Maria Alejandra Giraldo Arredondo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Maria Alejandra, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Every morning begins at 5:00 a.m. as I follow the principles of The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma. The first 60 minutes of my day are sacred a time to align my body, mind, and spirit before the world awakens. I dedicate the first 20 minutes to movement, energizing my body through exercise and stretching. The next 20 minutes are for meditation, cultivating stillness, gratitude, and focus. The final 20 minutes are purely for myself reading, journaling, or setting intentions for the day ahead. By 6:00 a.m., I transition into family time, preparing breakfast and sharing peaceful moments before the day’s responsibilities begin. It’s a daily ritual that keeps me grounded, purposeful, and connected.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and real estate investor whose work beautifully weaves together heart, innovation, and purpose. With more than 12 years of experience in the education sector and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, I have built a collection of projects that reflect my passion for meaningful growth, community impact, and creating spaces that inspire people to thrive.
At the heart of my work is Schola International, a progressive multilingual preschool in North Austin that blends the Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf philosophies. Schola is more than a school it’s a living community where children aged 18 months to 7 years learn through discovery, connection, and creativity. Every detail, from its nature-inspired classrooms to its focus on emotional development, reflects my belief that education should nurture both the mind and the heart.
My passion for inclusion and cultural awareness also led me to create Neuroversity Holistic Center, an initiative based in Texas that supports Spanish-speaking families with neurodiverse children. Through therapies, parent guidance, and accessible services, Neuroversity ensures that every child no matter their background or diagnosis has the opportunity to flourish.
Beyond education, I have expanded my vision into real estate and business development, managing and developing residential and commercial properties, including educational facilities like Schola. My other ventures Artisan, an online platform celebrating handmade and cultural creations, and MAGA Connection, an educational consulting brand highlight my multifaceted approach to creating enterprises that empower people and preserve values.
I am also the founder of Emprende Latina, a community platform that began on Facebook to guide aspiring entrepreneurs. Through practical advice on business planning and step-by-step mentorship, I help small business owners turn their dreams into reality and build confidence in their journey.
From educator to business leader, from dreamer to builder, I continue to dedicate my work to designing environments and opportunities that inspire growth, belonging, and purpose for children, families, and the communities I serve.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work wasn’t just a single mentor but a combination of experiences and people who shaped my journey. My greatest lessons came from life itself through resilience, faith, and purpose.
However, if I had to name one influence, it would be my family. Watching them work with integrity, perseverance, and heart taught me that true success isn’t measured only by achievements, but by the impact you leave on others. My parents showed me the value of discipline and gratitude; my son reminds me every day why I do what I do he gives meaning to my work and inspires me to keep building spaces where others can grow.
Through every challenge, I’ve learned that work is not just about doing it’s about serving, creating, and leading with love. That’s what drives me every single day.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, what always helped me was praying and trusting in God. Even at a young age, I found comfort in knowing that I wasn’t alone that there was a higher power watching over me, guiding me, and giving me strength. Prayer became my safe space, my way to find peace and hope when things felt uncertain.
That faith has stayed with me throughout my life. It’s what helps me stay grounded during difficult times and reminds me that every challenge carries a purpose. I’ve learned that no matter how hard things get, when you surrender your fears and trust in God, you find the courage to keep moving forward with love, grace, and faith.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief and project I’m deeply committed to no matter how long it takes is my purpose to serve others. I’ve discovered my ikigai the reason I wake up every day with passion and meaning and it’s to create spaces that transform lives through education, connection, and love.
Whether it’s through Schola International, where we nurture children’s hearts and minds, or through Neuroversity Holistic Center, where we support families of neurodiverse children, my mission is the same: to serve with compassion, to empower others, and to build communities where everyone feels seen and valued.
Service, for me, is not a task it’s a calling. It’s something I’ll continue to do for as long as I live, no matter how long it takes, because I believe that when we lead with purpose and love, we leave a legacy that lasts far beyond ourselves
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
What I would regret the most is not asking the questions that matter, not following my intentions, and not having the courage to knock on the doors that could lead to something greater.
Life has taught me that sometimes opportunities, connections, and growth come from a simple act of courage from daring to ask, to seek, or to take the first step. Whenever I’ve hesitated, I’ve realized later that those moments of silence or fear were missed chances to grow.
So today, I remind myself to stay curious, to act with intention, and to keep touching those doors even when I don’t know what’s on the other side. Because every door we dare to knock on is a possibility waiting to change our story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scholainternational.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-alejandra-giraldo-arredondo-657b1a24/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.ale.giraldo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariagiraldorealtor2707
Image Credits
Maria Giraldo
