Shweta Vakil: Building Schools of Compassion, Courage, and Connection
“Some women lead with a roar, others with a quiet fire. Both change the world; but it is courage, wisdom, and the heart to lift others that leave a lasting legacy. Women who act with conviction carve paths where none existed and invite others to follow.”
Early Dreams That Became a Calling
For some, leadership is a career. For Shweta Vakil, it was a dream that quietly took roots long before titles and accolades came her way. Today, as the Founder Principal of SNBP International School, Wagholi, Pune, she carries with her 18 years of experience and an unwavering belief that education must feel personal, compassionate, and deeply human.
Her journey into education wasn’t marked by a dramatic turning point, but by small, profound encounters with children whose lives changed when someone noticed them. “When a student feels safe, seen, and supported, learning becomes something they embrace, not something they fear,” she shares. Such moments planted the vision in her of building a school where joy, trust, and values mattered as much as academics and sports.
Inspired by Her Parents’ Leadership at Home
While many professionals look to industry icons for inspiration, Shweta’s greatest role models have always been her parents. Her mother, a homemaker who raised three daughters, cared for in-laws, and stood by her father through the demands of his work, exemplified leadership in its purest form. Her father, an industrialist, led with vision, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility toward his work and family. Together, they created a home shaped by strength, resilience, and unconditional love—qualities that became the foundation of Shweta’s own leadership style.
“My mother didn’t have a career outside the home, but she built a world inside it,” Shweta recalls, “and my father showed me what it meant to lead with purpose and integrity.” She learned from him that leadership is not just about making big decisions, but about listening patiently, setting clear values, inspiring others through action, and taking responsibility even when the path is uncertain. His quiet, steady example taught her that true leadership comes from service, humility, and consistency.
Shweta’s career began in the classroom, driven by curiosity and passion. Gradually, she took on greater responsibilities—shaping curriculum, mentoring fellow educators, and leading initiatives that redefined learning experiences. The defining milestone, however, came when she was given the opportunity to establish a school from the ground up—a chance to turn her childhood vision into reality.
Achievements That Go Beyond Awards
Awards have followed Shweta at every stage be it Principal of the Year 2025at the 22nd EduLeaders Summit, Excellence in Leadership Award by CV Raman Education Awards 2021, Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Education Service Ratna Award 2023, Influential Women Leaders Award 2025, among many others. She has spoken at international conferences, contributed to panels on AI in education, and even entered the Global Genius World Records for a unique student engagement initiative.
Yet, her truest achievements lie elsewhere. They are found in the notes from student’s parents who say their child now looks forward to school, in the quiet conversations where a student walks in with heavy eyes and walks out a little lighter and in the trust of her teaching community. “Achievements are never loud,” she reflects. “They’re found in quiet thank-yous, in lives touched, and in knowing that in some small way, you made a difference.”
Challenges That Tested and Strengthened Her
Shweta’s journey has not been free of challenges. Stepping into leadership without a roadmap. Building a school from the ground up meant making decisions that impacted real people: children, teachers, families and that was both humbling and at times overwhelming, often without clear answers. There were moments of doubt and days when the weight of balancing leadership with family life felt overwhelming.
“The tug-of-war is real,” she admits. “There were times I missed something important at home because school needed me, and other times I showed up at school carrying the weight of something personal.”
But instead of breaking her, these experiences shaped her resilience. She learned to lead with empathy, to trust the process, and to keep showing up even when it was difficult. “Every challenge taught me that strength doesn’t come from perfection, but from presence and persistence.”
Guided by Integrity, Empathy, and Joy
Shweta describes her compass as a blend of five core values: integrity, empathy, resilience, consistency, and joy. These principles guide every decision—from curriculum design to the way she connects with students and teachers.
She firmly believes that integrity builds trust, empathy deepens relationships, resilience fuels growth, and consistency sustains progress. Joy, she says, is what keeps the heart alive in the work.
Creating Meaningful Impact Today
Currently, Shweta is leading SNBP International School into a new phase of growth by introducing the IB curriculum alongside CBSE. This isn’t just about adding a board but about reimagining education as inquiry-driven, reflective, and global in outlook.
Equally important to her is emotional intelligence; for both students and staff. “No matter how advanced the world gets, empathy and connection will always matter,” she stresses.
Her vision also extends beyond the school. Through collaborations, panel discussions, and mentorship, she seeks to strengthen the larger education community, ensuring no educator feels left behind in this era of rapid change.
Looking Ahead: Education With Purpose
For Shweta, goals aren’t checkboxes, they’re compass points. She envisions schools that prioritize empathy as much as intellect, creating environments where every voice is heard and valued.
Her aspirations include expanding scholarships and community learning spaces so that children without privilege can access quality education. She also dreams of platforms that empower women not just with skills but with belief in themselves.
“I want to keep building schools that feel less like systems and more like spaces where everyone is truly seen and heard,” she says.
A Quiet Fire That Keeps Burning
Shweta finds her greatest motivation in curiosity and her children. Her daughter and son are her daily reminders of resilience, growth, and love. They ground her, inspire her, and remind her why the effort matters.
She no longer chases the illusion of perfect balance. Instead, she seeks harmony in being present where she’s needed most and forgiving herself when she falls short. “Balance isn’t about equal time. It’s about meaningful time,” she reflects.
Words of Wisdom
When asked to share a message with readers, Shweta’s words carry both strength and humility:
“Real power is not in leading the way, but in making sure no one is left behind.”
Her advice to young women is equally profound:
“Believe in your inner voice even when it shakes. Don’t wait for permission to lead. You are a quiet fire: strong enough to lead, gentle enough to understand, and wise enough to know that true success is never walked alone, but shared.”
