Meet Richa Dolia | MAEd, MBA, NC Licensed Educator, Challenge Island RTP Owner

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

Hi Richa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was deeply personal—it was about aligning my work with my passion and purpose. I spent years in corporate project and product management, honing my skills in problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration. But I felt something was missing. As a former educator, I missed the energy of a classroom, the spark in a child’s eyes when they discover something new, and the joy of hands-on learning.

I wanted to create something that truly mattered—not just for me, but for the next generation. I saw the increasing reliance on screens and the diminishing opportunities for kids to engage in real-world, hands-on problem-solving. That’s where Challenge Island came in. It was the perfect bridge between my love for education and my experience in critical thinking and teamwork. It offered an exciting, adventure-filled way for kids to learn STEAM concepts while developing the skills they’ll need to succeed in life—creativity, resilience, and collaboration.

More than just a business, Challenge Island RTP is a mission for me. It’s about giving kids a space where they can explore, take risks, and grow in ways that screens simply can’t replicate. It’s about bringing families and communities together through meaningful, engaging learning experiences. And most of all, it’s about making an impact—one child, one challenge, one island at a time.

I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with the Raleigh and Cary communities, and I can’t wait to see where these young minds take us next!

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey to where I am today has been anything but linear—it has been shaped by passion, challenges, and a deep commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.

After years in project and product management, I realized that while I was solving complex problems in the corporate world, my heart longed for a different kind of impact—one that involved shaping young minds and fostering creativity. That realization led me back to education, and when I discovered Challenge Island, I knew I had found something truly special.

Challenge Island stands apart because we believe in the power of hands-on, screen-free learning. In a world dominated by technology, we give kids the opportunity to collaborate, think critically, and solve real-world challenges in a fun, imaginative way. Watching children light up as they work together, build, and problem-solve without relying on screens is what makes this journey so rewarding.

What I want the world to know about Challenge Island is that we are more than just a STEAM program—we are a movement. We are shaping future innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. We are giving children the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and creativity.

I’m incredibly excited to bring this adventure to families in the Raleigh and Cary area. Every day, I get to see firsthand how Challenge Island transforms the way children learn and grow—and that, to me, is the greatest reward of all.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit Raleigh for a week, I’d make sure they got the perfect mix of amazing food, fun adventures, and cool local spots. Here’s how I’d show them the best time:

Must-Try Restaurants:
-Jubala Coffee– Hands down the best biscuits in town, plus great coffee to start the day.
-Brewery Bhavana – A unique mix of dim sum, craft beer, and a cozy bookstore/florist all in one.
-Morgan Street Food Hall – So many delicious options, from tacos to poke bowls.
-Poole’s Diner– You *have* to try their legendary mac & cheese.
-Bida Manda – Laotian cuisine with incredible curries and papaya salad.

Awesome Places to Explore:
-North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences– One of the best free museums in the country!
-Raleigh City Market-– A great place to find unique, locally made goodies.
-Red Hat Amphitheater & The Ritz – Perfect spots to catch a live show.
-William B. Umstead State Park– Gorgeous trails for hiking and fresh air.
-Neuse River Greenway Trail – Bike and soak in the scenery.
-Duke Gardens & Sarah P. Duke Gardens– One of my favorite spots for a peaceful, beautiful walk.
-The Village District & North Hills– Great shopping, from local boutiques to trendy brands.
-Pullen Park – A charming place to stroll, especially if kids are tagging along.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I firmly believe that no journey is ever a solo endeavor, and my path to Challenge Island has been shaped by the incredible support, guidance, and encouragement of so many. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family—my husband, Sandeep, and two children, Shria & Riaan—who have been my biggest cheerleaders, inspiring me daily with their love and belief in my vision.

I also want to acknowledge the educators who instilled in me a lifelong passion for learning, the mentors in my corporate career who pushed me to grow, and the Challenge Island community for welcoming me with open arms. Most importantly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to the children I have the privilege of working with every day. Their curiosity, creativity, and resilience remind me why I chose this path and fuel my commitment to making STEAM education an unforgettable, hands-on adventure.

To everyone who has been a part of my journey—thank you. Your support has helped me turn my passion into a reality, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Website: https://challenge-island.com/rtp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/challengeislandrtp/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/challenge-island-rtp/

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