As Senior Vice President, Hema oversees the company's operations, human resources and finance portfolio. She's also transitioning to work only three days a week so her two daughters can engage more fully with different aspects of the business. Her husband has also recovered considerably in the last nine years and works from home. 

Keeping up with the tradition, this issue marks the third 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 addition to establishing a successful family-owned business, A1 Sports located in Surrey, Dhadwar has devoted his life to volunteering his time, money, experience, and skills to those in need, locally and beyond. 

The awards have been the perfect platform for bringing South Asian leaders together to celebrate community milestones and as well as individual achievements. These individuals have been creating true impact and creating ripple effects across the world, alongside bettering the community. The spirit of greatness was evidently present in the air through the evening. 

Recognized for being the all-time seventh most prolific inventor, with more than 1,300 U.S. utility patents, meet Dr. Gurtej Sandhu. Senior Fellow and Vice President at a top chip manufacturer in the world, Micron Technology, Inc. with its headquarter in Boise, Idaho, United States of America, Dr. Sandhu’s expertise lies in the areas of thin film processes and materials, VLSI, and semiconductor device fabrication.

Be it hiking, biking, skiing or even mountain climbing, South Asians in British Columbia have not just explored them as a hobby but turned them into their passion. Meet these 5 incredible South Asian outdoor enthusiasts who are inspiring and paving way for others to create their own mark in this space as well as showing us what nature has to offer.