Simi Sara
“Make sure you are always advocating for yourself.”
Simi Sara is an award-winning journalist, the host of 980 CKNW’s "Mornings with Simi," and a devoted mother of two. Her lifelong passion for the news led her to begin her journalism journey at the age of 15, starting with her school paper. Over the span of three decades, she has made her mark across print, television, and radio. Despite the challenges she has faced, from reporting on sensitive topics to overcoming maternal bias, Simi has remained unwavering in her dedication to both her career and her two children. Her relentless drive to uncover the truth and amplify important stories stands as a testament to the power of hard work and passion. Meet Simi. This is her story.
Watch our full interview with Simi
Simi's grandparents immigrated to Canada to ensure their seven daughters had the same opportunities as their sons. The women in Simi’s family, herself included, did not take this opportunity for granted. They were determined to excel and make a difference here in Canada.
Throughout her life, Simi’s mother, a devoted government worker, has served as her key role model. After her mother's passing, Simi received a “suitcase full” of cards outlining her mother's immense impact on the lives of immigrants to Canada. Despite this tragic loss, Simi carried her mother’s legacy forward, striving to make an impact in her own way.
“When I work I try to think, what would she [my mother] have thought? How would she have reacted? Would she have been proud of me? And I think that’s probably the biggest thing that has shaped me.”
Simi has always had a natural curiosity for news and storytelling. This was fueled by her father, who, even on their travels, never missed the opportunity to pick up the local newspaper, which he would read from cover to cover and then discuss with Simi.
Simi’s first journalist job was on her school paper in tenth grade. After school, she carried her passion for the news into various roles with newspapers, in television, and now, radio. As the host of "Mornings with Simi" on Vancouver’s 980 CKNW, part of Corus Entertainment, she delves into crucial stories Monday to Friday. Collaborating with fellow anchors and contributors, Simi provides a comprehensive coverage of the day's events, offering varied perspectives to keep listeners well-informed as they start their day.
While Simi’s career trajectory has always been clear, it hasn’t been devoid of its challenges. At age 25, when she discovered she was pregnant with her first child, Simi quickly realized the lack of support for mothers in her industry. Journalism is a highly competitive field, and if you said “no” to an opportunity, Simi explains that there was always a lineup of people behind you, ready to say “yes.” As a result, she faced maternal bias almost immediately. One colleague even asked, "Why would you want to bring your career to a crashing halt at the age of 25 and have a baby?" She explained that while they shared different views, it did leave her feeling insecure about her career. She ended up only taking a six-month maternity leave for her first child and four months for her second.
While acknowledging the positive changes in the industry since she had her children, especially regarding maternity leave, Simi emphasizes the ongoing challenges. She highlights the need for more support during the return-to-work phase as mothers juggle the demands of motherhood and their careers. Simi also advocates for the normalization of paternal leave for both parents.
“I think it still is incredibly challenging for women to stay in the industry and juggle things and, you know, manage to make that work. We lose so many valuable, smart, and capable women in this line of work because they reach a point where if they do have kids, and the kids are small, they just find that it is too challenging and too hard to stay in the business. We don’t make it easy for women to stay.”
Through her role as a journalist, Simi is dedicated to truth through storytelling, yet she acknowledges the challenges of gathering these “truths.” The most daunting aspect of her job? Approaching the families of victims after a tragedy—a task often associated with journalists' negative reputation. Nevertheless, she stresses the importance of respecting their boundaries; if they choose not to share, she doesn't press. However, as Simi explains, many families willingly share their stories because they have something significant to say. Whether seeking justice for their loved ones, exposing inequities, or advocating for change to prevent similar tragedies, their narratives serve as powerful catalysts for positive change.
To Simi, a good day at work is a busy day. Even in her off-hours, she’s always checking the news. If this doesn’t sound like your pace, Simi would advise against a career in journalism. However, if you’re an aspiring journalist who thrives in a fast-paced environment, she encourages you to keep asking questions, seek mentorship, and take on every opportunity that comes your way.
“A great day at work is an incredibly busy news day… But there are people that I’ve known in this business who say that sounds like a nightmare to them. And I’ve said to them that they probably shouldn’t be in this business - because you really have to have that passion for it. Otherwise, it won’t be any fun for you.”
Simi's story illuminates the relentless perseverance necessary for women to excel in the journalism industry. Her story isn't just about personal achievement; it's a testament to the enduring values of hard work and self-confidence. Simi's dedication will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations of women in journalism, setting a powerful example for those who follow her path.