Breaking Barriers & Building Pathways: British Columbia
Description
This International Women’s Day, we’re coming together to honour South Asian women who didn’t just break barriers, they also built pathways so others could follow.
So many of us know what it feels like to be the first, the only, or one of very few in the room. To carry the invisible labour of representation while quietly creating access, opportunity, and change for others. This gathering is about diving into that journey. The resilience it takes to push forward, and the generosity it takes to reach back.
Because it’s not just about shattering glass ceilings.
It’s about making sure fewer people have to.
From Firsts to Trailblazers
In BC we’re hosting a powerful and intimate conversation with South Asian women redefining what leadership, excellence, and visibility look like across sport, research, and fashion.
Davinder Bains Gill, Founder & Fashion Designer, Armaan DBG
Pari Goyal, Canadian National Team Rhythmic Gymnast & UBC Student Researcher
Hermina Khara, Partner at Odgers, Regional Ambassador for Women Get On Board & Board Member of Better Not Bitter
From elite athletics and academia to entrepreneurship and leadership, our panelists will share what it’s like to navigate systems not built for them and how they’ve carved space anyway. We’ll explore discipline, identity, and the behind-the-scenes work of representation and building community in spaces where South Asian women are still underrepresented.
Rooted in Purpose, Built for Community
Laadliyan’s Annual International Women’s Day events are spaces of reflection, affirmation, and collective growth. They are a space of our own where our stories are honoured, our labour is seen, and our futures feel a little more possible. Come be part of a conversation that celebrates the women breaking barriers and intentionally building pathways for those who follow.
Connect, Celebrate, and Indulge
Our International Women’s Day gatherings are all about community, connection, and a sprinkle of joy. Enjoy refreshments and snacks from Black Sheep, sip tea from Sattea Mobile Tea Boutique, and treat yourself to sweet delights from Candy Cart. Capture the memories with Eternity Booths, discover trinkets from Charmed Cove, and participate in a raffle to win skincare from Fulkhari Beauty.
Come for the stories. Stay for the connection. Leave reminded that your path matters and so does who you bring along with you.
Meet the Laadliyan in Leadership
Davi Bains-Gill, Founder & Fashion Designer, Armaan DBG (Panelist)
Davi Bains-Gill is an accomplished Indian fashion designer and the founder of Armaan DBG, a luxury fashion brand rooted in Indian heritage and shaped by her Canadian upbringing. She began designing at just 16 years old and realized her vision in 2003 with the opening of her boutique in Canada, attended and supported by Bollywood icons including Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan. Known for seamlessly blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary design, Davi has showcased her work through numerous fashion shows and international platforms, including the TOIFA Awards in 2013. In recognition of her cultural and industry impact, she was named one of BC’s 100 Most Influential Indo-Canadians in 2008. Through Armaan DBG, Davi continues to push creative boundaries while empowering individuals to express identity, confidence, and self-expression through fashion.
Pari Goyal, Canadian National Team Rhythmic Gymnast & UBC Student Researcher
Pari Goyal is a member of the Canadian National Team in Rhythmic Gymnastics and has represented Canada for the past four years, competing both individually and as part of the national group. She has competed at major international events, including the 2022 World Challenge Cup in Romania and the 2022 World Championships in Bulgaria. Pari is the first South Asian in the history of Canada to be a member of the Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team. In addition to her athletic career, Pari is a second-year student at the University of British Columbia. Over the past several years, she has been involved in a range of research projects spanning sustainable energy solutions and clinical patient and athlete care. She is currently volunteering as an undergraduate student researcher at SportsCardiologyBC and collaborating on research initiatives with Canada's National Team physiotherapists.
Hermina Khara, Partner at Odgers, Regional Ambassador for Women Get On Board and Board Member for Better Not Bitter (Panelist)
Hermina Khara is a Partner in Executive Search & Leadership Advisory, partnering with boards, CEOs, and founders to appoint senior leaders and support leadership transitions at pivotal moments such as periods of growth, leadership change, or organizational reset. With a strong foundation in people and culture, she supports high-stakes leadership decisions by helping organizations build leadership teams that are effective, values-aligned, and positioned for long-term success, while actively mentoring and advancing women through leadership and governance pathways. For IWD, Hermina believes women belong at every decision-making table and that leadership is strongest when it reflects the communities it serves.
Alisha Swite, Laadliyan Programs Lead BC (MC)
Alisha Swite serves as the Programs Lead for Laadliyan in BC and brings experience in non-profit and community-based work. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, emotional well-being, and community connection, she facilitates programs and events for both girls and women that centre healing, self-expression, and leadership. Known for her soft presence and love for affirmations, Alisha creates spaces that encourage women to embrace their voices, inner strength, and collective power.
Manvir Bhangu, Founder & Executive Director of Laadliyan (Moderator)
Manvir Bhangu is an award winning dedicated community builder with over a decade of experience in gender equity, human rights, youth and community engagement, research, immigration, and settlement. She is the founder of Laadliyan (laad-lee-ah), a non-profit empowering South Asian daughters through education, engagement and awareness. Laadliyan has directly impacted over 12,000 girls and women through mentorship opportunities, access to menstrual hygiene, bridging intergenerational divides and much more. Manvir's accomplishments include being named in Brampton's Top 40 under 40 in 2018, winning the Women Working in Social Activism Award in 2022, and receiving the Young Woman of Distinction Award from YWCA Toronto in 2023.
Agenda
- 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Doors Open
- 7:00 pm
Opening Remarks
- 7:10 pm
Musical Performance by Fizza
- 7:20 pm
Panel Discussion + Q&A
- 8:15 pm
Networking
FAQs
- What is Laadliyan?
Laadliyan, Celebrating & Empowering Daughters is a non-profit organization that inspires South Asian girls and women of all ages to become empowered individuals through engagement, education and awareness.
- What is accessibility like at your event?
Laadliyan is committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event for everyone. When registering, please mention if you require any accommodations.
- Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, there is ample free parking around the venue.
- Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code enforced. We always encourage everyone to wear whatever makes you feel your best. That said, Laadlis do love to dress up, so we recommend a smart-casual look!
- I registered but can no longer attend, what should I do?
Please send us a message! Spaces are limited and we want to make sure another Laadli has the chance to join if you’re unable to attend.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
