BURLINGTON, MA– Susri Anuradha started her career as a software engineer with Siemens Germany. In her new incretion, she is an entrepreneur. In 2015, she opened her first “Mathnasium”, a math learning center for children ages 5 to 18, in Acton, MA. Earlier this month, she opened opened her second franchise location in Burlington, MA.
Anuradha holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a M.S. in Information Management Systems from Harvard University. After a rewarding career in Information Technology, Anuradha followed her passion of “Making Math Make Sense to the kids” and opened Mathnasium of Acton. Her decision to open and expand Mathnasium is driven by her desire to help children build confidence and excel in the subject she enjoys most – math.
INDIA New England News: Please tell our readers about your work and what you enjoy most about it?
Susri Anuradha: I started my career as a Software engineer with Siemens Germany, after staying in Germany, I came to this country with an employment offer from Siemens US. I started the journey into the next phase of my life here, completed my Master’s degree from Harvard and became a mother of 2 boys. Over the period of 15 years I worked for different multinational companies. Coming from an educator’s family, education was always a top priority for me.
As a mother of 2 kids, I got involved in elementary education system and found few shortcomings. In 2014, I founded NousQuest Inc., the company under which Mathnasium of Acton, Mathnasium of Burlington/Lexington, NousqQuest Public Speaking and NousQuest Robotics operates.
In 2015, I left my job in the corporate world and went full time to chase my passion of education for kids. I started with Mathnasium of Acton where we teach kids Math and other Stem subjects. In 2015, NousQuest Robotics was started to demonstrate kids’ application of Mathematics. We now integrate Robotics in our Math teaching. In 2016, I started NousQuest Public Speaking which helps kids get proficient in Public Speaking and Organizational skills. 2 years into Mathnasium of Acton, this year I have started Mathnasium of Burlington/Lexington to help our parents who had been driving 20 miles from Waltham, Lexington, and Billerica to bring their kids to Mathnasium of Acton.
Nowadays, I spend my time educating and mentoring kids. I love it when I meet my students in social gatherings and they come and hug me. I love to see kids getting empowered by the gift of education. I love seeing a shy kid step up and give interview for a TV channel. It gives me immense pleasure in nurturing the young minds and seeing them grow strong and confident.
INE: To which charitable, community and professional group do you belong and why?
SA: Community involvement is a legacy from my family. During my final year of engineering, I had helped form a company Orifab. This company now employs more than 200 people. In the past, I had been very active in fundraising events for organizations that support grass root people in India. Now a day, I am dedicated towards children’s education and so I actively support PTO groups. Mathnasium provides scholarship to kids who are good in Math but have not been able get the help due to economic challenges.
I was a team leader for Destination Imagination and a chess coach for kids. I lead the Student Council group in the school and also actively volunteer for various children’s enrichment programs. I was always very vocal and supportive about women’s issues. Without getting attached to any particular group or organization, I help women who reach out to me and I dedicate my time and experience to provide the best advice. As a chamber of commerce member, I help women in need, find employment opportunities and get financial independence.
INE: What are your hobbies and interests?
SA: Although I am trained as an engineer, I am a creative person at heart. I love stitching, cooking and making crafts. I love watching real life stories.
INE: In what way do you feel you have positively influenced or served the local community and your company/organization and professional field?
SA: After 15 years in Corporate World, my passion for children’s education led me to start NousQuest Inc. Through Mathnasium, I have tried to break the boundaries of Math education as it gets defined by country specific Math centers. I am trying to humanize the education of Math and teach kids in such a way that it makes sense to them.
With Nousquest Public Speaking, I am trying to integrate the experience of public speaking in elementary education system. This has helped enhance the confidence and personal skills as they grow up into their teen years.
INE: Your rare talent?
SA: Being an Aries, I have never been afraid to try new things.
INE: Your favorite books?
SA: As a kid I loved reading Amar Chitra Katha and Readers Digest. During my teen years John Grisham and Nancy drew became my favorite. During the recent years, few books which I was unable to keep down were, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, Few books by Jhumpa Lahiri and Chetan Bhagat.
INE: Your favorite quotes?
SA: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
“If I fail thousand times, I will get up thousand and one time and look forward to a new beginning.”
I guess these quotes define me too.
Dear INE Editor,
Once again you are using the picture taken by me in your publication without proper credit.
Credit has been added to Jay Srinivasan for the photo.