Recognized as a trailblazer in the political realm and an innovative female entrepreneur, former politician Dr. Ruby Dhalla has both championed and inspired the next generation of leaders. As a doctor, business woman, entrepreneur, policy maker, philanthropist and social activist she has sought to institutionalize equality in both the political arena and corporate world. Dhalla’s diversified professional experience provides a unique awareness of the strengths and sensitivities of healthcare, foreign policy, human rights and Canada’s trade and economic role in a globalized world, but it is her passion and vision that navigate the women of tomorrow to a more promising future.

Dhalla’s presence as a catalyst for change and equality started early. At the age of 10 she wrote a letter to the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, asking for peace, human rights and social change. Today, she is fulfilling her own request.

After creating history in politics in 2004 as the first and youngest woman of Indian origin to be elected as Member of Parliament in Canada, Dhalla continued breaking barriers in other sectors as she drove innovation into the health care industry and founded a charity that is the first of its kind.

As one of the first women to promote the concept of multidisciplinary health care, Dhalla spearheads the convergence of pharmacy and technology with her telemedicine app. She has utilized her knowledge of health care policy and her background in healthcare to create a platform that allows users to access a doctor anytime, anywhere from their smartphone, ultimately changing the dynamics of how health care is delivered. Her newest technology project is the creation of an app for mental health which will allow users who suffer from depression, loneliness, post-partum depression or post-traumatic stress to access mental health professionals in the comfort of their own space at a time of their own convenience. This app is synergistic with Ruby’s vision of revolutionizing the way in which healthcare is delivered.

Dhalla’s philanthropic endeavors go far beyond health care reform. She founded Dreams For You, one of the first charities in the world to focus on helping, supporting and empowering women who have been victimized, impacted and effected with the growing phenomena of fraud marriages. In addition to helping victims of fraud marriages, Dreams For You is also committed to empowering girls and women who are impacted by domestic violence, widowed or underprivileged by providing skills, training and confidence.

“Your passion leads you to your purpose and your purpose brings you passion. The sudden death of Kobe Bryant teaches us all to follow our passion, to live life, & to love life. We only have one shot at this thing called life. Make the most of it to change lives & make a difference.” Dhalla said.