CEO of Elevate K-12 Shaily Baranwal's Vision in Modern Education

Shaily Baranwal is a trailblazer redefining the possibilities of online learning and proving that education can be a powerful tool for equity and opportunity.

Shaily Baranwal, the Indian-American founder and CEO of Elevate K-12, is transforming education by tackling the nationwide shortage of qualified teachers. With a passion for delivering high-quality, synchronous instruction to K-12 classrooms, Baranwal has built Elevate K-12 into a trailblazing platform that connects expert instructors with students, enabling schools to bridge resource gaps and ensure impactful learning experiences.

Similarly, the company provides schools with a scalable solution while students benefit from personalized, live instruction. Elevate K-12's innovative approach has attracted significant support from investors, including General Catalyst and Arsenal Growth Equity.

Baranwal's academic achievements and qualifications have enabled her to take a holistic approach to solving challenges in education and business. She holds degrees in Industrial Engineering and early childhood education and an MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, which reflects her ability to blend technical expertise with educational insight.

She is a non-conformist who successfully challenges traditional norms to drive meaningful change. Her teaching journey began with a clear mission to create solutions that make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Before launching Elevate K-12, Baranwal showcased her entrepreneurial prowess by founding a chain of preschools in India, focusing on early childhood education in underserved areas. Her innovative mindset extended into the hospitality industry, where she launched India's first live grill restaurant chain. Dabur, one of India's largest food and beverage conglomerates, later acquired this venture.

Baranwal also serves on the University of Michigan's Zell Lurie Institute board, advising students pursuing entrepreneurial careers. Recently, she launched the Baranwal Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund at the university, which aims to support students with entrepreneurial aspirations. Her contributions have earned her accolades for her strategic vision and commitment to operational excellence. Corporate affairs publications recognize her leadership, and she continues to inspire through her ability to combine business acumen with a mission-driven approach.

Her leadership style is rooted in fostering innovation and empowering others. By disrupting the status quo, Baranwal has demonstrated that bold, transformative ideas can pave the way for a better future both in education and beyond. She also serves on the University of Michigan's Zell Lurie Institute board, advising students pursuing entrepreneurial careers. Recently, she launched the Baranwal Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund at the university, which aims to support students with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Baranwal was recognized by Corporate Affairs, formerly C-Suite Spotlight, for her strategic vision and commitment to operational excellence. As Elevate K-12 grows, she focuses on making high-quality education accessible to all students. Her innovation, entrepreneurial drive, and dedication to impactful change position her as a leader in education technology.