Not all heroines make flashy entries; some arrive quietly, without any fanfare, roll up their sleeves, and simply get to work. No spotlight, just sheer dedication to life-altering service. This International Women’s Day, DARPAN salutes two such women—Dr. Mandakini Amte and Advocate Varsha Deshpande.
As host of Mornings with Simi on 980 CKNW, she brings more than three decades of perspective to conversations that shape the province. Her thoughtful, accessible approach has earned her national recognition, including RTDNA awards, a Jack Webster Award, and multiple Canadian Radio Awards as Best On-Air Host in the country.
Rochelle works at the intersection of education, policy, and global advocacy. Alongside teaching high school and post-secondary students, she advises governments and multilateral institutions through the United Nations system on youth engagement and education policy.
Rita’s early career took her across Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, working for Canadian NGOs collaborating with brilliant organizations on the ground to further their struggles for food, security, reproductive health, and women’s rights. Alongside that, she explored law and justice closer to home, serving as a part-time investigator for the Human Rights Commission.
Gurnaz's journey on the internet began more than a decade ago on Vine, the short-form video platform that launched the careers of many early digital creators. At the time, she was simply experimenting—posting comedic skits and snippets of everyday life without much expectation beyond having fun. When Vine eventually shut down, she continued creating, slowly building her presence across Instagram, YouTube, and eventually TikTok.
In 2025, Anita’s work was recognized when she was honored among women leaders at BC Place during the City of Vancouver’s Women Behind the Sound Day, celebrating the women shaping the region’s events and entertainment industry.
