Meet Dinasha Cellura | Co-Founder, Live Like Leo Foundation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dinasha Cellura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dinasha, what inspires you?
I find immense inspiration in observing individuals who courageously venture beyond their comfort zones. It’s incredible to witness personal and professional growth stemming from such experiences. I firmly believe that a healthy dose of anxiety paired with curiosity is essential for growth. Emotions like fear, discomfort, and insecurity often signal that we are on the right path toward learning and development. This concept closely relates to taking risks, but more importantly, it emphasizes the importance of curiosity and exploration. My own experience with this, in 2012, my husband, young son and I made a significant life change by leaving our comfortable life in California and moving to Japan. We left everything behind to embrace this new adventure, and it was transformative.

Returning to the U.S. after living around the world has profoundly reshaped our perspectives on life and its many forms. We’ve witnessed firsthand how diverse cultures and societies experience life in unique ways. This global exposure has became a dynamic aspect to our children’s upbringing, instilling in them an appreciation for various world views. Walking the streets of Tokyo sites and sounds, staying in a traditional Ryokan in Kyoto, letting our kids run a muck in yukata robes and sleep on tatami mats.

We recognize that experience and exposure can significantly alter a child’s trajectory, enabling them to discover their passions and belong to several communities unlimited by their native surroundings. This realization was a catalyst for establishing the Live Like Leo Foundation, with the mission of providing travel opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access.

We believe that exploring beyond familiar boundaries can be transformative for young individuals. Our experiences have shown us that a person’s first journey into a new society and culture often becomes a pivotal moment that shapes their future. By offering these opportunities, we aim to empower underserved young adults, enriching their lives and broadening their horizons.

The heartfelt reactions and gratitude we’ve received from the many students we’ve assisted are truly priceless. Witnessing their growth and transformation reinforces our commitment to this mission and inspires us to continue our work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a business professional, I navigate the demands of my career, and balancing with parenting and family. What changed and shifted my story and direction is my work for the foundation opening up a profound sense of fulfillment that transcends anything I’ve experienced in my professional life. The tragic loss of our son, Leo, is a journey that no parent wishes to undertake. However, in the depths of that sorrow, a powerful instinct for survival emerged. It led me to a profound realization about much of our purpose on this planet: to serve others and show empathy for other humans.

This mission has become a guiding light, motivating me to channel our family’s grief into meaningful action that supports underserved youth. The emotional rewards from this work are immeasurable, creating a unique “emotional bank account” that nourishes my spirit and drives my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Through this foundation, I strive to honor Leo’s legacy by empowering young individuals to explore the world and discover their potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
SoCal readers, please come see us in Santa Cruz! Just a few miles away, you’ll find a stunning 12-15 mile hiking trail winding through the preserved redwood forests of Nisene Marks. Our town is nestled near a world-renowned coastline that stretches from Monterey to Carmel and Pebble Beach, offering plenty of opportunities for fresh seafood, big surf, and vibrant marine life. Enjoy great live music at various venues throughout the town, along with a host of exciting culinary delights. Santa Cruz is a place that thrives on its love for the outdoors and a natural lifestyle.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We definitely cannot go without sending a huge shoutout to our partner that provides travel abroad programs to underserved students, Global Glimpse. They saw in us a story and a direction that not only contributed to their overall mission, but helped us become a part of their family. Global Glimpse directly serves high school students in the Bay Area (where we are based) and in the Los Angeles region across various deserving school districts. Their programs afford these young bright minds the opportunity to pick cocoa in the fields of Costa rica, or help clean water in the villages of Equador while breaking bread with families and understanding their daily struggles. So many of our students come back with realizations and epiphanies about what really matters to their hearts and minds. Many put their phones down, uninstall apps, figure out their major/minor for college or organizations they strive to contribute to, all from stepping outside their comfort zone and stepping into someone else’s shoes.

Website: http://www.livelikeleo.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelikeleofoundation

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/live-like-leo-foundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveLikeLeoFoundation/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@livelikeleofoundation7416

Other: https://www.globalglimpse.org/who-we-are/donors-partners

Image Credits
Global Glimpse, for travel photos
Run Like Leo Event Photography