On Saturday, March 22, 2025, DARPAN Magazine proudly hosted the third edition of the DARPAN Power Women of Influence at the iconic Vancouver Convention Centre, a venue as breathtaking as the evening itself. Presented by RBC and powered by Save-On-Foods and Cadillac, the event was a resounding celebration of women’s empowerment, leadership, and the tireless pursuit of equity in today’s world. With the stunning backdrop of the North Shore mountains and Vancouver’s glittering skyline, the evening brought together changemakers, leaders, and visionaries to honor the dynamic spirit of women across industries.
The excitement was palpable as over 550 guests arrived at the red-carpet reception. The media station buzzed with energy as attendees shared their anticipation for the night ahead, cameras clicked to capture dazzling fashion moments, and the sounds of live music filled the air. This year’s red-carpet reception, made possible by BM Group of Companies, was elevated by the presence of the South Asian community’s most prominent voices, political dignitaries, and influencers from across the Lower Mainland.
The evening officially began with a captivating performance by the talented Sunehri Dance Club on the soulful anthem Tu Jhoom, setting a tone of unity and reflection. Following this was an emotionally stirring spoken word recital by award-winning poet Shane Koyczan, who masterfully reminded the audience of the strength and compassion that define Canada, grounding the night in a spirit of belonging and shared purpose.
After such powerful performances, Katie Yu, Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services, BC, at RBC, delivered an inspiring address about RBC’s ongoing commitment to diversity and leadership. With a legacy of supporting women in business and beyond, RBC’s partnership set the perfect foundation for what was to come—a night of meaningful dialogue and unforgettable celebration.
The centerpiece of the evening was the DARPAN PowerTalk, a signature segment designed to inspire and empower, supported by the Tien Sher Group of Companies as our Audio-Visual sponsor. This year’s panel, moderated by veteran broadcast journalist Robin Gill, featured an exceptional group of women leaders:
- The Honorable Farah Mohamed, senator and social entrepreneur, addressed the audience with her empowering message, Building Bridges, Not Walls”, advocating for inclusivity and connection in both policy and community work.
- Belle Puri, the first broadcast journalist of South Asian descent in Canada, tackled the timely issue of tokenism with her talk “Owning Your Worth”, calling for real inclusion beyond quotas.
- Roshaneh Zafar, founder of Pakistan’s first microfinance institution, the Kashf Foundation, followed with her compelling talk “Be the First, Not the Last”, urging women to break barriers and build bridges for the next generation of leaders.
- Supinder Wraich, acclaimed actress and storyteller, inspired attendees with “Turning Doubt into Power”, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and self-belief in overcoming public scrutiny.
- Anoop Virk, a philanthropist and TEDx Producer, delivered her talk “Redefining Women’s Empowerment for a New Generation”, highlighting the importance of intersectionality and innovation in today’s feminist movement.
Each PowerTalk speaker left the audience deeply moved and energized, sharing personal journeys that touched on breaking stereotypes, creating inclusive spaces, and uplifting others through mentorship and allyship. Their voices, diverse yet united in purpose, lit up the room and set the stage for a powerful discussion to follow.
During the panel discussion, moderator Robin Gill posed thoughtful and timely questions to the panelists, exploring critical themes such as gender equity, mental health, mentorship, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and the influence of media-driven beauty standards. The conversation delved into how women could navigate institutional structures, manage burnout, and redefine success on their own terms. A poignant moment came when panelists emphasized the need for sustained mental health support and challenged outdated narratives around “having it all.” The discussion was rich with authenticity, laughter, wisdom, and vulnerability—offering a rare and raw glimpse into the personal truths of powerful women.
This year’s DARPAN Power Women of Influence also saw a strong political presence, with distinguished guests such as Deputy Premier and Attorney General of BC Niki Sharma, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds and Speaker of the House Raj Chouhan, Minister of State for Trade and MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood Jagrup Brar, and MPs Randeep Sarai, Sukh Dhaliwal, and Tamara Jansen in attendance. The audience was also honored by the presence of Wally Oppal, former Attorney General and the first South Asian BC Supreme Court Judge, and Senator Baltej Dhillon, Canada’s first turbaned Sikh RCMP officer.
As the panel discussion concluded, the celebration continued with a grand dinner sponsored by Gagan Foods International, featuring a delicious and diverse array of cuisine and desserts.
The evening was brought to an electrifying crescendo with a performance by none other than Punjabi music legend Golden Star Malkit Singh, sponsored by Elegant Glass and Shower Mirrors. The dance floor quickly filled as guests swayed to his chart-topping hits, celebrating the night in full festive spirit.
Behind the scenes, the evening’s seamless execution was made possible by our amazing sponsors, whose support was instrumental in bringing the evening to life. Team DARPAN would like to take this chance to express our heartfelt gratitude to every brand that chose to support this initiative.
“Hosting the third edition of DARPAN Power Women of Influence has been a privilege. Each year, we are reminded of the power of storytelling, the strength of our community, and the importance of giving women a platform to shine,” shared Ramneek Dhillon, President of DARPAN Magazine, alongside Gurvinder Hundal, Founder of DARPAN Magazine. “We are grateful for the continued support and look forward to building more spaces where women’s voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered.”
As the night drew to a close, the message was clear: women are not just participating in today’s conversations—they are leading them. The DARPAN Power Women of Influence 2025 was not just an event; it was a movement—an affirmation of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women, and a call to action for everyone to contribute to a more inclusive future.
