"I hope we can break the myth that there's only room for a few of us. As women of color in media, we've been told opportunities are scarce, creating a competition that shouldn’t exist. The truth is, we are stronger together when we uplift each other". 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. At one of these shows, a producer from a multicultural channel noticed her innate talent for television and asked her to join the team. It was this defining moment that set the wheels in motion for a dynamic career in media—one that would see her go from television journalist to one of Vancouver’s most recognized and, wouldn’t be wrong to say, most loved radio voices. 
 
Nira started as a reporter for the South Asian magazine show Zindagi and went on to write, produce, and act in local television. Her early years in the industry were exciting, but the reality of being a woman of color in media was also becoming apparent. Despite her dedication, she faced obstacles in career progression where she had to fight for opportunities that seemed to come more easily to others. Amidst all this, she made a bold decision to switch to radio. It was a leap of faith; her brother told her of a new radio station in town. She lost no time in sending in her resume, auditioning for two weeks, and finally joining The Beat 94.5 (now Virgin Radio) in March 2002. Now, more than two decades later, she continues to command the airwaves on the only two-woman morning radio show in Canada - Holly and Nira, with co-host Holly Conway, where they serve an engaging mix of humor, authenticity, and social awareness. 

Being a South Asian woman in mainstream radio often came with its own set of responsibilities. She felt the weight of cultural representation, an internal pressure to always ‘get it right.’ “Radio is more about real-life conversations, which may lead to some uncomfortable scenarios, and I often found myself wondering if the community would appreciate the honesty,” she says. But over time, she embraced this role with authenticity that resonated with her audience. Today, she not only entertains but sparks meaningful conversations with a dedicated break each day during their show to social justice topics. A mother of three, she juggles work and family and makes sure to give back to society—through her mentorship and speaking engagements, and most recently as a guest lecture at Simon Fraser University. 

Nira is a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the recent setbacks in DEI initiatives deeply frustrate her. “When you visibly see diversity, it gives you hope that you too can be a part of it,” she says. “Now, with these initiatives being rolled back, it’s taking us so many steps back.” Having spent her career navigating an industry that often made her feel she had to work harder, speak louder, and yet remain careful not to be "too much," she understands firsthand how representation matters. 

For Nira, success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about using her voice to inspire change. And in doing so, she accelerates action every single day.

Q & A
 
Given that this year's International Women's Day theme is 'Accelerate Action' - What does that phrase mean to you personally?

If you want it, you really have to work to get it. Don’t wait for someone else. You have to activate that action within you to see the results. 

What is the one habit or mindset that has contributed most to your success? 

Work hard, play hard, and give back. Because karma is real—what you give, will ultimately always come back. 

If you could change one thing for women today, what would it be? 

I would love for women to know we can be both—a powerhouse and a powerhome. Shine in professional setups while also taking care of yourself and your family. Balancing it all is tough, but it’s possible. 

What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self? 

Enjoy the ride. Celebrate the great moments when you are in them instead of always chasing the next goal.                                                                                          

Photo: A Master Media

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