Ashalata Prasad is the visionary founder of AriseVillages, an initiative aimed at fostering rural development and cultural exchange in India. Born and educated in India, Ashalata developed a deep connection to her roots and a passion for community development early in life.

She began her professional journey working at the Go-Out Center in Norway for three years, where she gained valuable experience in cross-cultural programs and international collaboration. After marrying and moving to the United States, Ashalata became a certified Montessori teacher and spent five years teaching. She eventually opened her own Montessori school, where she implemented her educational philosophy and nurtured young minds.

When the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread closures, Ashalata’s school, like many others, was forced to shut down. This prompted her to reconnect with her original mission of rural development, leading her back to India to revive AriseVillages, the program she is deeply passionate about. Now, she is dedicated to expanding the scope of her work, building bridges between cultures, and empowering rural communities through sustainable development.