BY J.M. LEE
Angie has dedicated over 30 years to advancing human rights, humanitarian work, and community development—a lifelong commitment shaped by her family’s history in Uganda and India. From a young age, her parents instilled in her three core values: that as a girl, she could achieve anything she set her mind to; that Canada had given their family a second chance, and it was their duty to give back; and that education was the one thing no one could ever take away.
She is the Director of Canadian Programs at Equitas—the International Centre for Human Rights Education—based in Vancouver. She leads with heart, bringing together a passionate team of human rights advocates and educators working in over 50 communities across Canada. At the core of her work is a deep belief in the power of human rights to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable world. One of her key focus areas is addressing systemic racism while advancing Equitas’ broader mission of empowering people, especially children and youth, to know their rights and take action in their communities. Because of Angie’s leadership, more than one million young people across Canada have learned about their rights and been inspired to raise their voices and become changemakers. Through her unwavering commitment to inclusion and youth engagement, she has helped shift policy priorities and create safer, more equitable education systems for future generations.
As a teenager, Angie embarked on a school project about the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, unknowingly connecting with a piece of her ancestral roots in Sindh. The realization of this connection, combined with the lack of accessible information about Sindhi history and culture, left a lasting impression on her. This experience ignited a lifelong commitment to exploring, celebrating, and sharing South Asian arts and culture. This endeavor has become a cornerstone of her volunteer work.
Angie’s dedication shines through her contributions to the Indian Summer Festival, where she plays an active role in elevating and sharing the vibrant cultural heritage of South Asia with the broader community. As Chair of the Board for the Indian Summer Arts Society, Angie guides the organization through a transformative leadership transition—from the visionary founders to a new generation of leaders. With intention and care, she is creating space for the voices and leadership of South Asian women and artists to take center stage. Through this work, Angie is strengthening the organization’s foundation and ensuring South Asian culture is celebrated, valued, and embraced throughout the Lower Mainland.
She consistently frames her work through the lens of service to others rather than personal fulfillment. Angie approaches her work with a profound purpose, focusing on how she can positively impact lives. Her most incredible pride stems from the people she has connected with and the transformative changes she has facilitated. Despite her accomplishments, she never frames her work as personal success. She sees it through the lens of service—how many lives she has touched, how many young people she has empowered, and how many communities have been strengthened because of her efforts. One of the young women she mentored described her best: ‘Angie is an exceptional leader, mentor, and big sister who inspires me to believe that change begins with you and that it is possible to transform systems through purpose-driven dialogue and collaboration.’
For Angie, leadership is not about recognition but about making space for others, amplifying voices, and ensuring that every young person she encounters believes in their power to change the world.
Courage, risk-taking, resilience, and the ability to navigate ambiguity are essential traits for women entering leadership.
“Leadership isn’t easy. There will be moments of uncertainty, pushback, or even discouragement—and that’s where resilience and clarity of purpose become one’s strongest tools.”
One of the most potent strategies for Angie is building a strong circle of support—mentors, peers, and especially women who lift each other and remind them they’re never alone in this.
“Having people who see your worth and reflect your potential can be life-changing. It takes courage to lean on others, to take risks when the outcome is uncertain, and to keep going, especially when the systems around you weren’t made with you in mind. When women lead with integrity, surround themselves with support, and take bold steps even in uncertainty, they create space for themselves and others to follow. That’s how transformation happens—one courageous step, honest conversation, and boundary push at a time.”
