Home / Asian Star / Asian Star- Divya Steinwall

Asian Star- Divya Steinwall

Asian Star- Divya Steinwall

Native Village/Country parent’s background

I was born in Toronto, ON in Canada. My parents are both originally from India. My mother is from Punjab and my father is from New Delhi.

Your Early Education

I attended elementary and high school in Pickering, ON which is a suburb just each of Toronto. I attended the University of Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

When & Why You came to Canada

I’m Canadian-born and raised!

Your career advancement initiatives, volunteer work and present occupation

I currently work for BlackRock Asset Management and am the Chair of the Canadian chapter of our internal Women’s Initiative Network (“WIN”). The mission of WIN is to help progress the careers of our female workforce by offering them opportunities to develop their skills to fulfill their potential. I am a firm believer in corporate citizenship and giving back to my community. I also sit on the executive committee of 100 Women in Finance (Toronto Chapter) and am a board member for the Canadian chapter of Women in ETFs. I also sit on the board for Emajjin Children’s Foundation and Strides Toronto Foundation.

Your Regret in Life

Having been born, studied and lived my entire life in Toronto, I wish I had taken the opportunity to live and work in a different country when I was younger.

Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements

I am extremely proud of my recent inclusion on the HERoes Role Model Lists for 2020. Although I don’t do anything for recognition, this helped to validate that my efforts are having an impact on the important topic of gender inclusion.

Were You Ever Discriminated?

Yes, I have experienced discrimination both at school and in the workplace. I have been called “paki” in school and told to “go back to where you come from” even though I was born in Canada. I’ve also experienced situations in the workplace where male colleagues have made incorrect assumptions about me and treated me differently because I am a woman.

Are You Happy in Canada?

I am very happy. Although it is the only place I have ever lived and hearing about changes and challenges that are happening in other parts of the world, I am extremely grateful to be able to call Canada home.

Any Comments on Canada’s Culture

I love and appreciate the diversity of Canada’s population and our welcoming nature. People are generally accepting and are allowed to be who they are.

Any Comments on Canada’s Weather

Although I don’t always love the snow, I enjoy that we have four distinct seasons and get to experience all the seasons in nature’s bounty.

What Brought You Success in Canada?

Having equal access to educational and employment opportunity.

Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and How?

I would be very happy to help new immigrants, particularly with mentoring women entering the business workforce.

Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin

I encourage all Canadians of Asian and any origin to embrace their diversity and to share their unique perspectives while also making the effort to learn, understand and appreciate those from other backgrounds.

Check Also

Asian Star- Dr Inderdeep Singh (IDee)

Asian Star- Dr Inderdeep Singh (IDee)

Native Village/Country parent’s background I originally belong to city of Kapurthala, currently settled and working …