Building Relationships

Rishi Sharma is a seasoned public servant and community leader based in Saanich, British Columbia, with over two decades of experience in government and non-profit sectors. He specializes in intergovernmental relations, Indigenous engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and public policy development. As the Director of Intergovernmental Relations for the BC Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills, Rishi provides strategic leadership on federal-provincial collaboration and stakeholder outreach to advance inclusive and skills-focused education policies, while managing an excellent team of dedicated public servants.

Throughout his career, Rishi has held senior government roles, including serving as Chief of Staff to various BC government Ministers and working in the Office of the Premier. His legislative work involved strategic planning, management of office operations, policy development, and stakeholder relations, ensuring effective public communications and policy implementation at the highest levels of provincial governance.

Rishi holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and has completed extensive professional training in communications, diversity, equity, and inclusion. His lifelong learning mindset, leadership skills, and community-driven focus make him a trusted voice in policy development and public service.

Rishi offers leadership training focused on building relationships and facilitating productive dialogue. Drawing from his Master of Arts in Leadership, where he completed a thesis on utilizing uncomfortable conversations to build relationships, Rishi provides tools, skills, and competencies to help individuals and organizations navigate challenging discussions effectively. 

Rishi also co-founded the Victoria Leadership Collective, where he co-hosts a monthly VodCast focused on leadership development. The VodCast features interviews with leadership experts and community builders, aimed at helping viewers and listeners grow their leadership competencies.

Rishi's also has hands-on experience in trades including being trades certified through Camosun College's trades program. He previously worked as an Ironworker, contributing to high-rise construction in Vancouver, and also worked the green chain at Leslie Forest Products in Vancouver, demonstrating a deep understanding of both industrial labor and workforce development.

Rishi also brings residential construction expertise, with his family working in the industry since the 1980s. He and his wife have completed several rezoning and building projects in Langford and Saanich.

His community involvement is extensive. Rishi has significantly contributed to equity and inclusion initiatives. He has been involved with the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and the BC Construction Association’s Builders Code, both dedicated to promoting diversity and safer workplaces across industries.

He currently serves on the District of Saanich’s Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, contributing to inclusive policy development. His volunteer work includes being a board member for Minerva BC, a director for Fixed Ash Road Now, a director for the Gordon Head Residents Association, and a contributor to the Victoria Hindu Temple and Cultural Association. His commitment to youth mentorship is evident in his role as a coach for his 10-year-old daughter’s soccer team on Thursdays and Saturdays.

His political experience includes serving as a municipal and provincial candidate, where he championed community-focused policies and inclusive governance.

Rishi has a strong background in sports. He was a BC select youth soccer player, competed in basketball at the BC Winter Games, and was invited to a BC select volleyball training camp at BCIT. He continues to stay active, regularly playing men’s field hockey.