Bio

Anoop Virk is an award-winning nonprofit founder, distinguished executive producer, and wellness-focused restaurateur.

Born in Vancouver, she is known for her philanthropy—building a gender equality primary community school in Africa and helping reconnect Vancouver's homeless with their lost loved ones.

She is the restaurateur behind Basmati & Spice, a wellness-focused food concept available in 900+ hospitals serving patients and healthcare workers. As a teenager, she founded Project L.O.V.E, building a gender equality primary community school in Zambia, and co-founded Project H.E.L.LO, reconnecting 450+ homeless residents on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside with their loved ones. She has produced TEDxVancouver, TEDxWhistler, and a cooking series with Mayo Clinic, and also The Cooking Channel.

Her humanitarian work has earned her numerous honors, including Canada’s Top 20 Under 20, BC’s 24 Under 24, and Global Youth Ambassador for the We Are Family Foundation. She was invited to Rideau Hall by Canada’s Prime Minister and Governor General to celebrate exceptional Canadian service and presented a gift to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate.

Anoop has spoken at prestigious venues worldwide, including UNESCO in Paris and Barcelona, the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, and Pinterest HQ in San Francisco. Her work has connected her with world leaders, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, Royal families, and Fortune 500 CEOs, as well as influential figures like Ndaba Mandela, Chelsea Clinton, President Jimmy Carter, Bono, and Nile Rodgers. She has been interviewed by CNN and featured in The Globe and Mail and Maclean's.

As the first female Executive Producer of TEDxVancouver—a platform with over 50 million views—Anoop has collaborated with renowned leaders, including Canada’s first female Prime Minister, Ms. Kim Campbell. Under TED, she contributes to their Global Insights Network (GIN) and has curated impactful events, including a climate change panel featuring Indigenous women at the Squamish and Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Through TEDxWhistler, Anoop has focused on Indigenous storytelling and truth and reconciliation.

As an SFU-Douglas Dual Degree graduate, she earned top honors, including the President’s Entrance Scholarship and Dean’s Honor Roll. Holding degrees in Intercultural and International Studies, her education, paired with hands-on work in vulnerable communities, equips her with deep insights and practical tools for navigating complex global issues in development. 

As co-owner with Food Network Canada's Bal Arneson, Anoop leads their culinary ventures, driving innovation in health, wellness, and food sustainability.