Neelam Sahota is a senior executive and transformational leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing inclusive growth, innovation, and community impact across British Columbia’s nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Recognized for her strategic vision and collaborative approach, Neelam has built a career at the intersection of social impact and economic development, creating equitable pathways to leadership and opportunity for underrepresented groups.
Since 2013, Neelam has served as Chief Executive Officer of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, one of the largest employers in the South Fraser region. Under her leadership, DIVERSEcity has experienced significant organizational growth and expanded its role as a key regional partner in community integration, workforce development, and social innovation. Her leadership success has been defined by her ability to forge strong public–private partnerships, implement innovative business models, and align financial strategy with purpose to drive collective impact.
Prior to joining DIVERSEcity, Neelam held leadership roles within the Government of British Columbia and the private sector, where she developed deep expertise in governance, finance, and public policy. Her cross-sector experience has reinforced her conviction that economic and social prosperity are intrinsically connected—and that inclusive leadership is essential to building strong, sustainable communities.
Neelam’s leadership extends beyond her executive role into community and governance service. She currently serves as a Governor on the Board of Simon Fraser University, Co-Chair of the Local Immigration Partnership for the municipalities of Surrey and Delta and Advisory Board Director with Rogers Sports and Media’s OMNI TV. She also advises the City of Vancouver on diversity and racial equity initiatives, contributing her expertise to policy and systems change at the municipal level.
A Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (FCPA, FCGA), Neelam has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the province through numerous honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the BC Business Women of the Year Award, the BC Achievement Foundation Reconciliation Award, and inclusion on Business in Vancouver’s BC500 list, which recognizes the province’s 500 most influential business leaders.
Grounded in her lived experience as a racialized woman leader, Neelam continues to champion equity, inclusion, and innovation—empowering the next generation of leaders to build a more just and prosperous British Columbia.