By Vaishali Sachdeva
Each year, we offer the International Student Bursary to emerging leaders who demonstrate exceptional achievement and dedication to community. This year, we celebrate Vaishali Sachdeva, the first Miss South Asia Nova Scotia and a passionate advocate for collaboration, cultural celebration, and empowering young entrepreneurs.
Raised in a boarding school in India, I grew up surrounded by the laughter, dreams, and shared stories of a close-knit community that became my family away from family. Leaving home at just nine years old taught me early on that the people around you can be your greatest support—and that community isn’t just where you come from, but who stands beside you. Those years shaped the values I carry with me today: collaboration, empathy, and a deep belief that we rise strongest when we rise together.
One of the defining moments in my journey came in 2019, when I led the Cultural Performances Committee for the Round Square International Conference at The Emerald Heights International School. Tasked with coordinating more than 250 performers from around the world, I worked with a passionate team to bring cultural stories to life on stage. For nearly a year, I balanced academics with the challenges of leadership—organizing rehearsals, solving conflicts, and making sure every voice was heard and valued. When the stage lights shone bright and the crowd erupted in applause, I understood the true power of unity and teamwork.
My journey has taken me far—from the banks of the River Ganga in India to the Atlantic shores of Halifax—and along the way, I’ve grown not only as an individual but as part of communities that uplift one another. Here in Halifax, I’ve continued this work by organizing student-led workshops across campuses and hosting the 2024 Hibiscus Ball with the Nigerian organization Woman and a Half, creating spaces where culture and collaboration thrive.
At Saint Mary’s University, I’m proud to work as a Student Assistant at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. Leading initiatives like Ignition, the Summer Entrepreneurial Experience Bootcamp, and various pitch competitions, I’ve helped foster innovation and connection among emerging entrepreneurs. These experiences have taught me that your network truly is your net worth—and I’m committed to opening doors so others can step through.
Being an international student in Canada has deepened my understanding of community and leadership. In October, I had the honor of representing Canada as a world presenter at Enactus World in Astana, Kazakhstan. These moments have reinforced that leadership is about lifting others up and that success is never just individual—it’s shared.
I’m also humbled to hold the title of the first Miss South Asia Nova Scotia—a role that means far more than personal achievement. Growing up in Aligarh, a small city where creative careers were often dismissed, I saw firsthand how many young women were held back by stereotypes and expectations. When I perform or speak, I carry their hopes and dreams with me. My journey is a testament to every girl who’s ever been told their dreams aren’t possible—that their stories matter, and with courage and determination, they can rewrite their own narratives.
Looking ahead, I carry the lessons of community and collaboration with me. The people who raised me inspired me to give back—to build bridges, uplift others, and create spaces where everyone belongs. I firmly believe, “People at the bottom compete; people at the top collaborate.” My vision is to become a global star, and when that day comes, it won’t just be my success—it will be a victory for every woman, every community that dared to dream alongside me. That day is not far away.
