Surrey teacher named one of Canada’s most powerful women
Published 4:00 pm Thursday, September 10, 2026
Surrey Schools has released information that L.A. Matheson teacher, Gurpreet Kaur Bains has been recognized by Women’s Executive Network (WXN) as one of the 2026 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners.
Bains was said to have been selected out of applicants from across Canada and acknowledged under the Professionals category for her mentorship, advocacy and dedication to student success.
These awards are described as honouring exceptional women whose leadership, innovation and impact are shopping industries, organizations and communities across Canada.
“Many community members had been encouraging me to apply and I always hesitated,” said Bains. “But I realized over time that it’s important for immigrant women of colour like me to take up space and show up for platforms like WXN.”
Bains told Surrey Schools that she wanted to highlight the Surrey story on a national platform. “I wanted to shed a light on our work as educators and how we are using education as a vehicle for positive change and a bold future.”
Throughout her career Bains shared that she has focused on helping others succeed by supporting students facing barriers, mentoring educators, advocating for equitable opportunities and building meaningful community partnerships.
Surrey Schools says as L.A. Matheson’s language department head, Bains has mentored numerous new teachers, and has supported numerous students over the years who have been recipients of the Dhahan Youth Awards.
She has also overseen the school’s fundraising efforts for the Guru Nanak Diversity Village long-term care facility, helping inspire students to raise more than $18,000 to date.
Bains said being named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women is not just about the position, status or authority but it’s about creating positive change and using one’s influence to help others succeed.
“This recognition reflects the importance of empathy, advocacy, inclusion and service-centered leadership,” she said. “Throughout my career, I have believed that empowering others, especially those whose voices are not always heard, creates a lasting impact in our schools and communities.”
Bains shared that this recognition is especially meaningful because the successes of her students, other educators, and communities she has had the privilege to work alongside are also part of this story.
“Their determination, courage, and achievements have inspired me throughout my career and continue to inspire me every day,” said Bains. “I am truly honoured and grateful for this recognition. It is inspiring to be part of a community that celebrates leadership, impact and the advancement of women.”
Read more about the other top 100 women selected in 2026 at wxnmedia.com/top-100-winners-2026.