BY J.M. LEE
Tanya’s journey is not marked by milestones and medals but by a learning curve that has been anything but straight. Though she is not yet in a prominent leadership position, she finds herself one step closer every day—and she takes pride in that journey, full of quiet wins and bold choices.
“Growing up in India, I was lucky to have two different yet complementary role models—my parents. My mom, the quiet warrior, balanced her career and home life with a grace that inspires me daily. She has never given up, not even on the hardest days. And then there was my dad, who gave me wings to cross boundaries. He encouraged me to dream big and taught me to believe in myself. Every confident decision I make today reflects their unwavering faith in me.”
One of the most pivotal turning points came when she moved to Canada for her second Master’s degree, leaving behind a stable job at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi. “It was a huge risk—starting from scratch in a new country with no family around,” she recalls. “I was alone, unsure, but determined. At UBC, I balanced work and studies, navigating new systems, weather, people, and technical disasters. I remember the first significant event I organized as an Event Assistant, where a glitch with Zoom links created confusion. It felt like a colossal failure. But it was my mom’s voice that reminded me to keep going. The next event, with BC’s former Premier and other prominent figures, went smoothly, all thanks to preparation, a tech run two days in advance, and a heart full of lessons.”
Soon, she learned that stepping outside one’s comfort zone is the fastest way to grow. “During my time at UBC, I grabbed every opportunity to try something new—even if it seemed unrelated to my field. I joined a Model NATO Simulation because I missed Model UN in school. I also had the incredible opportunity to travel to Kenya with three other women batchmates from different countries for an eight-month project. We visited farms, conducted interviews, exchanged stories, and shared our cultures, supporting one another every step of the way. That journey taught me the true essence of teamwork, collaboration, and human connection. I met and learned from people I might never have encountered otherwise. While seemingly unrelated, these diverse experiences became invaluable stepping stones in my personal growth and professional journey.”
Though still early in her mentorship journey, she often shares one piece of advice: “Not everything has to align with your current plan or resume. Sometimes, learning happens in the most unexpected places. And people are the best teachers. We must learn from them and give back when the time comes.”
Confidence, for Tanya, was never innate—it was built brick by brick through small wins. She says, “I kept emails and messages where professors praised my work or people thanked me for helping them. Those moments were my anchors on tough days. With time, I stopped needing external validation and started believing in myself after realizing my capabilities.”
For Tanya, the single most important skill for any professional is communication. “It is not just about talking; it’s about being clear, concise, confident, and kind. You can have all the technical knowledge, but it’s hard to go far if you can’t explain what you do or want.”
Globally, women frequently encounter barriers that affect their career growth, particularly in a new country. So far, Tanya has largely felt included in Canada, thanks to the open-minded academic and professional culture she has experienced.
Mother’s Day makes her reflect on her mom, the woman who never let life overwhelm her. “She never missed a beat—be it at home or work. I admire her ability to handle everything and not lose her faith, not once. She taught me to believe in God, to trust in hard work, and always to keep going. If I could say thank you, it would be for her quiet strength and the belief she’s always had in me.”
Tanya is still on her way up, but her journey thus far has been rich with lessons, resilience, and risk-taking. “To every young woman reading this: take the chance. Don’t wait for the perfect time or title. Sometimes the boldest move you can make is to begin.”
