Anita Bhandari, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for the City of Burnaby, is a dynamic leader, advocate, and catalyst for change within the South Asian community and beyond. Her transformative journey from humble beginnings in a small town in British Columbia to the forefront of inclusive leadership stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to reshaping cultures, championing inclusivity, and empowering others. In the whirlwind of corporate life, where stories collide and weave together to shape the fabric of organizational culture, Anita stands out as a beacon of authenticity, leading the charge toward a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
“Anita has catalyzed our departmental and organizational culture shift, leading to positive, impactful changes. I am extremely grateful and feel very fortunate to work for her,” shares Erwin David, HR Advisor, reflecting on the transformative nature of Anita’s leadership.
Anita stands out as a beacon of authenticity, leading the charge toward a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
In her pursuit of excellence and commitment to making a difference, Anita inspires and is a role model for women everywhere. Through her authentic leadership and unwavering dedication to inclusive practices, she empowers individuals to pursue their dreams and become catalysts for positive change in the world.
Anita’s early struggles sparked a profound realization – the power of embracing authenticity. This revelation fueled her academic pursuits, culminating in a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Cultural Transformation, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education. These credentials and multiple designations in Human Resources and related fields fortified her vision to redefine the workplace landscape.
As CHRO, Anita’s leadership transcends titles. She spearheaded initiatives, including appointing Burnaby’s first Senior Manager for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Under the CAO’s direction, as one of the sponsors for the “Burnaby Promise,” the City embraced inclusivity and personal empowerment as integral to its culture.
“I started this letter with a quote because, as a fellow woman, I feel the impact of a woman standing up for herself every day. Since Anita started at the City of Burnaby, I have felt my voice heard and empowered. My confidence grows,” shares Justyna Czerniej, Director of Labour Relations, emphasizing Anita’s role in amplifying women’s voices.
Anita’s advocacy for equity was pivotal in reshaping Burnaby’s organizational culture. In 2024, it elevated Burnaby to BC’s Top 100 Employers. Her unwavering belief in the City’s potential fueled her support, guiding Burnaby to this first-time accolade.
“Success is a collective journey as a team,” expresses Vishad Deeplaul, Senior Manager EDI, reflecting on Anita’s leadership. “Through her guidance and support, I am encouraged to embrace my authentic self and contribute meaningfully, knowing that my voice matters.”
Anita’s commitment to promoting diversity and fostering belonging extends far beyond policy-making. She implemented transformative plans to promote inclusion and align EDI efforts with the City’s values.
“Because we feel seen, we succeed. Anita has always told me that it is okay to take risks because this is how we move forward and lead change. If we feel safe, we succeed,” shares Natalie Cuthill, Legal Council, People & Culture, highlighting Anita’s nurturing environment that fosters growth and innovation.
Beyond the boardroom, Anita’s philanthropic endeavors shine brightly. She chairs Burnaby’s United Way campaign and supports initiatives like the Angel Project, Backpack Buddies, and the Stationery Kits for our School Outreach Program, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Anita has emerged as a respected thought leader. Her appearances on prominent podcasts and speaking engagements underline her dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable environments where individuals can thrive.
Anita’s exceptional achievements have not gone unnoticed. From being a finalist at the YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards to receiving the HR Spotlight Award from CPHR BC & Yukon, her accolades underscore her profound impact on the community. She has also been recognized as a ‘Women of Inspiration Award’ recipient through the Universal Women’s Network, a testament to her inspirational leadership and dedication to empowering women.
In her pursuit of excellence and commitment to making a difference, Anita inspires and is a role model for women everywhere. Through her authentic leadership and unwavering dedication to inclusive practices, she empowers individuals to pursue their dreams and become catalysts for positive change in the world.
Anita’s impactful talks such as her “Embracing Authenticity, and Silencing the Judgment!” interview, “The Case for Shifting this Department’s Title to ‘People and Culture’” and “Uplift – Leading as an Asian Canadian Female in Business” podcasts, “Empowering Our Differences – Removing Our Masks” and “Placing People at the Heart of Digital Transformation” presentations at conferences, further underscore her dedication to her work and the positive changes she’s making.
Anita Bhandari’s story is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to change.
Anita’s LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bhandari-cphr/
