BY J.M. Lee
Divya Sharma embodies the essence of Canada: a young immigrant whose leadership, resilience, and compassion have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her journey from a nine-year-old girl arriving from India to a transformative leader in her community showcases her unwavering commitment to positive change.
She demonstrated an innate ability to bring people together from an early age, participated in middle school activities, and was always ready to lend a hand despite her demanding academic schedule. Her leadership flourished in high school, where she became President of the Fort Richmond Collegiate Student Council, leader of the Rotary Interact Club, and Co-Leader of the Youth in Philanthropy Program by the Winnipeg Foundation. She orchestrated initiatives that celebrated diversity and fostered school spirit within a student body representing over 85 nationalities. Her engagement extended beyond leadership roles to include extracurriculars such as Model United Nations, the debate club, science fairs, international forums, and athletics. Selected as one of only ten Pages for the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Divya showcased her ambition and dedication to public service.
Divya’s leadership is deeply rooted in her passion for service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she initiated the “Supporting Local Heroes” project to recognize frontline workers, including her father, a truck driver who worked long hours. She mobilized her resources to create 250 care packages for essential workers, later expanding her initiative nationwide. With $6,000 in grants, she led a team of 30 Canadian youth to distribute 16,000 care packages across all provinces and territories, earning recognition from the UN Sustainable Development Goals Actions Campaign.
At the University of Manitoba, Divya’s leadership reached new heights. As Vice President of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), she launched the annual Holiday Hampers Campaign, raising nearly $30,000 for students in need. She also spearheaded a Get Out the Vote campaign, boosting student participation in the Manitoba Provincial election. In 2024, at just 19, she became the youngest and 100th President of UMSU, leading a $16-million organization that represents over 27,000 students. Her strategic vision includes enhancing student services, advocating for student interests, and ensuring UMSU’s long-term sustainability.
Alongside her team of four Vice Presidents, she oversees UMSU’s operations, which include seven student businesses and services, transit, and insurance, ensuring that programs, policies, and initiatives align with the student body’s needs. She attends bi-weekly board meetings and reports to nearly 30 directors representing various faculties and marginalized groups across the University of Manitoba campus. In her first months as President, she initiated the UMSU Strategic Plan, establishing a long-term vision for the Union’s sustainability. Divya is typically the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave, balancing her leadership role with her obligations as a full-time student. Despite her many responsibilities, Divya remains approachable and is deeply connected to the student community. Her work ethic is unmatched.
Divya’s dedication to community-building extends beyond the University of Manitoba campus, as demonstrated by her role as a director with the Community of Big Hearts, alongside her long-time friend, Salena Starling, the president and CEO of CBH. In this position, she brings together businesses, individuals, and community leaders to engage with and act on Truth and Reconciliation.
Divya and Salena envisioned the Tree of Hope at 16 as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and unity. In 2024, after three years of collaboration with the Elders, students, the Johnston Group (which contributed $10,000), Pembina Trails School Division, the City of Winnipeg, and other stakeholders, this initiative united diverse groups, including Elders, community members, and government representatives. Together, they planted an oak tree and established a medicine garden—a lasting reminder of sustainability, Indigenous culture, and the strength of community resilience. This effort created a tangible symbol of reconciliation and sparked meaningful conversations about sustainability and equity.
Today, her professional and volunteer work for various causes has extended across Canada and beyond. Divya has experience in community engagement, the public and non-profit sectors, government, and student politics. She has received recognition at local, national, and international levels. She is the youngest board member of several organizations, including the Provincial Women’s Advisory Council, Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, University of Manitoba Board of Governors and Senate, CBC Community Advisory Board, Association of Fundraising Professionals MB, Asian Women of Winnipeg, and the Model United Nations Organizing Committee, paving the way for young people. Additionally, she was selected to serve as a youth delegate for the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women and as a UNICEF U-Report Ambassador.
Her spirit of giving is not confined to a single organization or cause; it impacts everything she does. In every role she takes on, she leads by example.
