Kate JanBeing a woman of color in a foreign land comes with unique challenges, but for Simer Dhillon, each hurdle has been an opportunity to rise stronger and advocate for others facing similar struggles. As a trailblazer in both the financial world and fashion, Simer’s story is one of resilience, courage, and empowerment—a journey marked by the power to overcome bias and pursue dreams relentlessly.
From a young age, Simer envisioned making a mark in the world of finance, driven by a strong work ethic and the ambition to succeed. Yet, as she entered the corporate sphere, she quickly realized the challenges that awaited her. “The corporate world was very different from what I had imagined,” she reflects. “Talent and hard work often took a backseat to stereotypes and bias.” In an industry where women—particularly women of color—are underrepresented, Simer faced both the struggles of corporate politics and the subtleties of discrimination. But she chose resilience over defeat, navigating each challenge with grace and determination.
With over ten years in Canada’s financial sector, Simer has made an undeniable impact, earning recognition as a top expert in areas like investment strategies and financial analysis. Her leadership roles have also allowed her to drive change and mentor emerging talent in finance. She holds numerous accreditations, including certifications from the Investment Funds Institute of Canada and Financial Planning CE credits, reflecting her commitment to excellence and continuous growth.
Simer’s journey didn’t stop at finance. Seeking platforms where her voice could reach others, she turned to social media and, in 2024, competed in the Mrs. India Worldwide pageant. “Pageantry gave me a chance to advocate for diversity and self-confidence on a larger stage,” Simer explains. Winning the title of Mrs. Beautiful Heart and representing Canada among the winners was an affirmation of her dedication to empowerment and advocacy.
Through her social media channels, Simer has built a community that resonates with her journey of resilience and authenticity. “Social media became my way to raise awareness and connect with others who’ve faced similar struggles,” she shares. Currently competing in the Fab Over 40 competition, she continues to defy norms and challenge stereotypes about age, gender, and background in the world of beauty and influence.
Simer Dhillon has ambitious goals. She aims to bridge her expertise in finance with her passion for community impact by creating resources that empower women with financial literacy. “My hope is to demystify finance and equip women with the tools to make informed financial decisions,” Simer says. Her dream is to establish financial literacy workshops and online content, reaching those who seek guidance but lack access to resources. Additionally, Simer plans to author a book, Women of Color: Grace in the Grit, to inspire others through stories of resilience and success.
For Simer, her journey offers key lessons to others—especially women seeking to break into challenging industries. “Embrace your strengths, stay confident, and rise above negativity,” she advises. Simer’s own journey has taught her the value of building a supportive network, leading with grace, and empowering others. She believes that by lifting each other up, women can create communities where everyone feels valued and capable of achieving their dreams.
In the coming years, Simer envisions herself making a significant impact in both fashion and finance. She hopes to walk the runway for prestigious fashion brands, become an influential voice in the modeling world, and help reshape the financial landscape by encouraging inclusivity and representation. Her aspirations aren’t just personal milestones—they’re part of a broader mission to break down barriers for future generations and ensure that every voice, regardless of background or gender, is heard and respected.
Simer Dhillon’s journey is far from over, and as she continues to use her platform to inspire others, her story reminds us all of the power of resilience, authenticity, and the courage to pursue dreams unapologetically.