BY J.M. LEE
Born and raised in a small border village in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Dr. Prabhjot completed her Ph.D. in Political Science from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. In early 2006, she moved to Canada as a skilled worker.
“My parents, both teachers, instilled in me the value of education,” she says, describing how this led her to achieve her doctorate.
Dr. Prabhjot never imagined she would venture into the media industry. She was selected for a reporter position because her Ph.D. research involved an empirical study in which she interviewed dozens of women leaders in grassroots-level politics in India. Her previous experience as a news reporter paved the way for her current role as the first Punjabi lead in Multicultural Media at the City of Surrey.
“The beginning of my journey as a reporter was not easy. I’ve been a reporter for 16 years, covering the Punjabi community. I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from the community and the love and respect for my work worldwide. Hundreds of stories were covered, and one story remains with me when it reached more than 16 million views and 20 million expressions on social media in a few days.”
One primary challenge women journalists face is gender bias. The media industry continues to be male-dominated. As a woman in such a field, it can be frustrating when you are not treated equally, or your expertise isn’t recognized similarly. But the Punjabi women journalists in mainstream media and the doctors, lawyers, and police officers have inspired her, giving her the courage to confront and challenge the status quo.
“The most vulnerable and transformative moment of my life was becoming a mother,” Dr. Prabhjot admits. “It marked the beginning of a profound shift in my identity, particularly in learning how to balance the demands of motherhood with pursuing my career. As a new immigrant with minimal family support nearby and a husband working on the other coast, I was forced to navigate the challenges of raising a child mainly on my own. My struggles during this time didn’t just test my limits—they reshaped me. They unexpectedly altered my character, decision-making, and core values.”
She seeks mentees who are open to feedback and proactive in their learning. A successful mentor-mentee relationship requires mutual engagement and aligned values, particularly regarding work ethic and integrity.
“Developing confidence and finding my voice has taken time and reflection. I embraced my strengths and surrounded myself with supportive people. Leadership is about authenticity, not fitting a mold. It’s about using your voice as a powerful tool to advocate for others. It’s not just about doing a job—it’s about knowing I’m making a real difference in people’s lives. These principles have allowed me to lead confidently while staying true to my values and purpose.”
Dr. Prabhjot says with conviction that women need to own their achievements and not downplay their successes. “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about navigating uncertainty, breaking barriers, and demanding equal opportunities. Be approachable and transparent, encourage open communication, and share ideas, concerns, and feedback with mutual respect.”
Resilience and confidence are what Dr. Prabhjot emphasizes. “Leading by example, grounded in experience and expertise, and establishing clear boundaries have helped me navigate these challenges. Journalism has historically been male-dominated in leadership positions. Women in the industry are often overlooked for promotions and have fewer mentorship opportunities. Even if I’ve seen a lot of progress over the years, more women should step into leadership roles in the newsroom.”
Balancing work and life responsibilities is challenging for Dr. Prabhjot, but prioritizing what truly matters helps her maintain balance. She dedicates quality time to family and tries to stay present. Without the support of her husband, it’s impossible to achieve all these.
Her advice for the future generation of women: “Own your voice, embrace your power, and don’t second-guess yourself. Take risks, be resilient, and don’t fear stepping outside your comfort zone—growth happens there. Success isn’t a single path; it’s about staying true to your values and shaping your future.”
Becoming a mother has completely transformed Dr. Prabhjot’s. “The love and responsibility for my child is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and it has given me a new sense of purpose, joy, and the depth of unconditional love. Watching my son grow and discover the world is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life— a constant reminder of how precious and fleeting time is and how much impact we can have on shaping the next generation.”
