When did you start your business?
I launched the Elevate.RA programme in September 2020

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
Supporting children with learning challenges and neurological differences became a passion after my son, now aged 12, was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four. Working through his development cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically has taught me so much about neurodiversity and nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of our children. No matter their challenges, it is crucial for parents and educators to champion every child. We must encourage them to pursue their dreams while building up their confidence. Because of this conviction, my personal experience as a mother, and subsequent professional research and development of new methods, my goal of supporting children in their hardest and most challenging years has become a passion. My own life and experiences have taught me to persevere. I have also learned how to use education, honesty, and exploration to keep myself grounded and full of the strength and optimism necessary to face each day with new courage.
I hope that my personal experience and stories of growth and discovery will help girls recognise their potential and inherent self-worth.

What are you most excited about in your work/business?
My students! My students teach me new things every day. The curiosity, tenacity, and sheer joy they bring to lessons inspires me to do more and continue being creative for them.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
Taking myself out of my comfort zone – I love teaching but being an entrepreneur brings with it a host of other responsibilities, not to mention, the massive demands on the time required into starting and running your own venture. Working out how to switch off, be present and be there for my loved ones has not always been easy. I have had to learn to set boundaries and to ensure I take on what I can manage, and then also be kind to myself when I have not always achieved all that I had hoped to.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
Not to be afraid to do it, although taking the time before launching into anything and to align yourself in finding your unique purpose is important. Find your “why” and stick to it, remaining authentic to who you are no matter what else is going on around you will propel you forward and keep you motivated.

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
To meet other inspiring women- and to learn from others in a variety of other sectors and industries.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
Hearing the many new stories but being able to relate them back to the same themes of making a difference and providing impact for the good of others! Brilliant to see how many women are working so hard around the world and to have them together in one room was very powerful.

What surprised you most about the awards?
Winning!! I was honoured to be nominated – but to win, speak and come home with two trophies was the most pleasantly rewarding surprise! I loved the energy, the warmth and love for each other in the room. Truly inspiring!

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
You don’t want to miss this opportunity- it’s a wonderful way to meet other great women with similar work values while also creating a great way to have your work recognised, in such a positive and fun way!

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?
The sense of achievement about starting something new, living the advice I give to my pupils and own children about feeling the fear and doing it anyway – taking a chance on yourself is the best thing I have done and to see the impact the programme, book and podcast have made internationally make all the hard work so worth it.

What’s happening next in your work/business?
We are working on ways to collaborate and work with greater number of parents, teachers and pupils in schools.

What are your big plans for the future?
I hope to remain true to my passion by continuing to find ways to elevate as many girls as possible. However, I try to not put too much pressure on myself so I will keep on taking things one day at a time, dreaming up ways to expand the Elevate business. Watch this space!

How can we connect with you?

https://www.elevate-ra.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramitaanand/
https://www.instagram.com/elevate.ra/
https://www.tiktok.com/@elevate.ra?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/elevateRA.edu