Rezina Ruladhar – Yesnepali

TORONTO, CANADA: From navigating questions of identity and belonging as a young immigrant to becoming an internationally recognized entrepreneur, media personality, motivational speaker and women’s empowerment advocate, Raj Girn’s life represents a remarkable journey of resilience, determination and achievement.

With more than 25 years of professional experience, Girn has established herself as a prominent figure in North America’s media, business and entrepreneurial landscape, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies and working alongside renowned personalities from Hollywood and Bollywood.

Born in the United Kingdom in 1970 to immigrant parents from India, Girn grew up as one of five children. Her early life was shaped by the challenges of cultural identity, belonging and self-confidence. At the age of 22, she moved to Canada following her marriage. However, the transition brought considerable personal challenges, forcing her to confront questions about her identity, independence and aspirations.

Her journey took a significant turn following her divorce in 2002. As a single mother, she made a courageous decision to rebuild her life, pursue her ambitions and create opportunities through her own determination. Rather than allowing personal difficulties to define her future, she transformed her experiences into a source of strength and inspiration.

In 2002, Girn founded ANOKHI, a multimedia and events brand that developed into a prominent platform celebrating South Asian identity, culture, entertainment and lifestyle. Without formal academic qualifications in business, media or journalism, and without established corporate or celebrity connections, she built the enterprise through vision, persistence and entrepreneurial courage.

One of her significant achievements was establishing ANOKHI Magazine, which she describes as the world’s first crossover magazine of its kind. The publication created a bridge between mainstream North American entertainment and South Asian audiences. It featured international celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Nelly Furtado and Nicole Scherzinger on its covers, while providing Priyanka Chopra, Kajol and Freida Pinto with their first North American magazine cover features.
Over the years, ANOKHI expanded beyond publishing into awards ceremonies, community initiatives, events, podcasts and digital media, becoming a multifaceted multimedia enterprise.
Continuing her commitment to empowering others, Girn founded The Open Chest Confidence Academy (TOCCA) in 2020. As a double-certified confidence coach, marketing consultant and Reiki master, she leads a team dedicated to helping women professionals, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and creatives develop authentic personal brands, strengthen confidence and establish professional authority.

The academy integrates education, consultancy and philanthropic initiatives to address the gap between professional competence and personal confidence. Its upcoming PowHerFul event series, planned for 2027, aims to expand networking opportunities and resources for women globally.

Her entrepreneurial journey also extends beyond media and coaching. Girn co-founded Home of Dentistry in 1997, a 4,500-square-foot dental facility in the Greater Toronto Area, embracing technology and innovation in dental healthcare. She has also invested in real estate ventures in Canada and Mexico and is an early-stage investor in READY SET JET, a beauty and wellness brand recognized for its space and defence certifications.

Her contributions have earned numerous recognitions, including the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2013 from PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Inspiration Achiever Award in 2015 from Roshni Media and the Woman of Achievement Award in 2026 from Womelle.

Beyond business, Girn has maintained a longstanding commitment to philanthropy, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars in media support to charities and community initiatives over more than 25 years.
As a dedicated mother and entrepreneur, her story goes beyond commercial success. It reflects the power of rebuilding one’s identity, overcoming adversity and creating opportunities for others.

Raj Girn’s journey demonstrates that success is not simply measured by wealth, recognition or professional titles, but also by the ability to transform personal challenges into meaningful contributions to society. Her work continues to inspire women, emerging entrepreneurs and members of the South Asian diaspora to pursue their ambitions with confidence, courage and purpose.