Rishma
“Being a woman means bringing your chair - whether it’s a folding one you use at your kids outdoor sports games or a fancy ergonomic one - and planting it at the big boy table. Some say create your own table but if decisions are being made at the main table, women belong there.”
Rishma is a decorated media maven with over two decades of experience in the public relations and communications fields. She wears many hats in her personal and professional pursuits, serving as the Director of Communications for Global News and Corus Radio in Canada, as well as assuming roles as a children’s book author, foodie, volunteer, and diversity & inclusion advocate. Through hardship, she has been able to maintain an optimistic outlook and a sense of humor — valuable assets in her extensive leadership toolbelt. She is a bright light with a passion for uplifting those around her, celebrating different cultures and cuisines along the way. This is Rishma’s story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
R: I am Whitney Houston’s “Every Woman” or Emmy Meli’s modern rendition “I am Woman”. I’m an eternal optimist, proud mother of two, a young widow, loyal daughter, sister and friend. I’m a children’s author focused on diversity and inclusion with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. My kids’ book is called Sushi & Samosas, a trip of tasty transformations.
Rishma’s two children.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
R: I’m a curious masterpiece that is a work in progress. I am focused on living out my ordinary life in extraordinary ways. I lead with my heart and put a concerted effort on paying attention to the good news and people doing good deeds amidst the crisis points and sea of hate. I attempt to emit positivity everywhere I go, with every action I take. I make mistakes every day but I am committed to learning and doing better. I’m also an early adopter of electric cars and a late but strong advocate for TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine.
K: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
R: I am soft and kind yet strong and resilient. I’m powerful, lead with love, walk with purpose and truly believe I can exist behind the red rope. I’m also told I’m funny and have a good sense of humour even in the most difficult circumstances. I am also told by the young kids that my dancing and jokes are cringey.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
R: Don’t thread/wax/pluck your eyebrows thinner. It will take a long time - like decades - to grow them back in. I would also tell myself to not give up on math in school.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
R: Embracing yourself - the vulnerable, soft bits and having the courage to walk the talk. Standing up for others who may have a quieter voice and being authentic. Being a woman means bringing your chair - whether it’s a folding one you use at your kids outdoor sports games or a fancy ergonomic one - and planting it at the big boy table. Some say create your own table but if decisions are being made at the main table, women belong there.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
R: There are too many accomplished, inspiring women to list. Great writers, authors, artists, women in politics like Rosa Parks, Benazir Butto, Lata Mangeshkar, Michelle Obama, RBG but if I was forced to choose only one I would pick my 12 year old daughter, Mila. I love watching her generation interact, there seems to be less gender delineation and more of an open-mind.
