Raj Sharma: Identity in Motion

Historically, Neeraj (Raj) Sharma’s career path focused on quality and safety roles in social services and healthcare, and now as Risk Consultant at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), he oversees patient safety events, legal cases, and insurance matters.

“I always knew I wanted to have an impact on people,” he reflects. “Not on the frontlines as a physician or nurse, but by improving the systems and processes that shape patient experiences. Risk and quality were a natural fit for me.”

However, for Raj, belonging isn’t about fitting into a single category. It’s about honouring the many experiences, cultures, and influences that shape who we are and recognizing that these identities evolve over time.

“Identity is never stagnant,” Raj says. “When we try to put people in boxes, we risk missing who they really are.”

Losing and Rediscovering Culture

Born in Thunder Bay, raised in Niagara, and spending several years in Indonesia, Raj’s upbringing was largely shaped by both Canadian and international experiences.

“It wasn’t until many years later that I realized that my identity was shaped just as much by growing up in Indonesia as it was by my Indian heritage or Canadian upbringing,” Raj reflects.

In Canada, he grew up in predominately white communities where being visibly different came with challenges.

“At that time, it wasn’t about celebrating cultures,” Raj recalls. “It was about giving up your identity and disconnecting from your roots to fit in. You became Canadian. You played hockey, you avoided bringing Indian food to school, you did whatever it took not to stand out.”

This shifted when Raj became a father.

“Our kids don’t see identity as either-or,” he explains. “They are Indo-Chinese Canadians, celebrating multiple traditions at once and that intersection shapes them into who they are.”

His children attend diverse schools in Burlington, where classmates celebrate Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid, and more.

“My kids want to wear kurtas to school for Diwali. They talk openly about their ancestry. They take Hindi classes on weekends,” Raj shares. “They’re teaching me how to be Indian in Canada again.”

This generational shift has given Raj a new appreciation for the ways that identities overlap across social, cultural, and systemic forces.

“Inclusivity should be about everyone,” Raj emphasizes. “When we celebrate Diwali, Eid, Christmas, or Lunar New Year, it’s not about replacing one with another. It’s about honouring all traditions equally. That balance matters.”

Belonging Starts with Curiosity

For Raj, fostering belonging in organizations like BCHS begins with curiosity.

“We need to create spaces that encourage and support curiosity,” he says. “People may not always know the right questions to ask about culture or identity, so it’s on us to invite those conversations and provide information. Curiosity helps us understand each other, and that’s where belonging grows.”

At BCHS, Raj finds an environment that values complexity. From cultural events to courageous conversations, he sees a shift toward greater visibility and inclusion.

“We’re moving past statements into action,” he says. “That means more diversity in leadership, more celebrations of culture, and more openness to different perspectives. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress, and progress matters.”

Today, he sees layered identity not as a struggle but as a strength.

“I’m still learning, still evolving,” he reflects. “I can be a Canadian, an Indian, a parent, a risk consultant, all of it at once. You might look one way, but your experiences, your environment, and your family history tell a deeper story. Belonging is making room for all of it, and that is exactly what makes us stronger as a community.”

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.