Across continents and cultures, Aspire Institute global leadership is on the move, from Türkiye to India, its mission is igniting purpose, deepening connections, and empowering youth. In March, Türkiye’s Foundry community took root, and in India, an energetic roadshow brought together over 220 students and alumn. At the heart of both was Aspire CEO Meena Sonea, whose presence sparked reflection, dialogue, and a renewed sense of belonging.
A Beacon in Türkiye: Laying the Foundations of a Movement
In Türkiye, Meena’s visit marked a milestone for a growing community of leaders united by the vision of the Aspire Türkiye Foundry. She engaged in strategic conversations with the Türkiye Country Director and Founding Members, charting the path ahead for Aspire’s presence in the region. From intimate dinners to one-on-one mentoring sessions, Meena offered guidance and warmth, reinforcing a collective sense of purpose.
The highlight of the visit was the workshop titled “Finding Your Light: Stewardship, Service, and Self-discovery”, hosted at the Aspire Türkiye office. Twenty participants came together to reflect on their journeys, embrace vulnerability, and uncover their inner light. As participants explored their stories, many expressed excitement about the Türkiye Foundry, not only as a program but as a transformative space for growth.
Aspire’s India Roadshow Ignites Student Leadership Across Cities
Thousands of kilometers away, Meena joined Aspire Leaders India Foundation’s Executive Director Nithya Gurukumar and India Director Sashi Gundala to connect with students and alumni across Bangalore, Delhi, and Bhubaneswar. The roadshow brought Aspire’s spirit to parks, campuses, and conference halls.
At Bangalore’s Cubbon Park, more than 25 Aspire students gathered under the trees for an open-air conversation on leadership and purpose. Current students met each other for the first time, and stories flowed. For Manoj Babu (ALP ‘25, Cohort 2), the event was a “powerhouse of mentorship”. While for Adharv Ravi (ALP ‘25, Cohort 1), it was a breakthrough moment of inner confidence: “This was my first offline event—and it changed something in me.”
Building Leadership Momentum on Campus
RV College of Engineering buzzed with excitement as over 120 students joined an info session with Meena, Nithya, and Sashi. In her remarks, Meena encouraged students not just to chase success, but to ask “Why?”. She asked people to build a life of intention, impact, and integrity. The session became more than a presentation; it became an invitation to dream audaciously and build fearlessly.
At Ashoka University, the dialogue turned inward. Students reflected on moments of grit, doubt, and transformation. Many left with a renewed connection to their purpose, and a desire to take their leadership further with Aspire.
Across all events, one thread remained constant: the power of storytelling to spark connection. In Delhi, alumni met for a breakfast mixer with Prof. Tarun Khanna, co-founder of Aspire, alongside Meena and the leadership team. The conversations were candid, vulnerable, and rich with insight.
For Tasmiya Khan (ALP ‘24), the session was refreshingly real: “You don’t need a position to be a leader, leadership is about inspiring others through your actions.” Others, like Pavani Munnuri (ALP ‘24), were moved by the intersection of academic insight and community action.
Partnerships for a Larger Purpose
The roadshow concluded in Bhubaneswar with institutional visits to Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and Ravenshaw University. At KISS, Aspire’s mission found alignment with the university’s commitment to holistic, free education for over 30,000 indigenous students. Leaders there expressed enthusiasm for integrating Aspire’s Leadership Program as a formal course offering.
At Ravenshaw University, one of the oldest institutions in India, Aspire was welcomed with vision and ambition. Conversations sparked new ideas, including offering Aspire’s program as part of the university’s summer internship scheme. The team was even recommended to the Odisha government to explore scaling the program across public colleges in the state. This planted seeds of a movement much larger than any single event.
As Aspire continues to expand its global footprint, it does so not through grand proclamations, but through the stories, dreams, and quiet courage of its community members. From Türkiye to India, the light is spreading, one workshop, one story, one leader at a time.
