Surrey teacher named among Canada’s Most Powerful Women

Surrey Schools says L.A. Matheson teacher Gurpreet Kaur Bains has been named one of the 2026 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN). Chosen from applicants across Canada, Bains was recognized in the Professionals category for her mentorship, advocacy and dedication to student success.

Bains said community members had encouraged her to apply, though she initially hesitated. She said it was important for immigrant women of colour to take up space on platforms such as WXN, and that she wanted to bring Surrey’s story to a national audience by highlighting educators’ work to use education as a vehicle for positive change and a bold future.

Throughout her career, Bains said she has supported students facing barriers, mentored educators, advocated for equitable opportunities and built community partnerships. Surrey Schools says that, as head of L.A. Matheson’s language department, she has mentored many new teachers and supported numerous students who received Dhahan Youth Awards.

The district also says Bains oversaw the school’s fundraising for the Guru Nanak Diversity Village long-term care facility, helping inspire students to raise more than $18,000 to date. Bains said the recognition is about creating positive change and using influence to help others succeed, rather than position, status or authority. She said the achievement also reflects the determination, courage and accomplishments of the students, educators and communities she has worked alongside.