BY J.M. LEE
Sandeep never intended to be a leader. She pursued her passion for working with people, helping them find direction and guiding them toward their goals. Every step she took brought her to where she is today: in a leadership position where she can make an impact and uplift and empower others, especially women.
“My journey began in India, where I started my career as a sales representative at a private college. It wasn’t long before I realized my true calling wasn’t in selling but in guiding students toward their future. I found myself counseling them on their career choices, understanding their aspirations, and helping them take the proper steps forward. This passion led me to take on a formal role as a career advisor, where I had the privilege of shaping young minds and providing them with the tools to succeed.”
But life had a dramatic plan for her—moving to Canada and leaving behind her job. Everything felt new, uncertain, and challenging. She no longer had the career she loved, but one thing remained constant—her love for working with people. “That’s what led me to various customer-facing jobs,” Sandeep relates. “No matter where I worked, I gravitated toward roles that involved interaction, engagement, and building relationships.”
One job led to another; before she knew it, she was back where she truly belonged—the educational services field. “I worked as an admissions advisor, helping students make life-changing decisions about their futures. It felt like a homecoming. Every student I guided, every story I heard, and every success I witnessed, my sense of purpose deepened.”
As Sandeep succeeded in her career, she realized that a significant part of her success was due to the incredible tribe of women who supported her. “I had the privilege of working alongside strong, driven, compassionate women who lifted each other instead of competing. They became my backbone, pushing me to work harder and inspiring me to advocate for women’s empowerment. The more I achieved, the more I wanted to see other women rise alongside me.”
Reflecting on her journey, she knows that a significant part of her identity—outgoing, vibrant, and confident—comes from her upbringing. “My mother has been my greatest inspiration. She led by example, instilling in me the confidence to be unapologetically myself and to always strive to be the best version of who I could be. Watching her navigate life with strength and grace taught me that resilience is about surviving and thriving despite challenges.”
Sandeep’s mother has taught her to face challenges head-on and always find a solution, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. “Her unwavering belief in looking for the positive in every circumstance has shaped my perspective on life. She never judges anyone and instead approaches every person with kindness and understanding. Her heart is always open, constantly seeking ways to help others, no matter how big or small the act may be. She is my most excellent role model, and I am endlessly grateful for the values she has instilled in me.”
That’s why Sandeep trusts so strongly in the power of women. “They are natural-born leaders. We are courageous, know how to navigate crises, and possess an unmatched resilience that allows us to get the job done, no matter the circumstances. I see this belief being lived out daily at SELC College, where I work. More than 60% of leadership positions here are held by women, thanks to forward-thinking leaders like Patrick Dang and Yatan Anand. They don’t just use women’s empowerment as a catchy tagline—it’s a principle they genuinely affirm and actively practice.”
Witnessing this culture of inclusivity and equity intensifies Sandeep’s passion even more. As someone who has walked this path, her advice to the younger generation of women is simple:
- The only validation you need is your own. Don’t wait for external approval to rely on your worth.
- Know your self-worth and rely on yourself, even when others don’t. Confidence is not given; it is built from within.
- Don’t restrain yourself from taking risks. Growth occurs outside your comfort zone. Leap, even if it frightens you.
“My journey has taught me that leadership is not just about holding a position of power—it’s about using that position to uplift others,” Sandeep says, her voice laden with inspiration. “As I continue to grow in my career, my mission remains to empower, support, and inspire the next generation of women leaders. Because when women rise, we all rise.”
