Shashi Bhatia, from Pickering, is a leader and a community builder, who is committed to promoting tolerance, understanding, and inclusiveness for all. A founding Chair of the Indo-Canadian Cultural Association of Durham (ICCAD), she is a driving force behind the highly successful “Roots and Drum” concerts in support of the Durham West Arts Centre. She is also a member of a Durham multi-faith World Religion Day Committee. Ms. Bhatia is a member of the Rotary Club of Pickering and Chair of Community Services. She is an Influencer/Durham Ambassador with the Canadian Armed Forces and an associate member of Royal Canadian Legion #606. In addition, Ms. Bhatia is on the Board of Directors of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa and is a member of the Pickering Mayor’s Gala Fundraising Committee, helping to raise funds for various charities of Durham Region including the AjaxPickering hospital. Ms. Bhatia has served as a member of Lakeridge Health’s Board of Trustees and with the Ajax-Pickering Carea Health Community Center, and has volunteered for the last many years on the DRPS Diversity Advisory Committee. She has cofounded various cultural and heritage organizations in Durham Region and created the Durham Diversity Advisory Committee, bringing together various cultural and faith based organizations under one banner. Ms. Bhatia has served on many provincial and federal quasi-judicial boards and tribunals, including the Immigration and Refugee Board, the Consent and Capacity Board, and the Social Benefits Tribunal. Ms. Bhatia appeared as a trail blazer in the East Magazine of Durham Region. She is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions and commendation for her service to the community, including a leadership award from Toronto Police Service, a Lifetime Achievement Award (Pickering), and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.