BY J.M. LEE
Gurmeen Kaur Banipal is a leader who doesn’t wait for opportunities—she creates them. She is driven by an innate desire to solve problems, not for recognition but to make a real impact. She has never followed the conventional path or waited for permission to lead. Instead, she has forged her way, breaking barriers and proving that leadership is about vision, determination, and the courage to take action.
As a student, she was fascinated by global challenges and refused to accept problems as they were. “I learned about inadequate electricity access in third-world countries in eighth grade. Rather than empathizing with the issue, I engineered a microbial fuel cell. In tenth grade, I learned robotics after discovering the struggles faced by visually impaired individuals. I built a navigation device to enhance mobility for individuals with limited vision. It wasn’t just a science fair project, but a real-world solution.”
In her 20s, Gurmeen became President of the Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association (FVICBA), making her the youngest female leader of the organization. Taking charge of an established institution at a young age meant stepping into a leadership role. Instead of proving herself through words, she allowed her results to speak for themselves.
Her presidency began when businesses and organizations faced significant economic pressures. This was a time of considerable financial strain for businesses and organizations. Many struggled to remain afloat due to rising inflation, high interest rates, and global tariff wars. FVICBA faced uncertainty. Nonetheless, Gurmeen’s leadership enabled the organization to thrive. She increased membership by over 25% within her first six months, ensuring the association remained strong and relevant. She led the creation of a scholarship endowment fund with the Abbotsford Community Foundation, securing long-term financial support for high school students pursuing higher education. She organized one of the largest Vaisakhi luncheons in the region, attracting over 300 attendees from more than 150 organizations. Furthermore, she launched FVICBA’s first annual Women in Business event, a platform designed to empower and connect professional women and students.
Beyond FVICBA, Gurmeen’s leadership encompasses youth, healthcare, and community development. In addition to serving as Vice President of the Abbotsford Youth Commission, she also sits on the board of directors of the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation. She advocates for youth, strengthens communities, and enhances access to essential services within these organizations.
When she walks into rooms, she is often the youngest, the only woman, and the only person of color. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, she views it as an opportunity. It demonstrates that leadership isn’t defined by age or background but by capability, vision, and motivation.
She founded Hearts for Humanity to support vulnerable communities, one of her most meaningful initiatives. The foundation has collected over 14,500 pounds of food for local food banks, organized winter clothing and hygiene drives, and led a cervical cancer vaccination campaign in Punjab, India, ensuring that young girls from low-income families had access to it. Her commitment to giving back is not merely a performance but is deeply embedded in everything she does.
Throughout her career, Gurmeen has had to work twice as hard to prove herself. She has faced skepticism, barriers, and underestimation, but has not allowed these challenges to deter her. She occupies space, builds relationships, and delivers results as a leader. Equally passionate about mentoring other women, she believes in supporting those willing to invest in themselves. For Gurmeen, mentorship is about helping others see their potential and providing them with the tools to step into leadership confidently. She believes that women in leadership must take risks, push boundaries, and refuse to shrink themselves to fit outdated expectations.
Gurmeen defines inclusion as creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. She actively shapes decisions affecting women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Ahead of Mother’s Day, Gurmeen reflects on one of the most influential women in her life. She has witnessed her mother’s sacrifices, resilience, and strength in the face of adversity. Above all, her mother taught her to keep moving forward, no matter how challenging the path may seem. Gurmeen carries this lesson with her in everything she does.
She breaks barriers and builds something bigger than herself. With FVICBA, mentoring women, and Hearts for Humanity, Gurmeen creates opportunities for herself and future generations. “Leadership isn’t about age, background, or fitting into a mold—it’s about vision, courage, and determination. As we continue to push boundaries and make an impact, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning.”
