Sharon Joseph: Leading by Example, Living the Way

A life-changing moment for Sharon Joseph came when a guest speaker visited her high school to talk about careers in healthcare. Despite not expecting much, she was inspired by their talk of purpose, people, and impact, beyond just medicine. From that day on, she knew healthcare was where she belonged, now reflected in her position of Emergency Management Specialist at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS).

Opening Doors to the Future

Sharon’s parents immigrated to Canada from New Delhi as young adults. Her father found his first job at Tim Hortons where he experienced racism from customers and coworkers. He learned English on the fly despite not having the chance to pursue a formal education and never stopped believing in the value of learning – a belief he passed down to Sharon. “He pushed me to pursue opportunities he never had and made it clear that I belonged anywhere I wanted to be,” she says.

Guided by ambition and her father’s words: “Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you’ll still land among the stars,” she threw herself into school. She faced barriers on the path to medicine and became curious about the system behind healthcare. Who made the decisions, why are some people left out, and how does policy shape people’s experiences and outcomes? It was questions like these that made her realize that there’s a difference to be made, and she could be part of the change.

Sharon became the first in her family to attend university. “I didn’t have an older sibling or cousin to guide me. I figured it out step by step, and mistake by mistake,” she recalls. And she didn’t just make it through. She set a new bar. Her success shifted expectations across her extended family. Younger cousins who once saw university as out of reach started to picture themselves on campus. She didn’t just open a door. She held it open long enough for others to walk through too.

Holding Space for Inclusivity

Growing up in Milton and Mississauga, she was surrounded by a big South Asian family full of love, tradition, and celebration. There were always reasons to gather, but even in that closeness, there were moments when she felt a quiet distance. While many of her peers followed Hindu traditions, her family’s life centered around the Catholic church, making her a minority amongst the broader South Asian community. Christmas was a major celebration in her home and family weddings took place in churches, not mandirs.

Over the years, her family adopted some South Asian traditions in their own ways. They held henna nights, where intricate designs were applied to the hands as a symbol of joy and celebration. They hosted mehndi ceremonies, pre-wedding gatherings with food, music, and dancing. These were cultural, not religious, and became part of how her family stayed connected to their Indian roots. These experiences, and how they differed from others, made her perceptive and empathetic. It helped her navigate systems and find connection in unlikely places.

Becoming the Change, Side by Side

Today, Sharon brings this perspective to her work at BCHS. Her team is diverse in background, collaborative in approach, and open to fresh thinking. “I used to think I had to adjust who I was to be accepted. Now I know better. This team encourages me to share my opinions and that makes all the difference,” says Sharon.

It’s the kind of culture that isn’t just good for business, it’s good for people. “I want to make sure others feel the same kind of inclusion that I’ve found,” she shares.

As part of a generation of leaders reshaping what healthcare looks like, Sharon thrives by acting with intention and creating space for others to do the same.

“To be seen for who you already are is at the center of belonging. It’s walking into a space knowing your ideas, your voice, and your story carry weight. You shouldn’t have to become someone else to fit in.”

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.