Sakshi, Aariv, Charit Khatri

In 2004, I left New Delhi, India, and arrived in Fredericton, New Brunswick, to pursue my education at the University of New Brunswick. Like many newcomers, I arrived with hopes, ambitions, and a desire to build a meaningful future in Canada. What began as a journey for higher education quickly became a journey of belonging, community, and service.


In 2011, I graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Marketing, Economics, and Human Resources. Shortly after graduation, I joined Bulletproof, a Fredericton-based technology company. Over the years, I have had the privilege of growing with the organization and today serve as Vice President of Sales, leading sales efforts across Canada.


My professional journey has been shaped by experiences across a variety of industries. During my studies and early career, I worked in marketing and management-related roles with organizations including Enbridge, the University of New Brunswick, Nokia, and Bacardi. These opportunities exposed me to diverse workplaces and helped me develop a deeper appreciation for collaboration across cultures and backgrounds.


While professional success has been important, community involvement has been equally meaningful. As an immigrant, I understood many of the challenges faced by newcomers trying to establish themselves in a new country. Through volunteer work and board service with organizations such as the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, and the Fredericton Cultural Centre, I worked to raise awareness of issues impacting immigrants and international students while advocating for greater inclusion and opportunity.


In recognition of these efforts and my commitment to promoting cultural diversity, I was honoured to receive the City of Fredericton's Intercultural Award in 2014 and the University of New Brunswick's Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2022.


One of the initiatives I am most proud of emerged from a simple observation. Alongside two close friends, I recognized that many newcomers needed opportunities to connect with the broader community while showcasing their talents and cultural heritage. In 2015, we launched The Cultural Market, the first initiative of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The concept provided newcomers with an affordable platform to share food, art, music, and traditions from around the world with local residents.


What started as a one-day-per-week event quickly grew into a seven-day operation. The Cultural Market became more than a marketplace; it became a bridge between cultures. Many vendors who began their entrepreneurial journeys there have since established successful full-time businesses in Fredericton. New participants continue to join, ensuring that the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and cultural exchange remains vibrant.


Sports have also played an important role in helping me connect with my community. As a member of Cricket New Brunswick, I have represented the province in Atlantic tournaments and worked alongside others to grow the sport across New Brunswick. Today, multiple cricket teams operate throughout the province, introducing young people to the game and creating new opportunities for community engagement. I have also volunteered with the U SPORTS University Cup hosted by UNB and remain a proud supporter of UNB VREDS.


Canada has given me opportunities that I could only have imagined when I arrived as a student in 2004. In return, I have tried to contribute by helping create a more welcoming and inclusive community for those who arrive after me. My story is one of many immigrant stories that continue to shape Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Canada.


Today, I am grateful to call Fredericton home. I share my life with my wife, Sakshi, our son, Aariv, and our beloved fur baby, Oreo. Whether spending summer days on the golf course, enjoying outdoor activities, travelling with family, or exploring New Brunswick's winter trails, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be part of a community that has embraced my family and allowed us to thrive.


Canada welcomed me as a student. Fredericton became my home. And through family, community, and service, I have had the privilege of giving back to the place that gave me so much.