Dr. Snehal Pinto: Journey of a Femme-Extraordinaire

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She’s a force to reckon with, a luminary and change maker in the field of education. Dr. Snehal Pinto, Director, Ryan International Group of Institutions, oversees the academic journey of thousands of students across India. Her dedication to fostering 21st-century skills, values-based education, and global exposure has made her a beacon of progressive schooling. Under her guidance, the Ryan Group continues to empower learners to thrive in an ever-evolving world. In a tete-a-tete with Mentor Magazine, Dr. Pinto shares her journey into the field of education, her inspiration, the indelible value of consistency and her pearls of wisdom for educators.

The Journey

Growing up, Dr. Snehal Pinto didn’t just witness education — she lived it, in its most human, hopeful form. “My journey in education began by watching my parents, both committed educators, devote themselves to a profession that is often thankless. But that never deterred them—instead   they demonstrated site based, visible leadership with quiet strength and unwavering purpose” recalls Dr. Pinto.

She saw holistic education unfold not as a concept, but as a practice — where academic excellence walked hand in hand with values, emotional wellbeing, creativity, and spiritual growth. “Again and again, I saw them choose to not give up on any child,” she remembers. It was in those quiet, consistent acts that she first encountered the soul of education — not merely as a system, but as a calling. “That early exposure to compassion-driven education planted something in me. Moreover, pursuing my B.Ed. gave me a deep appreciation for their path and helped shape my own. I realized that education is not just about shaping minds; it's about shaping lives and that realization has stayed with me each day of this journey. Their commitment continues to inspire me day in and day out, reminding me that true impact lies in service, not mere recognition” states Dr. Snehal.

Classrooms to Boardrooms – Femme Extraordinaire

“The journey from teaching to leadership has been less about moving up and more about deepening my purpose” says Dr. Pinto. She’s of the opinion that the classroom teaches one patience, empathy, and the value of every child’s voice — similarly, those same qualities form the foundation for effective leadership.

Strategy and systems matter, but it’s the ability to listen, to observe, and to stay rooted in faith, values and vision that truly shapes an institution. “I have come to realise: if you stay close to the learner, you never lose sight of the larger mission” is her profound observation. 

The Flame of Consistency

Dr. Snehal Pinto is of the firm opinion that sustained excellence is never accidental — it is a quiet, daily discipline. “Challenges do come, often unannounced and in many forms — shifting policies, resource constraints, evolving expectations. But having watched my parents, I am learning that adversity doesn't dim the flame — it reveals its source and in such times, our top priority has been our stakeholders” she says. As an educator, she endeavours to ensure that learning becomes meaningful. As an administrator, her focus is on clarity, connection, and care — because, according to her, hope isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we build together.

Empowering Educators

When asked about empowering educators, Dr. Snehal Pinto says that the process begins with trust — in their potential, perspective, and professionalism. Institutions must offer continuous learning, peer collaboration, and space for reflection. In her experience, when teachers are encouraged to discover and develop their unique strengths, they don't just grow — they elevate everyone around them. An empowered teacher is the most powerful catalyst for meaningful education.

Tech Integrated Pedagogy

For Dr. Snehal Pinto, nurturing 21st-century skills means preparing students not just for today’s world, but for a future of constant change. Technology is a powerful tool she says, but it’s the thoughtful integration — not technology for its own sake — that truly transforms learning in her opinion. “Our approach involves a blend of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication with digital tools, ensuring students become agile, confident, adaptable lifelong learners who can navigate complexity with both heart and mind” affirms Dr. Pinto.

Diversity & Young Minds

Addressing diversity and vulnerability requires courage paired with compassion, underlines Dr. Snehal Pinto. It starts with creating safe, inclusive spaces where every voice is heard and respected. She points out that listening deeply, educating with empathy, and fostering dialogue allow us to move beyond tolerance toward genuine understanding and equity. Dr. Snehal emphasises that in education and leadership, this mindful approach helps transform challenges into opportunities for growth and unity.

Women in Education

Dr. Pinto reflects that women in education often navigate a complex landscape where societal expectations, professional demands, and personal aspirations intersect. “One significant challenge is the persistent undervaluing of women leadership, sometimes rooted in traditional mindsets both within and outside educational institutions. Closing this gap means changing mindsets—not just increasing numbers, but fostering genuine respect and partnership. When women are truly seen and supported, education itself thrives. ” she believes.

Looking Back…

“I am grateful firstly to Jesus for His guidance, goodness, mercy and grace and then to my parents whose unwavering dedication to education laid the foundation for my journey. It has been a path of continuous learning and quiet service—each challenge a lesson, each success a shared celebration” reflects Dr. Snehal Pinto. She adds that she moves forward with humility, knowing there is always more to learn and space to grow. The path ahead is about deepening impact, embracing innovation with empathy, and nurturing the next generation of learners and leaders. Education is a lifelong journey, and she wishes to remain committed to walking it with openness and purpose. 

Pearls of Wisdom

“Embrace education as a lifelong journey—not just of teaching, but of learning and growing alongside your students. Lead with empathy, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of kindness. We need to remember, the greatest impact comes from nurturing hearts along with the minds. This approach not only enriches lives but also builds a strong foundation for meaningful and lasting success in education” concludes Dr. Snehal Pinto.