Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentors who opened doors for me, shared their perspective, and pushed me to grow. That support stayed with me. It built my skills – and more importantly, it built belief and confidence.
When I stepped into the shoes of a founder, I carried that with me. I knew I wanted to create the same kind of environment for others. For me, this is what International Women’s Day and Give to Gain are truly about: lifting others as you climb and creating space for more women to step into their own voice and leadership.
That mindset shaped how I built my own PR firm in 2013. I was intentional about bringing together passionate, curious women who wanted to learn, lead, and achieve great results – while lifting each other up every day. The women I work with are an integral part of my entrepreneurial journey. We are a fully remote, women-led Canadian boutique agency – and we all value our hybrid model that offers immense benefits to our team and our clients. I believe in giving them the freedom to explore, experiment, sometimes fail, and ultimately grow stronger — and flexibility is essential to that. Many of us juggle multiple roles as mothers, caregivers, mentors, or simply individuals trying to make time for the things we love. When women can work on our own terms, we show up fully, excel at what we do, and still have room for what we are passionate about.
So here’s my advice: invest in yourself, seek mentors, and pay it forward whenever you can. Lift others as you climb, celebrate their wins, and open doors for those coming behind you. That’s how we build workplaces — and communities — where women thrive. When we give generously, we all gain.
Sonia Prashar
Founder and President, spPR Inc
Sonia Prashar is an entrepreneur and PR powerhouse with over 20 years of experience in communications across Canada and Asia. She founded spPR in 2013 following an already extensive career in PR and marketing communications. The agency stands out for its virtual, flexible model, offering clients direct access to senior counsel only. An immigrant and award-winning mentor, Sonia brings the dual perspective of founder and PR expert. Early in her career, she coordinated Bill Gates’ first trip to India and led high-profile brand launches for Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. A passionate advocate for better metrics and accountability in PR, she is also recognized for nurturing the next generation of communications professionals.
