Toronto, Canada – March 2, 2024 – Canada India Foundation (CIF) marked the International Women’s Day 2024 in the presence of a large number of guests, among them some of the most accomplished women from GTA at Holiday Inn, Toronto. The CIF event, since its launch four years ago, has continued to grow in stature and participation with each passing year.
The event commenced with a welcome address from CIF Chair, Mr. Ritesh Malik, who expressed delight at the evolution and impact of the celebration over the years. He emphasized the importance of fostering quality discussions, which have been a hallmark of CIF’s International Women’s Day events.
A highlight of the celebration was the engaging panel discussion centered around the theme of “Inspire – Engage – Empower,” moderated by Ms. Manjula Selvarajah, a CBC Columnist.
The panel featured accomplished professionals from diverse sectors:
- Neha Kovach, Vice President, Canada Goose Tech-enabled experiences
- Supreet Warna, Chief Operating Officer, HSBC
- Shreya Gupta, Technology and privacy Lawyer, Norton Rose Fulbright
- Dr. Pearl Behl, Service Medical Director, Trillium Health Partners
- Anu George, CEO, International Justice Mission Canada
The panelists delved into various challenges faced by women in their respective fields and illuminated the strategies employed to navigate these challenges with a positive and professional approach. Moderator Manjula skillfully guided the conversation, covering topics ranging from social media usage to the importance of mentorship and work-life balance. Each panelist shared their own experiences and offered invaluable advice to aspiring professionals, addressing concerns such as the impact of emerging technologies, coping with workplace dynamics, and the significance of resilience in the face of rejection.
In addition to the enriching panel discussion, earlier in the day, CIF organized specialized sessions aimed at mentoring and equipping aspiring graduates for success in their careers. Ms. Lisa Sohanpal, Founder & CEO of Nom Noms World Food, delivered a keynote address sharing personal anecdotes of struggle and triumph, emphasizing the importance of a learning attitude in achieving long-term success.
Following the keynote, attendees benefited from a career coaching session conducted by Ms. Larysa Grant, a seasoned professional and Executive Coach, aimed at empowering graduates with essential skills for entering the job market
In her closing remarks, Ms. Sunita Vyas, National Convener of CIF, extended heartfelt gratitude to volunteers and sponsors for their unwavering support in making International Women’s Day 2024 a resounding success. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Nina Tangri, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business, and Deepak Anand MPP, who commended CIF for its dedication to empowering women.
CIF Board Members, including Mr. Chetan Handa, National Co-Convener, Ms. Vase Sarmah, Secretary, Mr. Sanjay Makkar, Treasurer, and Directors Mr. Girish Kekre and Pradyuman Jhala, along with CIF Board of Governor Members were also in attendance, highlighting the organization’s commitment to advancing gender equality. Canada India Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to champion the empowerment and advancement of women, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.
