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About Karen

Karen Saini is the executive director of the Oasis Society for Spiritual Health, an urban Indigenous organization supporting vulnerable Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and mental health and substance-use challenges. She is also a sessional instructor at UVic and Camosun College and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration, while simultaneously completing a two-year certificate program (Learning and Teaching in Higher Education) at UVic!

Previously, Karen was the executive director of the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS), and a research, audit and policy analyst with the Victoria Police Department.

Her education and career paths are centred around a deep recognition of the value of diversity and inclusion, cultural competency and equity in service provision. In 2022, Karen was one of 15 recipients of BC’s Medal of Good Citizenship for her contribution to community.

How did your experiences at UVic shape you?

The key thing was all the practicum and co-op placements that I had—all the way from my social work to the end of my MPA program—resulted in a lot of opportunities that I don't think I could have gotten on my own. And all the programs and access we had to guest speakers from such a diverse range of careers and locations in public and private spheres helped inform my understanding of various topics from a wide variety of perspectives. Having these perspectives helped me narrow down where I wanted to go, career wise, and helped me identify where I wanted to work.

What skills or traits are needed for you to be good at what you do?

Knowing when to step back, knowing when to ask for help and knowing when you should just be a listener. Not every situation is one where you need to say something.

What’s a characteristic in people that’s undervalued?

Empathy and compassion is something that's not seen [enough]. Now more than ever, with everything that's going on in the world, it’s important that we're trauma-informed in our employment and leadership positions, and we acknowledge with empathy and compassion the things that are going on around us.

What accomplishment are most proud of?

For a long time, I was a big sister with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I mentored a young woman, now named Alice, for 10 years. This year, she went off to Queen's University on scholarship, and I'm so proud of her. I won't take credit for her accomplishments, but I'm proud of sticking through with that commitment for such a long period of time because I saw the value that it had on her and the impact that it made.

What motivates you?

I want to be somebody that contributes to my community. I want to put what I learned into practice. I am somebody who was impacted by mentors, who is impacted by people around me. And I want to give that same kind of gift to the people around me.

What’s a valuable piece of advice someone has given you?

Don't take yourself too seriously. We're all human. No matter where you are from, at the end of the day you're just a person trying to do your best, and that's why we're all here.

What’s your advice to someone who’s about to graduate or uncertain about their future?

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Sometimes it's the small interactions that have the most sustained impact on your career or your future opportunities. And be your authentic self, no matter which environment you're in. Don't try to portray yourself as someone you believe will be more accepted or be more liked. Just be you, and the right environments will hold space for you.

What is the last great thing you've watched or read?

I'm reading a lot for my PhD, and most of it is very dull and boring, but my favourite book is A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It's a story about circumstance, and it reminds me of my mom.