Berlin Mathur

Idea generator, Student, World traveler

I’m a Grade 12 IB student at Branksome Hall in Toronto, Canada, and I’m the founder and host of Northern Lights: Canadian Women in Tech and Business, a podcast where I spotlight the inspiring journeys of Canada’s most trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and leading the way in their fields. My podcast aims to provide insights and inspiration to students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs by highlighting the stories, experiences, challenges, and triumphs of remarkable Canadian women in these traditionally male-dominated industries. I am also involved in several pre-professional and service organizations, such as DECA and the Downie Wenjack Foundation. In my free time, I’m an avid tennis player and a member of the Branksome Hall rowing team (2022–2025). In June 2022, I earned my second-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.

I’m passionate about creating connections between innovation, leadership, and social impact. Whether I’m amplifying underrepresented voices, building bridges across cultures, or exploring how technology can solve systemic challenges, I believe progress comes from diverse perspectives working toward a common goal. Through initiatives like my work with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, I’ve supported Indigenous communities and deepened my commitment to reconciliation. My experience at Inspirit AI where I developed a criminal justice AI project with MIT and Stanford mentors, strengthened my belief in ethical, human-centered technology. Outside of academics, I bring the same discipline I’ve honed in rowing, tennis, and Taekwondo to every challenge I take on. Programs like Wharton Global Youth and Brown’s Women & Leadership have shown me that leadership is not about titles, it's also about service, courage, and vision. My ultimate goal is to inspire and empower others to lead with integrity and imagination, shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking Canada.

When women rise, industries transform. We know that stories shape our collective futures, so when we are amplifying the voices of women in technology and business, we are empowering the next generation to confidently lead without limits and building a great future for Canada.

Podcasts, Women's Leadership

I’ve lived in Toronto all my life and am very aware of the incredible work the Toronto Club has done in the community. My parents are both members and have been incredibly involved in spearheading events focused on exchanging ideas. As a biracial Canadian woman, my connection runs deep in Toronto. I love how diverse our city is, the innovation that exists here, and the potential I see for the youth here in Canada. I have also been heavily involved in my school, Branksome Hall, where I’ve participated in our school’s DECA, rowing, local community service, and volunteered with the Downie Wenjack organization (which is dedicated to helping the First Nations Indigenous population). I frequently stay up to date with the latest in Toronto’s technology and business scene. In the same spirit of inspiring my local community and young Canadian girls, I started the Northern Lights podcast, which highlights the lives of leading Canadian women who are charting the path forward for Canada. I’ve dedicated my work to making Toronto a better place for the youth and all who reside within this wonderful city. Thus, I’ve decided to create an event where we’ll discuss the future of Toronto and Canada across different facets of issues that impact us: health, Indigenous groups, finance, and education, as well as members of the Toronto community leading innovations in technology and business. It will be open to all in the public, and my outreach has garnered enthusiasm among students and the greater community.