Leaders

‘Education is the key that unlocks all doors’, this profound belief guided Sushma Boppana to take the helm of Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions. Raised in a family where learning was revered, she saw firsthand how education could change lives. Her parents, both doctors, broke societal barriers to ensure equal opportunities for girls, a conviction that became the cornerstone of Sri Chaitanya’s mission. Sushma’s education in BITS Pilani became a pivotal experience that proved to her that the right exposure and environment can redefine aspirations. Later, her time in the United States, earning a Master's in Information Systems, helped her realize that education should be fluid, empowering individuals to explore their full potential rather than confining them to a rigid structure.

In 1986, when her parents returned to India, they recognized that girls in smaller towns in and around Vijayawada lacked access to quality education beyond high school. What began as a modest institution with just 82 students has since evolved into a nationwide educational powerhouse, shaping the futures of thousands.

Despite not being a teacher by profession, Sushma’s ability to synchronize students, teachers, and administrators became her key strength, ensuring that every academic aspect was streamlined and effective. Over the years, she led initiatives to refine the curriculum, standardize assessments, and foster a student-centric approach, laying the foundation for Sri Chaitanya’s growth. She also spearheaded the launch of the EdTech company, Infinity Learn, which focuses on creating student-centered learning tools and providing teachers with effective teaching solutions. Her journey at Sri Chaitanya has been deeply influenced by the wisdom and guidance of her parents, especially her mom whose guidance on balance, resilience, and vision continues to inspire Sushma everyday.

Below are the highlights from a recent interaction between Women Entrepreneurs Review and Sushma. Let’s read on.

Elaborate on your family's initial challenges when starting Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions.

Starting Sri Chaitanya was nothing short of a leap of faith. In 1986, my parents had a big dream but not much in terms of financial backing. They invested their savings, took immense risks, and started with just one building and 82 students. The concept of an institution solely focused on girls’ education was unheard of, especially in smaller towns around Vijayawada.

In rural areas, families struggled to send their daughters to cities for higher education, both because of financial constraints and the challenges it caused. The lack of a proper education infrastructure led to this significant challenge. My parents realized that if they could create an institution that provided quality education locally, it would empower generations of girls to lead more independent lives. It wasn’t easy. The system was new, and it took time to gain the trust of the community. It took years of slow, steady progress before Sri Chaitanya grew into what it is today.

As a woman, what challenges did you face when transitioning into leadership?

I chose to lead not as a woman but as a visionary, this is how I like to describe my transition. Initially, I found myself surrounded by male colleagues with decades of experience, which was challenging. But I always believed that leadership isn’t defined by gender, it’s defined by the ability to inspire, innovate, and execute.

Having grown up in a very traditional family, my worldview was narrow until I went to BITS Pilani and then to the United States. These experiences broadened my perspective and gave me courage. I realized that to make a difference, I needed to develop not just academic knowledge but emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence. Being in a predominantly male environment wasn’t just a challenge, it was a learning opportunity. I had to prove myself, not just through academic achievements, but by demonstrating my leadership abilities. It’s also crucial for young women to understand how to position themselves in the right way. I can never miss to mention my mother, Dr Jhansi Lakshmi Bai has been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. Her love, wisdom and sacrifices have guided and shaped me to achieve more than I ever imagined.

How did you ensure the success of Sri Chaitanya, and what was the unique selling proposition (USP) it started with that set it apart from other educational institutions?

The key to Sri Chaitanya’s success has been grasping the underlying challenges faced by students, parents, and faculty. Our USP from the beginning was focused on creating a system that not only addressed immediate educational needs but also empowered students from diverse backgrounds to dream bigger and achieve more.

When we first began, we recognized that many students, especially from rural areas, were not exposed to the resources or guidance required to compete in national-level exams for the IITs and AIIMS. Our goal was to bridge that gap. The core of our approach was to provide not just quality education, but also the right mindset to help students build confidence, discipline, and problem-solving abilities. This was achieved through carefully crafted curriculums, personalized coaching, and a focus on nurturing each student's potential, regardless of their starting point.