What made you want to be a journalist?

As immigrants, my family always wanted to have the news on in the house—to get caught up on what was happening around us. That created a foundation for me to become interested in social issues and politics. Then, as an undergraduate at Queen’s University, I began writing for a student publication focused on socio-political issues on a global scale. It was the year of Trudeau’s re-election campaign, and one of the senior editors encouraged me to cover a campaign event in Kingston. So I bought a recording device, not thinking much of it. But when I arrived, there was a crowd of people outside protesting labour issues. I interviewed them and spoke to them about why they were there. Then I went and spoke with local residents, who were hoping to bring attention to their own concerns. It was my first real experience reporting, and I thought that was just so inspiring—to be able to be part of that, to be the eyes and ears for people who weren’t there. That was enough to spark my passion for journalism.

What does good journalism look like to you?

Nuance—something that you don’t see when you pick up your phone and are served a quick blurb or grabby headline. The best kind of journalism is something that really digs deeper, something that is original, transparent, and also ethical. And in Peel, in particular, I feel like there are some misconceptions in the media.

What kind of stories are you excited about telling from Peel?

I’m excited to write stories that look at how policies and systemic barriers impact people’s everyday lives. Although they function as cities, Brampton and Mississauga are suburbs that have their own distinct policies, realities, and challenges that deserve deeper, sustained attention—and need to be covered by people close to these communities. From housing, transit, and education, to growth and development, I’m looking forward to telling these stories in a way that captures the lived experiences of the people here.

What’s something not related to journalism readers should know about you?

I’ve been a certified kids yoga instructor for almost six years, and on weekends I teach children and teens yoga in Brampton and Oakville. I also used to teach piano, and enjoyed creating a space where students felt encouraged to express themselves creatively.