Core Firm was co-founded by Opreet Kang and Parm Kahlon in May 2024. The vision behind Core Firm is deeply rooted in the values Opreet and Parm have embraced in the South Asian community of emphasizing appreciation, celebration, and recognition of collectivism and cooperative values.
As Parm and Opreet discussed shifting their careers to consulting, they quickly identified a gap: the traditional models offered by other firms were not meeting their needs or inspiring them. They realized there was a pressing need to create a supportive space specifically for women consultants to thrive and excel. Their initial vision was to establish an environment for South Asian women and women of color that acknowledges and aligns with the progress made in broader society, ensuring that this progress is reflected within their own communities.
“Core Firm aims to cultivate an organizational culture that empowers and encourages women to bring their authentic selves to every aspect of their lives, particularly in the business world. We believe that embracing our true selves leads to a more vibrant and effective culture, benefiting both our clients and our team by allowing us to fully utilize our skills and perspectives in our work.”
Opreet Kang
In August, Parm had the opportunity to discuss the significance of Core Firm’s model and name with the Hill Times Lobby Monitor. During the conversation, Parm explained why there is growing interest in what Core Firm is building and the impact it aims to achieve.
As reported in the Lobby Monitor:
Their business name is derived from their shared middle name, Kaur, which is pronounced ‘core’.
Kahlon said that Core Firm is the only consulting and lobbying services firm founded and run by Sikh women that she knows of.
Another characteristic that differentiates the company is that it’s rare for women to found and run their own firms in the consulting and lobbying world, according to both Kahlon and Hill.
“I’ve actually been the first woman of colour in a lot of those [corporate] rooms and so has Opreet,” Kahlon said about her career in politics and unions before starting her own business.
Before launching Core, Kahlon was managing director of UFCW 1518 between 2019 and 2023, and a special assistant to former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley between 2015 and 2019.
She said creating space for women, especially women of colour, in consulting was one of her goals in founding Core Firm.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Kahlon said.
Since launching the firm, women across Canada have reached out to join the company, she said.
“It’s humbling and empowering. I think a lot of people are watching to see what we are building here,” Kahlon said.
