Belonging grows when we share our stories. We invite you to add your voice to Humber’s ongoing journey toward equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The EDIB Champions campaign celebrates those who are making a difference—whether by sharing their own experiences or by recognizing colleagues, students, staff, or faculty who demonstrate leadership and create positive change.
Selected stories will be featured across Humber to celebrate and amplify the many ways our community is advancing equity and belonging. Join us in highlighting the champions who make Humber a place where everyone feels they belong.
EDIB Champion – Shristi Shrestha
“At Humber, I’ve learned that inclusion begins with small, meaningful actions — listening, sharing, and celebrating the stories that make our community unique. Through my work and personal initiatives, I strive to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
In 2024, I was crowned Mrs. Nepal Canada — a moment that was less about a title and more about purpose. I joined the pageant to be a voice for those who struggle to find theirs, which later inspired me to found Nepalese Canadian Pageant Inc., a platform empowering women who balance culture, identity, and leadership in a new land.
Today, I serve as Executive Director at the Women Education and Skill Development Organization (WESDO) and Senior Director of Women Empowerment at the Trillium Foundation, advocating for women’s leadership and community growth. Through my TV and podcast platform, It’s Your Show, and my program Diaspora and Beyond on Nepal Kanti TV, I highlight diverse voices and global Nepali stories, connecting cultures through storytelling and dialogue.
I’ve also had the privilege to emcee the 17th Himalayan Mela at Nathan Phillips Square, attended by over 20,000 people, and serve as Outreach Director for the Niagara Canada International Film Festival — all efforts to unite communities through art and culture.
At Humber, I bring the same lens of inclusion and representation to my work. Over the past two years, I’ve helped organize team celebrations, including Christmas activities and games — even though it's not part of my own traditions — as a way to foster belonging. As part of our Social Committee, I’ve helped decorate workspaces and create joyful moments that bring colleagues together across backgrounds and beliefs.
These small acts — celebrating differences, sharing stories, and recognizing one another’s strengths — have built a stronger, more connected environment. Whether sharing my experiences as Mrs. Nepal Canada, celebrating my daughter’s achievements, or talking about guests on It’s Your Show, I’ve seen how authenticity inspires understanding and connection.
I also love sharing my culture — from bringing homemade Diwali sweets to dancing to a Nepali song during Humber’s Got Talent to raise funds for food security. These moments remind me that authenticity isn’t about fitting in; it’s about showing up fully and encouraging others to do the same.
At times, the challenge has been finding the balance between humility and visibility — learning that it’s okay to take up space, to share my story, and to inspire others to do the same. But over time, I’ve found that Humber is a space that welcomes authenticity. The more I’ve shared my story, the more I’ve connected with colleagues who also bring their full selves to work. That, to me, is the true spirit of belonging.”
On behalf of the Office of EDIB, thank you, Shristi, for sharing your story.
We invite everyone to take a moment today to recognize and celebrate the EDIB Champions and Humans of Humber who are advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across our community!
Nominate yourself or a colleague
