Featuring stories of six South Asian women whose journeys reflect courage, purpose, and the power of change.
Across industries and communities, South Asian women are continuing to reshape what leadership looks like. They are educators, journalists, advocates, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—women who are not only building meaningful careers, but also creating opportunities for others along the way.
This International Women’s Day, DARPAN celebrates a group of inspiring women whose journeys reflect resilience, purpose, and the power of giving back. From global education policy and community advocacy to media and public leadership, each of these women has carved her own path while uplifting those around her.
Their stories are not just about professional success. They are about navigating challenges, embracing risks, and staying grounded in the values that shaped them. Through their work and their voices, they remind us that progress is rarely a straight line, but every step forward creates momentum for the next generation.
As we mark International Women’s Day, their experiences offer a powerful reminder that when women lead, communities grow stronger.
Meet six powerful women leaders as they share their journeys, thoughts and aspirations with Darpan.
Angie Osachoff
Director of Canadian Programs, Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education
Angie Osachoff’s commitment to service is rooted in her family’s story of resilience after arriving in Canada as refugees from Uganda in 1972. Inspired by her parents’ dedication to community, she began volunteering at a young age and built a lifelong path in human rights advocacy. Today, as Director of Canadian Programs at Equitas – the International Centre for Human Rights Education, she leads initiatives advancing human rights, youth leadership, and inclusion across Canada. With more than three decades of work in anti-racism and children’s rights, Angie continues to champion equity while uplifting communities and future generations.
Anita Sodhi-Cavezza
Director of Business Development, BC Place
Anita Sodhi-Cavezza’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and the strength shaped by her immigrant upbringing. After arriving in Canada as a child and facing the loss of her father at sixteen, she began working early to support her family, building her career step by step. Today, as Director of Business Development at BC Place, she plays a key role in bringing major global sporting and entertainment events to Vancouver. Guided by the example of her mother’s perseverance, Anita continues to lead with authenticity while helping shape the region’s events and entertainment landscape.
Gurnaz Kaur
Content Creator & Actor
For Vancouver-based content creator and actor Gurnaz, storytelling and creativity have always come naturally. Beginning her journey on Vine over a decade ago, she steadily built a digital presence that now reaches more than 1.3 million followers across platforms. Known for blending beauty, humor, and cultural storytelling, Gurnaz proudly embraces her Punjabi identity in her content. Through authenticity and representation, she continues to create space for South Asian voices in the digital and entertainment world.
Rita Parikh
Chair, Vancity Credit Union & Vancity Community Investment Bank
Rita Parikh’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to justice, community, and equitable systems. With experience spanning international development, human rights, and governance, she has worked across continents advancing women’s rights and social change. Today, as Chair of Vancity, she helps guide one of Canada’s leading values-based financial institutions. Recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Rita continues to champion inclusive leadership while mentoring the next generation of changemakers.
Rochelle Prasad
Educator, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Founder - SPARK Foundation
Rochelle Prasad’s journey into global education policy was shaped early by helping her Indo-Fijian immigrant parents navigate life in Canada. Those experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to advocacy and equitable access to education. She later founded the SPARK Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit that has supported education initiatives impacting over half a million students worldwide. Today, Rochelle works across teaching, policy, and the United Nations system, championing youth engagement and education as a powerful tool for global change.
Simi Sara
Award-Winning Journalist & Host, Mornings with Simi
Simi Sara discovered her passion for journalism as a teenager and has spent more than three decades telling stories that matter. From her early days as a reporter at The Surrey Leader to becoming the host of Mornings with Simi on 980 CKNW, she has built a trusted voice in British Columbia’s media landscape. Along the way, she has navigated personal loss and industry challenges with resilience and determination. Today, her thoughtful storytelling and community-focused conversations continue to inform and engage listeners across the province.
Photo Courtesy: A Master Media
Venue Courtesy: 312 Main, Vancouver