Empathy may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of entrepreneurship, but for Hirkani Pereira, it’s the foundation of her success. As the owner of two thriving Code Ninjas locations, she’s built businesses where compassion, structure, and strategy work hand in hand.
Guiding Others while Navigating Her Own Journey
Hirkani’s journey to entrepreneurship was shaped by perseverance, education, and a relentless drive to create meaningful impact. She came to the United States in 2001 and shortly thereafter, became a mother. While working early in her career, her former boss told her, “Just focus on your job, and your child. You are not a superhuman who can do it all.” Those words were her fuel to do more and dare to dream. Even while growing her family and raising her young children, Hirkani studied for the GMAT and earned a full scholarship to Lehigh University. There, she earned her MBA, juggling schoolwork with the demands of motherhood, and at one point, taking her newborn and 5-year-old to class with her.
After earning her MBA, Hirkani focused on her family but remained connected to education. She earned a certificate in early childhood development and taught Montessori education, while also coaching robotics and guiding parents who sought support with their kids’ learning journeys. These experiences not only honed her teaching skills but also prepared her for the unique challenges of running a Code Ninjas franchise – a business that blends education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Building a Business with Empathy
Hirkani’s approach to business is rooted in empathy for her students, her staff, and her community. When she purchased her first Code Ninjas location in 2022, the center was in need of renewed structure and energy. Her focus was on rebuilding momentum through strategy, consistency, and genuine connection. Hirkani’s philosophy was simple: ensure every student, parent, and instructor felt heard, supported, and valued by listening closely and adapting to their needs. For her, success isn’t just measured by how well kids learn to code, but by how confident, included, and inspired they feel within the space.
Hirkani works closely with instructors to tailor lessons to each student’s learning style, balancing skill development with individual pace and interest. Sometimes a student needs a different approach, extra guidance, or one-on-one attention, and Hirkani ensures her team has the tools and support to provide that. By prioritizing both student and tutor’s needs, she creates an environment where learning is effective, and outcomes can be achieved.
Expanding and Leading with Purpose
In January 2023, Hirkani acquired her second Code Ninjas location. By applying the same blend of empathy, operational discipline, and community connection, she revitalized the center and positioned it for sustained growth. Today, both of Hirkani’s locations hold Black Belt certification, a top designation within Code Ninjas. She credits this achievement to the dedication of her team and the shared commitment to creating an environment where every child can thrive.
Equally vital to Hirkani’s success has been the support she’s received from the Code Ninjas home office. She believes that’s what makes franchising so unique; the ability to operate independently while having a strong network of guidance and expertise behind you. For Hirkani, that support has come through ongoing mentorship from Franchise Business Partner Jennifer Henesey, whose real-time insights have allowed her to focus on leading her team and supporting her students. Hirkani often points to this collaboration as an example of how strong franchisor systems can empower entrepreneurs to grow with confidence while preserving the culture and values that make their centers unique.
Engaging with the Community, and Sharing Her Story
For Hirkani, building a business is more than running successful centers – it’s about connecting with the community and sharing her journey to inspire others. She actively engages with schools, parent groups, and community organizations, offering insight into how dedication and creativity can overcome obstacles.
Early in her entrepreneurial journey, Hirkani often heard that business wasn’t a place for women, that their place was in the kitchen. Undeterred, she took the leap and proved otherwise, living true to her core belief, “You can achieve whatever you dare to dream.” Drawing from her own experiences, balancing motherhood and graduate school while revitalizing underperforming businesses, she now uses her story to inspire others, especially women, to pursue their ambitions with confidence and take ownership of their paths.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
For those considering franchising, Hirkani emphasizes the importance of aligning passion with opportunity. She advises entrepreneurs to choose a business that genuinely excites them and aligns with their strengths. From there, success comes from leveraging the support systems a franchise provides, managing time with intention, and staying focused on making a meaningful impact.
Hirkani’s story shows that empathy is more than a personal value; it’s a powerful business strategy. By leading with heart, she transformed two Code Ninjas centers into thriving community hubs, fostering a loyal team and inspiring kids to explore STEM with passion. Her journey is a reminder to aspiring entrepreneurs that thoughtful leadership, inclusive practices, and a commitment to growth can create a lasting impact, for both businesses and the people they serve.
Hirkani Pereira exemplifies how a franchisee can lead with purpose, showing that innovation in education and business begins with listening, understanding, and empowering others, a philosophy that continues to guide her centers, inspire her students, and strengthen her community.