Maya Alfred Fernandes is a visionary education leader and the Founding Principal of The Down Town School, Guwahati. With nearly two decades of experience, she champions student-centered learning, compassion, and global citizenship. She has led transformative initiatives in curriculum design, teacher development, and institutional governance, successfully securing CBSE affiliation and implementing NEP-aligned frameworks. A Harvard-certified leader with postgraduate qualifications in English, Education, and Psychology, Maya is a Content Creator for NCERT, an Author for Cambridge Publications, and a Resource Person for CBSE. She also serves as a UN SDG Ambassador for Sustainability and Education. Globally recognized, her accolades include the Global Edu Icon Award, APJ Abdul Kalam School Principal Award, and Times Most Influential Leader. She exemplifies purpose-driven leadership in education.