Life has a way of leading us exactly where we are meant to be, and Sudeshna Pillarisetty’s journey is a perfect testament to this. From her beginnings as a journalist to becoming a social media strategist and ultimately finding her true calling in early childhood education, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion. Today, as the Executive Director of SimplySmart Child Care Centre and Montessori in Toronto, Sudeshna is shaping young minds while empowering women in the workforce.
Sudeshna Pillarisetty: A Global Journey: From India to Canada
Born in Hyderabad, raised in Mumbai, and educated in Manipal, Sudeshna Pillarisetty began her professional career as a journalist in Hyderabad. But life had other plans. Marriage took her across continents to Toronto in 2013—a transition that came with its fair share of struggles. The harsh Canadian winter was just the beginning; finding a job in an unfamiliar market proved even more daunting.
“The job market in Canada is heavily network-driven, and local experience is often a prerequisite,” says Sudeshna. “Despite my qualifications, I found it incredibly difficult to get into the media industry.” This roadblock is one that many immigrants face, but Sudeshna’s determination pushed her forward.
Her husband, sensing her frustration, wrote her a note that she carries to this day: ‘Courage is the ability to act before confidence arrives.’ Inspired, she pursued a course in social media management at Humber College, which eventually led to her first job in Canada. But deep down, she knew she was destined for something greater.
Finding Her True Calling in Early Childhood Education
Although she had built a career in media, Sudeshna Pillarisetty always had a passion for education. While searching for daycare options for her own children, she realized that many centers didn’t align with her expectations. That’s when she discovered SimplySmart and was inspired by their ethos.
Motivated by her personal experiences and research on early childhood education, she decided to take a leap of faith. She pursued a diploma in Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) at Seneca College and became a registered early childhood educator. Soon after, she established her own SimplySmart Child Care Centre and Montessori, where she could bring her vision to life.
“I strongly believe that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial in shaping their future,” says Sudeshna Pillarisetty. “When I had my own children, I realized how vital a nurturing environment is. I wanted to create a space where children could thrive and parents could trust that their little ones were in the best hands.”
A Champion for Women in the Workforce
Sudeshna’s mission extends beyond education—she is deeply committed to empowering women, especially immigrants, who struggle to gain employment due to a lack of Canadian experience. “When I established SimplySmart, I made it a point to hire individuals who were qualified but hadn’t yet found their footing in Canada,” she explains.
Today, her center provides employment to 25 women and enables over 100 mothers to pursue their careers, knowing their children are receiving high-quality early childhood education. “I want to give people the opportunities that I struggled to find when I first arrived,” she says.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
As a mother of two young girls and a thriving entrepreneur, Sudeshna’s days are anything but routine. Between overseeing SimplySmart’s operations, strategizing for growth, and spending quality time with her daughters, she has mastered the art of balance.
“My daughters are my greatest joy and my biggest de-stressors,” she shares. “No matter how busy my day is, I make sure to cherish the moments I have with them.”
A Passion for Travel and Cultural Connection
When she’s not running her center, Sudeshna Pillarisetty loves to travel with her husband. But for her, travel is more than sightseeing—it’s about immersing in new cultures. “We love to spend extended time in each place, truly experiencing the local way of life. We spent three weeks in Peru and two in France, soaking in the culture, history, and traditions.”
Sudeshna Pillarisetty also documents her travels through photography and maintains a blog where she shares her experiences, offering insights and travel tips.
Staying Rooted in Her Heritage
Despite building a life in Canada, Sudeshna Pillarisetty ensures that her children stay connected to their Indian roots. She has been learning Kathak for over a decade, while her daughter is training in Kuchipudi. Her husband’s love for Indian classical music has also fostered a deep appreciation for their culture in their home.
“At home, we have a strict rule—only Telugu is spoken,” she says with pride. “It’s important that my daughters grow up knowing where they come from.”
Giving Back to the Community
Sudeshna Pillarisetty firmly believes in teaching children the value of service from a young age. “When my daughter was just three, I took her to an Earth Day clean-up drive. Some may say she was too young, but I believe it’s never too early to instill the spirit of giving back.”
Her commitment to social causes extends beyond her family. Sudeshna Pillarisetty actively supports organizations in both India and Canada, contributing her time and resources to causes close to her heart. “My parents instilled the importance of sharing and giving back in me, and I strive to do the same with my daughters.”