Dream a Dream came into my life right when I joined Ashoka two decades ago, as Vishal, the Co-founder of Dream a Dream, became an Ashoka Fellow around the same time. I remember coming to India and learning about Vishal, a young person who had left his corporate career to work with volunteers and children. Back then, I had no idea that, a few years later, Dream a Dream would become one of the organizations I admire the most and that Vishal and Suchetha (the CEO of Dream a Dream) would become dear friends.
Dream a Dream’s vision, work, and leadership have deeply impacted me. When they started talking about helping children develop life skills to thrive in the 21st century, funders and governments could barely understand what they meant. Watching them build the work on the ground, develop the curriculum, influence institutions across all sectors, and change the narrative around this topic has been one of my greatest gifts and an inspiration to all of us at Ashoka.
In my work in the longevity space, we often discuss that many children born today are likely to become centenarians. One of society’s biggest questions is: how do we help them develop and practice the skills they need to live longer lives? They must have purpose, engage in lifelong learning, change careers multiple times, collaborate with multiple generations, and nurture their health and well-being for longer. I always think of Dream a Dream as one of the best models to equip children for this new reality.
The other day, I learned that someone who joined Dream a Dream as a young participant in one of its programs many years ago now manages one of its biggest programs (and budgets). And she’s not the only one. Dream a Dream keeps growing strong with the love and commitment of those who have learned and practiced the kind of leadership skills society needs today.
Vishal and Suchetha have a unique way of leading from their hearts, which has helped create a culture that values authenticity, openness, and trust. From the heart, they deeply connect with others, build strong relationships and communities, enable leadership inside and outside the organization, and repeatedly practice the skills they are helping children develop. Isn’t it beautiful? Richard Bach once said, “We teach best what we most need to learn.” Throughout Dream a Dream’s journey, I’ve seen Vishal and Suchetha exploring, learning, teaching, building, growing, and exploring again… this cycle never ends. And what a privilege it is to be part of this beautiful journey with them.
Happy 25th Anniversary to everyone who has contributed to making Dream a Dream this vehicle for positive change. I hope to be part of your journey for many years to come and look forward to all the incredible things this community will continue to build together!
About the Author:
Maria Clara Pinheiro co-leads Ashoka’s New Longevity initiative, which aims to create a new architecture for lifelong contribution—harnessing the changemaking potential of people of all ages to drive positive societal change. Maria Clara has held leadership roles in Brazil, India, and the United States, where she has supported social innovators, built entrepreneurial teams, and led global programs and partnerships for Ashoka.