Highlighting stories of seven South Asian women in BC who are Breaking Barriers and Going Places.
Darpan Magazine's March-April issue has become synonymous with the spirit of International Women's Day. In the year 2020, the magazine decided to bring to the fore South Asian women living in British Columbia who have found their purpose and voice and are willing to share their stories to inspire others in the community.
Keeping up with the tradition, this issue marks the fourth year as DARPAN celebrates the achievements of seven women steering clear of stereotypes and forging their own paths. While each comes from a different professional background, they are all resilient, hardworking and fully committed to their calling in life.
In British Columbia, there are so many remarkable South Asian women who are leaders in their respective fields. Be it in politics, health, social work, business, or broadcasting – their contribution has been crucial for the growth and development of the province and BC’s South Asian community.
These brilliant women have strived to reach their goals; they have shattered the glass ceiling to turn their dreams into reality. They have not let anyone hold them back – and that is our message for young South Asian women and girls who have big dreams. Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back!
Meet this year's achievers whose journeys have only made them stronger, even unstoppable.
Photo: A Master Media
Venue: Maharaja Banquet Hall, Surrey
Meet BC’s seven South Asian female role models as they share their thoughts, aspirations and advice with DARPAN. They are superwomen in their own right and a wonderful example of female power.
--> CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO READ THEIR INSPIRING STORIES <---
Niki Sharma, Attorney General of British Columbia
On December 7th, 2022, Niki Sharma was appointed the Attorney General of British Columbia, the first woman of colour to hold this position across provinces in Canada. As someone who has been a part of the justice system for almost two decades, she understands it can work for or against the people. The realization drives her to show up to work filled with gratitude and ready to make a positive change..... CLICK TO READ HER STORY
Kam Raman, Vice President, Group Advantage at RBC
Known for her ability to engage diverse teams, Kam Raman has been growing her career in the financial services industry over the past 20 years and has embraced the importance and value of life-long learning. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her business acumen, communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities....CLICK TO READ HER STORY
Wendy Mehat, Officer in Charge, Ridge Meadows RCMP
As Officer in Charge, Wendy oversees policing, police response, community welfare initiatives, human resources, and more in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows cities. Amidst all this, she prioritizes the mental and physical well-being of her police officers, who see so much trauma all around them. At the same time, she feels strongly about supporting youth in the community, particularly those undergoing mental health issues.....CLICK TO READ HER STORY
Kiran Toor, President, Kids Play Youth Foundation
As president of the organization, Kiran collaborates with leaders and volunteers in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto in Canada; Punjab in India; Columbia; and Uganda, who help facilitate multiple programs which include sports, mentorship, education, counselling & mental health, environment, and community engagement.....CLICK TO READ HER STORY
Tarannum Thind, Host & Producer at Chai with T Podcast
In 1997, Tarannum immigrated to Canada with her family and tried her hand at different study programs. Her dream, however, was to study Broadcast Journalism at BCIT. However, while still on the waitlist in 2003, she auditioned and got selected to host a multicultural show on Channel M in Hindi and Punjabi. It began the professional journey of one of the most sort-after, familiar, and personable South Asian media personalities in Vancouver and beyond.... CLICK TO READ HER STORY
Saje Brar, Director of Operations at Surrey Eagles & Governor of BCHL
At Yale University, she was the first South Asian to play on the Yale Woman Soccer Team. As NCAA Division 1 soccer player, she was among the top soccer players across colleges in the USA and won twice the Ivy League Rookie of the Week award in her first year. In 2022, Saje graduated from Yale, majoring in Political Science and completing her four years as an athlete..... CLICK TO READ HER STORY
Hema Bhatt, Senior Vice President, Natu Oil Services Inc
This year, Natu Oil Services Inc., one of North America's largest sustainable refined palm oil suppliers, celebrates twenty years in business. The accomplishment seems even more significant when one considers that an Indian immigrant family from Malaysia started the company in Coquitlam (in a basement) and managed to expand its operations and build offices in five countries, including Canada, the USA, India, Malaysia, and Singapore..... CLICK TO READ HER STORY
--> CLICK ON THE LINKS ABOVE TO READ THEIR INSPIRING STORIES <---
Photo: A Master Media
Venue: Maharaja Banquet Hall, Surrey
The Segment has been powered by Thind Properties
&
Crystal Consulting Group of Companies.
A Word from Thind Properties
The tremendous achievements of women in our community symbolize the advancements towards greater gender equality and inclusion. At home, in our South Asian community, we continue to support the empowerment of women – our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. Our proud South Asian heritage is rooted in the essence of the modern woman, as we commemorate her strength, courage and resilience.
Congratulations to the incredible 7 South Asian female achievers on Darpan's March/April issue who have made the community proud.
Thind Properties Ltd is a successful name in the real estate industry and the credit behind the company's success goes to hardworking and strong women who helped shape it to what it is today.
Darpan Magazine's The Power Women of Influence Gala is a commendable undertaking and the evening will be remembered by many for bringing the community together to put a spotlight on outstanding local and global women.
A Word from CCGC.
Crystal Consulting Group of Companies is honoured to power a segment that is all about female representation and women empowerment.
It is so great to see Darpan wanting to share the stories of successful women of the South Asian community through the March/April issue of Darpan Magazine dedicated to International Women's Day.
It is salute worthy that they want to take their endeavour to new heights and celebrate local and global South Asian women with key stakeholders, respected community and business leaders, and political dignitaries.
The Darpan Power Women of Influence Gala will be an inspiration for many young women who want to achieve great heights in their respective fields.
A Huge Thank You To All Our Valuable Sponsors for making the Gala Possible!!!
