NRI Shushma Datt will be honoured province's most "Influential Women in Business" Awards

Vancouver, Feb. 25, 2007
Sunder Singh

Five women have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to local business at Business in Vancouver’s eighth annual Influential Women in Business Awards luncheon taking place on Wednesday, March 7 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

Shushma Datt, founder and CEO of i.t. Productions Ltd., owner of CJRJ AM 1200 Vancouver, is a recipient of Business in Vancouver’s prestigious Influential Women in Business award. She is profiled in this week’s issue of the Vancouver business publication.

“The awards were created to draw attention to B.C. business women who make a significant contribution to their company and industry at a senior executive level. They have the clout and success to be appointed to corporate boards and be influential within our thriving business community,” said Cheryl Carter, director of sales and marketing at BIV Media Group.

More than 70 nominations were received. All nominees had to be active owners, partners, presidents or senior managers of a private- or public-sector companies or non-profit organizations, and either live or work within B.C. Winners were chosen following an assessment of their professional and entrepreneurial accomplishments, their influence through corporate governance, and their business community involvement.

Shushma Datt: Burnaby

Shushma is the founder and owner of Rim Jhim, the only local South Asian radio station inclusive of crosscommunity religious backgrounds and languages. She has given many years of local community leadership, both through her station’s media programming and as a commentator on issues such as sex selection, youth violence, generational divisions, and women’s rights. Her many volunteer and fundraising efforts throughout the Lower Mainland include those to help tsunami and earthquake victims in South and Southeast Asia.

In July , 2005, the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission released its decision awarding IT Productions Ltd of Vancouver an AM radio license to service the South Asian community of Greater Vancouver. IT Productions Ltd has been serving Greater Vancouver through an SCMO radio service and other Canadian centers through satellite to cable delivery for 17 years. This new station will broadcast on 1200 AM, including in 17 languages.

Shushma Datt established i.t. Productions Ltd in 1984. Her business include Radio Rim Jhim and RJ 1200, the new AM station and also produces nine television programs, such as "Women In Focus", "What's New in Vancouver" and "Saturday Hungama".

She always try to tackle tough issues afflicting her community such as violence against women, child and elder abuse and religious persecution. Ms. Datta said, “These are issues that were pervasive in this community, and I found myself over the years unable to keep myself apart from them."

Now she is also well known out side ths Asian comunity because her participation in charities and community initiatives, including extensive involvement with ICBC community campaigns along with fundraising for BC Children’s Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society and the United Way.

• Tickets are now available for BIV's Influential Women in Business Awards.

• For tickets: Call 604.608.5197
• All tickets must be purchased in advance - no ticket sales at the door.