progress.
Both men and women need to balance their careers and personal lives in order to raise a family. Children require connection with both parents, and women should not feel guilty if they need to work long hours or travel for work. These situations present opportunities for partners to share responsibilities at home.
For young women pursuing their goals, seeking support from spouses, extended family, and reliable help is essential. This support goes beyond physical assistance; it includes emotional reassurance that pursuing one’s dreams is the right choice.
I am fortunate to have understanding and supportive husband, parents, and children who embrace my passion and support me wholeheartedly. The invaluable assistance of exceptional nannies and household help allows me to delegate tasks I don’t enjoy, enabling me to spend quality time with my family and focus on my work.
WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA? ANY PIECE OF ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WOMEN LEADERS IN EDUCATION.
“Remain grounded.” The education and privileges that have allowed me to pursue my passion are not solely my own, but have come to me by chance. I am fortunate to have been born into a family that provided me with numerous opportunities. Finding a partner who shares my dreams and supports me has been a stroke of luck. During times of success, I remind myself to stay rooted and dedicated to my work, recognizing that highs, like lows, are transient.
“Never stop learning.” I take pleasure in delving into books on education, parenting, and child development, integrating reading into my daily routine whenever possible. I eagerly enroll in training programs that allow me to expand my skills and knowledge base. I perceive challenging situations as avenues for personal development. The grays hidden beneath my colored hair, represent nuggets of wisdom derived from rich life experiences.
