"I am terrible at math and science, so law was what we decided on. But a friend encouraged me to follow my passion, and I never looked back, she admits." Yasmin Gandham, CTV News Vancouver, Reporter
When the world came to a standstill during COVID-19, Yasmin Gandham’s journalism dreams nearly did too. Graduating into uncertainty, she took a job in South Asian media—an unexpected detour that became a turning point. It helped her find her voice, connect with her community, and carve her space in Canadian journalism. A broadcast reporter at CTV News, Yasmin is making waves with bold storytelling, amplifying underrepresented voices and underserved communities.
Born to Indian immigrant parents, Yasmin balanced her South Asian heritage with Western culture. “Despite attending Western schools, my parents never let my sisters and I stray from our roots,” she shares. Family dinners were a non-negotiable, reinforcing values that shaped her.
Her love for journalism began young—recording fake radio shows and leaving weather reports on her mother’s voicemail. At UBC, she wrote for the campus newspaper, but with a doctor father, her parents hoped for a conventional career. “I am terrible at math and science, so law was what we decided on. But a friend encouraged me to follow my passion, and I never looked back,” she admits.
Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. “After graduating, I struggled to find opportunities,” she recalls. With limited options during the pandemic, she joined Connect FM, a South Asian talk show. Though not her initial goal, it became pivotal, “I was able to connect with my community, speak about controversial issues, and create space for people, all while also finding my voice. Your community supports you, and there is an opportunity within that domain. I’ve heard many things throughout my career like I’m a ‘diversity hire’ or I don’t even look Punjabi—but I used all of those challenges as fuel to be better and prove everyone wrong.”
Yasmin’s commitment to meaningful storytelling has led her to cover powerful stories, including the 2021 Okanagan floods. “I interviewed a mother whose son needed medical supplies from BC Children’s Hospital but couldn’t get them due to road closures. A firefighter who saw my story stepped in to help,” she shares. “That’s when I realized how impactful our work can be.”
Deeply connected to her South Asian roots, Yasmin works with community organizations and ensures diverse voices are heard. “I am always looking for stories that pertain to the South Asian community or other diverse voices. Again, I aim to be an ally and a platform for people to share their stories. Whether it’s the farmers’ protests in India or the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls—I aim to bring these issues to light,” she acknowledges.
To aspiring journalists, her advice is simple: “Every opportunity is an opportunity. Even if it’s not what you expected, you’re gaining skills and growing. Stay focused, work hard, and don’t let negativity sway you.”
Yasmin Gandham’s pursuit is a masterclass in perseverance, showing how passion and optimism carve their own destiny.
