Featuring stories of five South Asian women in BC who are Leading with Purpose, Inspiring with Action.
Women are shaping the future in every sector of society—leading industries, paving the way for upcoming generations, and driving meaningful change. Yet, time and time again, we see the journey of a woman being marked by challenges that continually test resilience, perseverance, and purpose. With ‘Accelerate Action’ being the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, DARPAN celebrates those who refuse to wait for change but instead propel it forward.
In our special Women’s Day edition, we turn the spotlight on five incredible South Asian women who have redefined their respective fields not just through grit and innovation but with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Whether in the media, research, or corporate leadership, these trailblazers share a common trait—an unshakable resolve to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive world for all.
Join us as we celebrate womanhood in its most powerful form—one that leads, inspires, and transforms.
Meet this year's achievers whose journeys have only made them stronger, even unstoppable.
Photo: A Master Media
Venue: Darpan Magazine Studio, Surrey
Meet BC’s five 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.
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Dr.Neeta Nagra
Author, Entrepreneur & Director - BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Dr. Neeta Nagra’s journey is one of relentless passion and a deep-seated commitment to empowering others. As an author, entrepreneur, and thought leader, she has dedicated her career to advancing mental health care and leadership development. Her path began in university when she started volunteering with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Belle Puri
Journalist and Reporter, CBC News Vancouver
Noted as Canada’s first broadcast journalist of South Asian descent, Belle Puri’s career in journalism began with a dream that defied the norms of her time. Belle’s defining moment came when television came calling. Although content at CKNW—then regarded as one of Canada’s most prestigious news outlets—she interviewed with and was hired by BCTV in 1987, marking the beginning of her illustrious 38-year career as a television journalist.
Hebah Hussaina
PhD Candidate, School of Population and Public Health, UBC
A passionate advocate for youth mental health and well-being, Hebah Hussaina is a PhD candidate at the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Hebah’s research is deeply rooted in amplifying youth voices, ensuring that the next generation has access to resources that foster mental health, resilience, and growth.
Aditi Bhatt
Chief Commerical Officer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Aditi Bhatt's journey to becoming the Chief Commercial Officer of the Vancouver Whitecaps is a testament to her unwavering passion for sports and her strategic business acumen. Her career is marked by a consistent drive to innovate, introducing data-driven strategies and out-of-the-box thinking across diverse industries and leadership roles.
Nira Arora
Broadcaster & Morning Show Radio Host– Holly and Nira, 94.5 Virgin Radio
Nira Arora’s journey into the media was driven by a passion and love of storytelling. A natural performer, she often found herself drawn to the arts: writing, producing, and hosting several cultural shows at Simon Fraser University. She went from being a television journalist to one of Vancouver’s most recognized and, wouldn’t be wrong to say, most loved radio voices.
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Photo: A Master Media
Venue: Darpan Magazine Studio, Surrey
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