Ridhi Singla won’t ever forget the moment she learned she had won a Nellie McClung Trailblazer Scholarship from the Nellie McClung Foundation.
“I actually found out at home,” Ridhi recalled. “My brother brought me an envelope that had arrived in the mail, and it turned out to be an invitation to Government House for the award ceremony. I remember reading it twice because I couldn’t believe it at first! It was a special moment. Realizing that I had been chosen for this scholarship was incredibly exciting and humbling at the same time.”
Health care is such a powerful way to give back.
Ridhi Singla
In June, Ridhi graduated from The University of Winnipeg with a BSc in Biology. She was one of 10 annual recipients (five Grade 12 students, five post-secondary students) to receive the Trailblazer Scholarship, which benefits female students from Manitoba who are pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, arts, or math, as well as business and underrepresented trades.
On September 23, Ridhi and her fellow recipients gathered at Government House to receive their scholarships from Lt. Gov. Anita Neville, who is a patron of the Nellie McClung Foundation.
“It felt amazing to see my hard work and involvement being recognized in such a meaningful way,” said Ridhi, who studied pre-medicine at UWinnipeg. “More than anything, it gave me a deep sense of pride and gratitude—for the opportunities I’ve had, the people who’ve supported me, and the journey that led me here.”
Ridhi grew up in India and came to Canada with her family in 2017. She’s known since she was a child that she wanted to be a doctor.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to pursue medicine, so biology was something that always clicked with me,” Ridhi said. “I found it fascinating to understand how the human body works and how science can be used to help people heal.”
When it came time to apply to university, Ridhi chose UWinnipeg for its smaller class sizes and strong sense of community.
“It’s a place where you really get to know your professors and classmates,” she said. “You see familiar faces in the hallways, you smile, and before you know it, those small connections turn into lifelong friendships. UWinnipeg gave me that sense of belonging and community that made university life so enjoyable and fulfilling.”
Leaving a mark, making a difference
Nellie McClung (1873-1951) is regarded as one of Canada’s most prominent suffragists. Her remarkable life story inspired Ridhi to apply for the $1,750 scholarship.
“I was immediately drawn to it because it celebrates women pursuing careers in fields where women have historically been underrepresented,” she said. “Learning about Nellie McClung herself was also incredibly inspiring. She was a trailblazer who fought for women’s rights and equality.”
It’s a legacy that resonates for Ridhi, who made time for volunteer and community work, no matter how busy she was with studies. A year-long fundraising project for the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation that she co-led raised over $1,200 to support accessibility and resources for children in need.
“I’ve always tried to use my voice and efforts to make a difference,” Ridhi said. “Applying for this scholarship felt like a way to recognize not just my academic efforts but also my commitment to serving others.”
Ridhi made time for volunteer and community work in addition to her studies.
Winning the scholarship was also uplifting as she continues on the long path toward becoming a doctor.
“It gave me this extra push to keep going—to stay engaged in the community and keep striving toward my goals. It reminded me that hard work, compassion, and persistence really do make an impact.”
Cancer research is of particular interest to Ridhi.
“Cancer affects so many people, and I’d love to learn more about how far we’ve come in developing treatments and how we can continue moving closer to finding a cure,” she said. “I think understanding the science behind disease and healing is one of the most powerful ways to make a real difference.”
She also has a special interest in improving health-care access and outcomes for patients from underrepresented communities.
“Health care is such a powerful way to give back—to help people when they’re most vulnerable and to make sure that everyone, regardless of their background, gets the care they deserve,” she said.
Faculty supporting students
Ridhi said the professors at UWinnipeg were a huge support. She first met Dr. Tabitha Wood, Associate Dean of Science and Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, during a high school internship.
“Ever since then, she’s been such a wonderful mentor,” Ridhi said. “She’s the kind of person you can always go to for advice or guidance, and she’s helped me so much throughout university. She’s genuinely invested in her students’ success, and I’m so grateful for her support.”
As she looks ahead to further studies and a career, Ridhi said she’s prepared for whatever comes next. She’s currently preparing for the MCAT while volunteering at Saint Boniface Hospital and working as a research assistant at the University of Manitoba.
“I’m really grateful for everything UWinnipeg has given me. It’s laid the foundation for the person and future doctor I hope to become.”
