I wanted to be a doctor, but COVID made me introspect and think more about what I really wanted to do. I switched my major to Psychology, and that’s when I really took the approach of really working with equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). And that's inspired me to be a true advocate.

I signed up to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and when I heard about an opportunity to volunteer with the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee (AHCC), I applied. Being a person of colour who has been marginalized and discriminated against, I want to provide help and a level of mutual respect to people that haven't had someone to understand and advocate for them. I want to be the person that recognizes them and sees them through. This experience has been profound for me. 

I’ve helped to organize partnerships between AHCC and the World Sikh Organization, Sangat Youth and Punjabi Community Health Service. I also connected with B'nai Brith and the Jewish Federation, as well as several other movements. At first it was kind of daunting. These are global organizations that have roots all over the place, but where there's a will there's a way, and now I work with those organizations fairly often. 

Providing resources when it comes to discrimination and hate crimes is important. Sometimes people don’t know where to go, and they don't have confidence in the policing system. When something isn't reported, it can be like it never occurred. So we're trying to get more reporting in these communities, and encouraging people to rely on structures and institutions along with their family members, because family is a huge support as well.

There’s a long way to go and I’m not done yet. I feel like this is really the beginning for me. That I can use these experiences to become the version of myself that I want to be – a true advocate and leader in promoting inclusivity, making people feel welcome and creating a true multicultural society. My parents came from Punjab with very little. I’m really proud to be here and able to do this work.

– Harnoor Dhaliwal, a Bachelor of Science student majoring in Psychology, is being recognized as one of this year's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Leaders. The I.D.E.A. Leaders Award recognizes alumni, students, staff and faculty for advancing and promoting equity, inclusion and human rights on campus or in the community.