Amardeep Khosa BOARD DIRECTOR | APRIL 2023 to present
I was born in a small village in Punjab, India, into a farming family. Among my dad’s 10 siblings, he was the only one who had received an education and worked as a teacher. My mother also pursued a teaching career who achieved recognition for her excellence, winning the President’s award for Best Teacher in India. However, her family had a strong military background, with her father serving in WWII and her grandfather in WWI. Growing up, my parents were dedicated community servers who volunteered in various organizations, and they became my greatest inspiration. Recognizing the importance of providing a brighter future for their children, my parents made the decision to move out of the small village when I was 7 years old. This move took us to a city, where I experienced the light bulb for the first time as there was no electricity power in our village as I grew up using oil wick lamps. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have witnessed and lived through the transition from a rustic way of life to the modern era, especially now that I reside in Canada—a dream come true. In 1989, while I was completing my Bachelor of Telecom Engineering degree, I married my amazing wife, Harinder. We met when she was visiting India from Canada. In 1991, as a young newlywed with an engineering degree in telecommunication, I immigrated to Canada and made Surrey our home. I faced numerous challenges as an immigrant, taking on various jobs while continuing my education. Eventually, in 1996, I established my career in the engineering field and held senior positions in different professional organizations. Apart from my professional pursuits in engineering and IT, I have always been passionate about sports. From my early school years to adulthood, I have enjoyed playing various sports such as Field Hockey, Cricket, Volleyball, and Tennis. Currently, I am transitioning to Golf as it offers a less physically demanding experience compared to my previous sports endeavors. Additionally, I have a deep love for landscaping and flowers. During the summer, you can often find me tending to the yard, nurturing flowers, shrubs, and engaging in mini landscaping projects. One of the most impactful experiences in my life was volunteering with the Victim Services division of the RCMP. Through this role, I had the privilege of supporting individuals and families during their most challenging times. This opportunity heightened my appreciation for the significance of community service and showcased the resilience and strength of those facing difficult situations. As a Trained Professional from the Canadian Mental Health Commission, specializing as a Mental Resiliency Trainer for Road to Recovery, I have acquired essential skills to support individuals in building mental resilience. Given the complexities
AMARDEEP KHOSA
of today’s world, I strongly believe that it is
crucial to prioritize the mental health of individuals and equip them with coping mechanisms to navigate life’s challenges successfully. Having successfully raised two daughters who have embarked on their own professional careers, I intimately understand the unique challenges faced by women and immigrants from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds in our society. As a feminist and an immigrant to Canada, I am grateful for the opportunities this country has provided. With the unwavering support of friends, family, and the community, I have lived a fulfilling and grateful life. Now, at this stage of my journey, I am eager to give back to the community. Earlier this year, I connected with Kamaljit to inquire about volunteering opportunities at Options. After a captivating conversation over coffee, she proposed the idea of joining the Board of Directors. Recognizing the value of my experience and background, she believed I could make a productive contribution to Options’ success. I am deeply grateful to Kamaljit for piquing my interest in this role. I feel fortunate and blessed to be part of an organization like Options that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families through community support and services. I eagerly anticipate serving the Surrey community as a member of Options for many years to come.
OPTIONS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
JUNE 2023
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