Drishti Media Group organized the 2nd annual women golf tournament presented by saveonfoods on Thursday, August 29 at the Peace Portal PAR 3 Golf Course in Surrey, attended by more than one hundred women from diverse background. This event has been created to introduce non – golfer, beginners and golfer women to the golfing environment. All the women had a day filled with joy, happiness and empowerment.
The event was about the business development and networking, where the attendees were business owners, decision makers, and community leaders. The event celebrated diversity and inclusion.
First speaker was no stranger to exploring and expanding. Harleen Sangha, Manager, Recruitment and Retention, Pattison Food Group driven by her passion for people and business, Harleen has over 15 years of experience in various retail and office roles with the Pattison Food Group Ltd. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management and thrives on the ever-evolving HR landscape. Before kickstarting her career, Harleen spent time abroad backpacking throughout Southeast Asia. She loves to hike, try new restaurants, and is always up for an adventure.
The second speaker was Jas Sahota, Manager, Merchandising Services, Pattison Group. Jas Sahota is a growing and inspiring leader with over 15 years of experience with the Pattison Food Group. She holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences from Simon Fraser University and continues to specialize in Leadership Development. Jas is driven to contribute to her company’s vision and is committed to mentoring her team. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and planning events for friends and family!
The Third speaker was Hema Bhatt, is the Co-founder and Senior VP of Natu’Oil Services Inc. established in 2003. Natu’Oil Services is a leading distributor of palm oil product and has grown to be one of the largest importers of palm oil in both Canada and USA. In 2019, they were recognized as the USA’s Top 100 Importers of 2019. Headquartered in Port Coquitlam, Natu’Oil’s global operations extend to USA, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Mexico and the UK.
Hema is a passionate leader who strives for excellence and has inspired many through her relentless strength, courage and compassion for others. Through her philanthropic work she has actively supported both local and international communities.
After the keynote speeches, the awards were presented to the inspirational women who were honoured for their tireless work in the community, for charities and not-for-profits, and for making a difference.
- CARLEEN PAULIUK – TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH PURPOSEFUL INVESTMENTS
White Rock resident Carleen Pauliuk is Arthritis Society Canada’s Vice President of Western Canada and is fiercely determined to get meaningful results on arthritis. Passionate about healthcare fundraising, Carleen is laser-focused on her mission to inspire leaders, governments, and community members to invest in arthritis programs and research.
Carleen’s upbringing in the diverse communities of White Rock and Surrey, plus her interactions with South Asians, has deeply influenced her values and approach to philanthropy. This personal connection fuels her passion for inclusive fundraising and community-building, a commitment she carries into her role at the Arthritis Society Canada, where she leads South Asian and Chinese fundraising and awareness strategies.
Carleen’s impactful work has not gone unnoticed. In Metro Vancouver, she became a 2024 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Nominee this year.
- KELLY BAKER PABLA
Kelly Baker-Pabla has devoted over a decade to philanthropy, passionately raising funds for equity-deserving groups and children. With her background as a former competitive figure skater, Kelly has a profound understanding of how sports can shape a young person’s life, imparting essential life lessons and leadership skills while opening doors and creating opportunities.
In her role as Senior Manager of Development for British Columbia with the Golf Canada Foundation, Kelly is deeply committed to expanding and diversifying the sport of golf. She champions inclusive programs such as First Tee, Youth on Course, and She Plays Golf, working tirelessly to ensure that golf is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or any other aspect of their identity.
Kelly’s heartfelt dedication to equity and her passion for empowering children have earned her widespread recognition. Through her inspiring leadership, she is breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment, paving the way for the next generation of leaders and creating lasting change in the world of golf.
- DR. DIYA CHADHA
Dr. Diya Chadha is a pediatric dentist practicing in the lower mainland and is one of the first South Asian women to practice in this field.
She believes in access to health care for all. Her love and devotion to her patients is evident as she treats children of all ages as well as special needs adults.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Diya believes in promoting wellness and unity within her community for a better future for all.
- DEVINDER CHATTHA: EMPOWERING DREAMS
In the dynamic tapestry of Canada’s multicultural landscape, Devinder Kaur Chattha stands as a beacon of empowerment and support for newcomers, refugees, and vulnerable populations. As the Senior Director of Language, Settlement & Social Programs at Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, her dedication to facilitating the integration and settlement of individuals into Canadian society is both profound and impactful. Devinder’s journey into community support stems from a deeply ingrained passion for aiding individuals during transformative phases of their lives. Her own immigration journey from India to Canada, nearly half a century ago, serves as the bedrock of her commitment to guiding others through similar experiences. With 28 years of rich and diverse experience in coordinating, instructing, and managing programs and projects, she epitomizes expertise in her field.
- MARIA FACCIO – CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, SURREY HOSPITALS FOUNDATION
Maria Faccio, a first-generation Canadian with Italian immigrant parents, embodies the values of hard work, strength, and community engagement instilled in her from a young age. Raised in a sports-oriented family, Maria’s journey began on the soccer field at the young age of five, leading her to play through college and now coach of her son’s team.
The lessons learned from being part of a team, such as teamwork, determination, respect, inclusion, and lasting friendships, have shaped her character. For Maria, purpose is at the core of her endeavors, challenging herself to make a positive impact and create meaningful change in the world.
- KAREN DOSANJH – BLAZING BRAVE NEW PATHS FOR GENERATIONS TO FOLLOW
For the past three decades, Karen Dosanjh has built a reputation for blazing brave new paths in Marketing, Public Relations & Communications in the global technology industry. She has overcome gender and cultural barriers to reach new heights in the corporate world as the Vice-President of Marketing at OSI Digital, a digital transformation leader.
She leads the company’s global marketing strategy and is the first woman to earn that esteemed title at OSI. Karen is a force to be reckoned with in Canada’s tech marketing sector and was instrumental in helping launch three successful tech start-ups here in BC including Bit Stew Systems that exited for $200 million upon acquisition by GE in 2016.
Karen is also an incredible mentor and gives her time to speak to young women starting out in business to share her deep knowledge and career experiences. In 2018, she established the first-ever GE Women’s Network in BC to help more women enter technology careers. Karen also regularly serves as a guest speaker and mentor at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, Segal Graduate School of Business, and UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
- RAVEENA OBEROI
Raveena Oberoi, founder of local bakery empire Just Cakes Bakeshop, has been in the bakery and sweets industry since she was a teen – founding her business at just 16 years old. She was named in BC Businesses top 30 under 30 in 2023, and has taken her talents to the likes of Food Network Canada, competing both as a winning participant and a celebrated judge. Raveena has had immense experience in bakery marketing and sales – and in building a reputable food brand from scratch.
- BRITAINNY HARI
Brit is a senior marketing and communications expert based in beautiful Vancouver. Skilled in leadership, strategy, and corporate branding, Brit successfully harnessed her craft through the fast-paced and results-driven agency environment as well as experience working within the public sector, sports, and real estate industries. As an avid participant of male-dominated industries, she is passionate about topics such as representation, equity and diversity and is extracurricularly involved in associations and committees furthering this work in our community. Brit continues to defy conventional norms and innovate beyond the status quo, making her approach and unique working style stand out among the rest. Brit was recently named “Top 50 Women Leaders in Vancouver for 2023” by Women We Admire (WWA) and was the recipient of the Commercial Real Estate Women’s Network (CREW) 2023 Vancouver Rising Star Leadership Award.
- TANVEER SOHAL
Tanveer is a lawyer licensed in BC and Australia with a public health background. She holds a BA in Health Sciences from SFU, a Master of Public Health from the University of Sydney, and a JD from Bond University in Australia. Tanveer is a writer, having contributed to Emerge 15 with a short story and authored the children’s book Twin Adventures, which has won several awards. She is an instructor at SFU and has participated in creative writing programs in Canada and Australia. Her diverse interests span creative writing, animation, film/TV, and travel.
- SIMONE GREWAL
Simone is an accomplished broadcaster, writer and producer and has worked at various television and radio stations in Metro Vancouver for the last 20 years.
Currently she is the Program Director & Afternoon Drive host at 104.3 The Breeze and 96.3 The Breeze in Edmonton.
In her spare time, Simone spends her time as a volunteer in support of BC Children’s Hospital and KinVillage. She is also a big supporter of the Delta Hospital Foundation and sits on the advisory board for the BCIT Radio Arts & Entertainment Program.
We thank our Presenting sponsor, saveonfoods, Lunch sponsor, Teja Foods, Platinum sponsor, Brian Jessel BMW, Silver sponsor, Gratitude Immigration, Breakfast sponsor, Just Cakes Bakeshop, Hole and Putting contest sponsor, BDC, Hole sponsors, Haven Dental, Inspire Health, Innovative fitness, Athletics4Kids, and in-kind sponsors, PICS and Lehar Foods. Our sincere thanks to Live auction sponsor, Ash Abhyankar for donating $350 Grouse Mountain coupon for 4 adults. We raised more than $10,000 for Arthritis Society Canada
