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About Shusmita Sharma-Tiwari
Visionary Leader • Advocate for Equality • Champion of Community
Shusmita Sharma-Tiwari is a dynamic and compassionate leader whose dedication to community service, social justice, and empowerment has made her a respected voice for progress. A self- made trailblazer, she inspires individuals across generations and cultures through her inclusive leadership, visionary perspective, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful, lasting
change.
Community Service & Civic Engagement
Rooted deeply in civic responsibility, Shusmita has devoted herself to impactful community work. As an active member of the Markham Mantra Lions Club and the Markham- Unionville Rotary Club, she has led major fundraising initiatives—raising $200,000 for the Scarborough Health Network and another $200,000 for the Hospital for Sick Children through her own non-profit, an extraordinary accomplishment she achieved at just nineteen.
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In honour of her late mother, Dr. Shivani Sharma, she is preparing to host a major fundraiser supporting the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, continuing her family’s legacy of compassion, service, and care.
Public Service & Advocacy for Gender Parity
Beyond philanthropy, Shusmita is deeply engaged in public service at both the provincial and federal levels. She volunteers on multiple political boards where she champions gender equity, youth empowerment, and inclusive representation. She is also establishing a Women’s Liberal Club in her federal riding to further support women’s leadership in politics.
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A proud alumna of Equal Voice’s National Campaign School, she has run in two municipal elections in Markham, embodying her belief that leadership should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
Achievements in Volunteerism & Philanthropy
A lifelong volunteer, Shusmita has contributed over 300 hours to the Markham Mayor’s Youth Council, earning the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Student Volunteer Pin for exceptional service. Her leadership and humanitarian work have been recognized through numerous honours, including:
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• Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, Lions Clubs International
• King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Leadership & Service
• Top 40 Under 40, Markham Board of Trade & York University (Markham Campus)
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Shusmita continues to support a wide network of community organizations, including the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, Youth and Parents Association of Markham (YPAM), Aim for Seva, 100 Women Who Care Markham, Canadian Intercultural Association of Community Development (CIACD), SMCC Ladies Group, and more.
Pageantry as a Platform for Empowerment
Through pageantry, Shusmita has embraced a powerful platform to amplify her message of empowerment, representation, and service. As a Mrs. Canada Inc. 2026 finalist, she uses her visibility to inspire young women to pursue leadership, engage in civic life, and celebrate their individuality. She plans to continue participating in future pageants, viewing them as meaningful avenues for advocacy rather than mere competition.
To her, pageantry is not just about grace or confidence—it is a stage for purpose, promoting diversity, empowerment, and community leadership.
Cultural Dedication & Family Legacy
Deeply connected to her cultural and spiritual roots, Shusmita remains an active supporter of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Arya Samaj Markham (Vedic Cultural Centre)— institutions cherished by her late mother. Her dedication to cultural preservation and interfaith harmony reflects her broader mission of promoting unity through service, philanthropy, and shared humanity.
Advocacy for Fitness & Self-Care
A passionate advocate for holistic well-being, Shusmita encourages young women to embrace fitness and self-care as acts of self-love, not conformity. Rejecting unrealistic beauty standards, she promotes confidence through joyful movement—whether dance, Pilates, yoga, or strength training.
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She trains at the gym three times a week, enjoys BollyFit and Bollywood dance, participates in a local mixed bowling league, and enjoys playing tennis and pickleball recreationally.
Looking Ahead
Shusmita Sharma-Tiwari’s journey is defined by passion, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, she continues to inspire others to lead with compassion and courage. Whether through public service, philanthropy, or pageantry, she is dedicated to creating spaces where every individual feels seen, valued, and heard.
Her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of empathy, vision, and service—and to the belief that one person’s purpose can spark meaningful, lasting change.
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