After nearly a decade working in educational technology, Shilpa Sood is applying her experience in a new role as the owner of Huntington Learning Center in Pleasanton, California.
On September 30, 2026, Shilpa Sood officially took ownership of Huntington Learning Center in Pleasanton, California. For Sood, the decision followed nearly a decade in educational technology, where she saw how consistent academic enrichment could influence students’ interests, confidence and future educational choices.
Originally from Fremont, California, Sood began her career in software development before moving into management roles at a company offering STEM summer camps throughout the United States and internationally. Her experience working with educational programs, managing teams and supporting business operations eventually led her to consider franchise ownership.
From Software Development to Education
Sood spent nine to ten years with an educational technology company, beginning as a software developer and eventually advancing into leadership and management positions.
During that time, she observed students return to STEM programs year after year, including young girls who initially felt uncertain about pursuing science and technology. As those students continued participating, some developed an interest in studying STEM subjects in college.
“I saw how students could come back year after year and eventually choose STEM subjects when they went to college,” said Sood. “When I started thinking about doing something outside of technology, I knew I wanted it to be in education and involve working with children.”
Her professional experience also introduced her to several aspects of business management. Through her work with marketing teams, she became familiar with digital advertising, website development and analytics. Her leadership positions provided experience managing employees and overseeing daily operations.
These skills would become useful as she considered her next career move.
Choosing Huntington Learning Center
Before deciding on Huntington Learning Center, Sood researched several supplemental education franchise opportunities, comparing their programs, business models and available resources.
Huntington stood out for its established systems and the support provided to franchisees. Her decision became clearer after attending Huntington Day, where she met representatives from different corporate departments and learned how they assist center owners.
“After attending Huntington Day and meeting people from the different departments, I was about 80 to 90 percent sure that Huntington was the right choice for me,” said Sood. “I liked knowing that there was an established system to follow and a corporate team available when I needed support.”
Although Sood had experience in educational technology, operating a learning center would introduce new responsibilities. She valued having access to established processes and corporate resources as she prepared to take ownership.
Continuing the Work of an Established Center
Sood purchased an existing Huntington Learning Center in Pleasanton. With students, families and staff already connected to the center, her immediate priority is maintaining consistency during the ownership transition.
In the short-term, Sood is focused on preserving the center’s reputation, retaining students and maintaining the quality of instruction provided to local families.
She recognizes the importance of learning from the employees who have worked at the center for years. Her management approach emphasizes communication, trust and allowing staff members to use their experience when making decisions.
“I don’t believe in micromanaging,” said Sood. “The staff has been here for years, and they have experience that I am still learning from. I want to give them room to make decisions while keeping communication open so we can work together.”
While maintaining the center’s existing operations is her first priority, Sood is also interested in exploring additional educational needs throughout Pleasanton and nearby Dublin.
Over time, she hopes to evaluate opportunities for partnerships with local schools and potential programming for homeschooled students.
Helping Students Develop Confidence
“Success is when a student can say, ‘I can do this,'” said Sood. “If they can apply the skills they learned at Huntington to challenges in school and outside of school, that confidence is what I consider success.”
As the new owner of Huntington Learning Center in Pleasanton, Sood plans to continue serving the center’s existing families while learning more about the educational needs of the surrounding community.
Interested in Huntington Learning Center franchise ownership?
Learn more about available franchise opportunities and the resources Huntington provides to its franchisees at Huntington Learning Center’s franchise development website.