“The role of a creative leader is not to have all the ideas; it’s to create a culture where everyone can have ideas and feel that they’re valued.”

Sir Ken Robinson

Shobna Dhamija believes that great schools are built on strong relationships, where learning flourishes in a culture of trust, respect, and belonging. With over 24 years of experience in education across India and California, she has served as a teacher, programme coordinator, and principal. As the Head of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Neev Academy, she is passionate about supporting adolescents as they grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and principled young people, while working alongside educators to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, purpose, and agency.

Before joining Neev Academy in 2025, Shobna served as Principal at One World International School, Whitefield, and previously at Silver Oaks International School in Bangalore. As a founding principal within the IB ecosystem and an IB Evaluation Leader, she has led school development, curriculum design, teacher mentoring, policy development, and IB authorisation and evaluation processes. She holds degrees in Commerce and Education, and Design from the University of Delhi, and has pursued advanced professional learning through Harvard Project Zero and extensive International Baccalaureate professional development workshops.

She believes that every child deserves to be known, valued, and challenged. She is committed to building inclusive learning communities where diversity is celebrated, wellbeing is prioritised, and every learner develops the confidence to ask questions, think critically, and find their own voice. She sees parents as trusted partners, believing that open dialogue and shared purpose create the foundation for meaningful learning. She considers it a privilege to be an educator and to partner with students, families, and colleagues in shaping that journey.

Beyond school, Shobna is an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveller, and someone who enjoys exploring cultures through food and conversation. A lifelong learner and reflective writer, she continues to draw inspiration from people, places, and ideas, bringing that same curiosity and joy of learning into the communities she serves.