Recognition, Awards, Board Appointments & Other Milestones
Community Recognition: In October 2023, Karen was honoured with the Darpan Extraordinary Achievement Award in the category of Heritage Defender. This award recognizes her years of volunteer service in bringing the history and experiences of the first South Asian settlers in Canada to light for the benefit of youth through my book, film & speaking engagements here and around the world. Each year, Darpan recognizes 10 South Asian role models and achievers who have made significant contributions to Canadian Society.
Untold Stories Becomes an Officially Catalogued Resource at UBC: In September 2023, Untold Stories: The South Asian Pioneer Experience in BC became an official catalogued publication and learning resource at UBC. The university houses the second-largest academic research library in Canada. With more than nine million items in its digital and print collections, UBC Libraries are a vital support for research, learning and teaching excellence for students here and around the world. Students can now find the book at the Walter C. Koerner Library and many high school libraries across BC.
Hidden Histories Film Launches at Inaugural Sikhlens Film Festival in Canada at UBC: In Sept. 2023, the inaugural Sikhlens Film Festival in Canada was hosted in partnership with the UBC Sikh Students Association at UBC. Karen Dosanjh presented the Hidden Histories film, spoke to the festival patrons and participated in a panel discussion on the importance of preserving the early settler history of South Asians’ in Canada for future generations to come.
Recognition, Awards & Board Appointments
Appointed to ISAFF 2023 Jury: In September 2023, Karen Dosanjh began serving on the esteemed Jury for the International South Asian Film Festival. This appointment marks the continuation of her commitment to promoting South Asian-centric storytelling & representation in the mainstream. As a thought leader on South Asian history, Karen continues to champion stories from our community for the benefit of future generations.
Appointed to Be the Light Society’s Board of Advisors: Be the Light aims to empower South Asian women & girls with connections, mentoring & development, and financial empowerment. The organization intends to create safe spaces that elevate South Asian women's voices and representation here in Canada and around the world. This is a preeminent leadership, community and development organization that was created for women and led by women. Karen is proud to join BTL’s Board of Advisors for 2023, which is led by powerhouse women in our community. @bethelightsociety.
Industry Recognition: In May 2023, Karen Dosanjh was named Women of the Year in the Entrepreneurial Leader' category by BC Business Magazine. A Master Communicator & Marketer, Karen was selected for the esteemed cover feature for her career excellence in the business and technology industry in Canada and around the world.
Business Award: In March 2023, Karen was named a finalist by the Surrey Board of Trade for the Women in Business Awards “Corporate Leader” category. This award recognizes the impact and leadership of Surrey’s businesswomen along with their vast contributions to the community.
Invitation from the Government of Canada: In February 2023, as Co-Producer of the Hidden Histories documentary, Karen was invited by Patrick Hébert, Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh to speak at SD College, premiere the film at the SikhLens Film Festival, and speak to the Indian press about the historical Canada to India project.
National Award: In 2020, Harjit Sajjan, then Minister of National Defence in Canada, presented Karen Dosanjh with recognition for Community Excellence in Canada on behalf of the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and himself.
Shakti Award Recognizing South Asian Women Leaders: In 2019, Karen was named a Shakti Award recipient for Professional Achievement. The Shakti Awards honour South Asian women who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and a deep commitment to bettering their communities.
GE Leadership: Nominated for GE’s Leadership Development Program at the world-renowned GE Management Centre in Crotonville, New York (Dec. 2017). Selected to lead a panel representing the global GE Digital team in BC with Jeff Immelt, former Chairman & CEO of GE at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Center for all employees.
TELUS Leadership: Selected for TELUS’ Leadership Development program two years in a row (2010/2011).
PERSONAL
Karen lives in South Surrey, BC with her husband of 23 years, Dr. Darsh Dosanjh and her two sons Navin an Dayvn, and their dog Shadow. Karen believes that her success is enabled by having a strong support system at home. She says, “My husband Darsh and our boys are my biggest advocates who truly inspire everything that I do. They constantly motivate and encourage my personal and professional growth which continues to drive me to be better and give more.” Karen dedicates her service in the community to her beloved parents: Father-in-Law, Sarjeet Singh Dosanjh, 93, Mother-In-Law, Gurdev Kaur Dosanjh, 80, her Late Father, Gurdev Singh Johal and her Mother Harbans Kaur Johal, 90. “My parents are the guiding force in my life as they live the values of compassion and seva (service to others) every day. I humbly try to honour their legacies by doing just a little bit of the same. Their unconditional love and wisdom influences every single thing that my heart touches.”
50 Questions with Karen Dosanjh as she celebrates her 50th Birthday Milestone in 2021.
Farewell to Karen tribute video put together by Karen’s former colleagues at Bit Stew Systems on her last day of work.