Lina Ashar’s story is one of vision, vulnerability, and a lifelong devotion to reimagining what it means to learn. Born with dislocated hips and raised by her grandmother in India, her early separation from her parents shaped a lifelong belief: every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and connected.

Long before “21st-century learning” became a buzzword, Lina was designing classrooms where curiosity mattered more than compliance. But behind her public success was a private collapse. In 2006, her marriage ended, and soon after, her franchise partnership dissolved. She turned inward, studying with Brandon Bays, attending Anthony Robbins’ seminars, and discovering a truth that would redefine her life: From pain can come purpose.

This belief became Dreamtime Learning: a living, breathing education model rooted in neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and consciousness. After interviewing 100+ global thought leaders, she built a framework centred on adaptability, and child-led learning. Today, through Dreamtime Learning, her philosophy reaches students and parents who share her belief: that the future of learning lies not in control, but in consciousness.

As Lina once said after a conversation with Ikigai author Héctor García,

“Yes, I’ve found my ikigai. And my purpose is to help children find theirs.”