Rabiah Rattansi: Carrying Culture Forward - A Life Shaped by Community

Rabiah Rattansi’s lineage traces back to the Swahili and Bantu peoples of Tanzania, East Africa—a heritage rich with history, tradition, and community.

Being featured in Brant Community Healthcare System’s (BCHS) I Belong campaign during Black History Month holds deep personal meaning, offering an opportunity to celebrate and uplift African heritage.

“As an avid lover of African culture and heritage, I could not have been happier to shine a light on my people and my culture during this time,” she shares.

For Rabiah, this moment is more than recognition—it’s a celebration of identity, ancestry, and the stories that shape who we are.

Celebrating Culture Through Togetherness

Community has always been at the heart of Rabiah’s identity. One tradition that holds special significance is the Nyama Choma Festival, a large barbecue celebration centered on roasted meats, traditional dances, and shared festivities.

“It represents the true meaning of community engagement,” she says. “It brings people together from different tribes and backgrounds, reminding everyone that food, music, and celebration can dissolve boundaries and create lasting connections.”

Food also ties culture to memory. Her favorite dish, Ugali, a hardened maize porridge often served with rich stews, grilled meats, fried fish, or vegetables, represents comfort, family, and traditions passed through the generations.

Bringing Identity into the Workplace

For Rabiah, belonging is rooted in authenticity. If her life had a theme, it would center on resilience, growth, and compassion—a reminder to meet challenges with courage and approach others with kindness.

“This guiding idea shapes how I live, work, and connect with others every day,” she says.

“Belonging means being authentically yourself, while sharing love, acceptance, and compassion with those around us. It’s not about fitting into a mold, but about being welcomed exactly as you are—and extending that same grace to others.”

Growing up in a loving family and close-knit community shaped her approach and instilled a deep sense of care and compassion that now guide her daily approach at BCHS.

Her involvement in the TeamBCHS Black Resource Group, a voluntary, employee-led network designed to unite individuals with shared identities and experiences, demonstrates her commitment to creating empathetic and inclusive environments for those around her.

Rabiah’s motivation to advocate for equity comes from a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported—regardless of background.

“Equity creates spaces where people can thrive, be heard, and reach their full potential,” she shares.

Organizations like BCHS play a vital role in modeling equity, inclusion, and belonging—both within the workplace and beyond it. Creating inclusion doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful action is simply listening.

“By truly hearing others’ experiences and acknowledging different perspectives, we help create spaces where everyone feels valued. When we lead with integrity and engage with the broader community, we help create lasting change. It’s a collective effort, and I’m proud to be part of the journey.”

This feature is part of the “I Belong” campaign, where BCHS employees, professional staff, and volunteers are given the opportunity to share their personal stories, strengthening a culture of belonging that empowers each individual and deepens our collective mission to provide exceptional care. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered BCHS.