The SASI is pleased to have Dr. Kusum Soni join as Coordinator in a shared position. Kusum brings with her the strengths and interests in global citizenship, inter-cultural capacity building and preserving cultural heritage and inter-generational values. She is a strong feminist, a consummate advocate for women’s rights, youth empowerment and takes initiatives in community engagement across all sectors.
In her previous role as Multicultural Coordinator at various community services agencies she has been engaged in multicultural programming and immigrant integration services through educating immigrants and other vulnerable populations on building positive attitudes, making action plans for employment, social integration and healthy living in Canada. Her work experience in Employment Programs of BC complimented her service delivery to job seekers in BC which was included newcomers to Canada and extended itself to people with multiple barriers, different abilities, single parents, people living on the streets and those struggling with addictions and mental health issues.
Kusum has a PhD and M.Sc. degree in Biophysics from Panjab University, Chandigarh and was a Research Associate at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. She served as faculty in the Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana (India)
Kusum received the Betty Urquhart Community Services Award in 2014 from UFV. In her personal life, Kusum is interested in spiritual wellbeing, walks in the trails, and meditative practices.
