Carrying Multiple Roles that give depth, Insight, & Strength
BY J.M. LEE
Jas Hundal is a first-generation Canadian and a woman of color whose journey has been deeply shaped by her family’s sacrifices, cultural values, and a strong sense of responsibility to give back.
“Growing up, I witnessed both resilience and struggle as my parents navigated identity, expectations, and systemic barriers,” she reminisces. “Those early experiences grounded me in empathy and a desire to meaningfully support others.”
Her path into social work and counseling was deliberate. Over time, she transitioned from frontline work to leadership and is now the Director of Hundal Counselling Center. “I oversee a team dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being. My leadership is rooted in Seva and a commitment to social justice, ensuring access, dignity, and culturally responsive care for all.”
One of the biggest lessons she has learned is that leadership is not about authority but about responsibility. It’s about how one shows up for others, especially when it’s difficult.
“My inspirations come from the strong women in my life: my mother, aunt, cousins, and siblings. They exemplify quiet strength, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to their families. Professionally, I’ve been inspired by mentors who challenged systems, advocated for equity, and led with competence and compassion. I’ve learned that resilience is not only about enduring hardship but also about transforming it into purpose. As women, especially women of color, we often carry multiple roles, yet those experiences also give us depth, insight, and strength as leaders.”
For Jas, vulnerability means stepping into leadership while learning and growing. “The greatest risk I took was building and expanding my practice and moving from clinician to business owner and leader. It required difficult decisions outside my comfort zone. Confidence didn’t come overnight; it was built through experience and setbacks, while staying true to my values and grounded in my purpose. Mentorship is a two-way relationship that requires accountability, reflection, and commitment. I sought out individuals who make a positive impact in their communities. When those elements are present, mentorship becomes a powerful space for growth and transformation.”
As a woman of color, Jas learned early on that her voice might not matter. She speaks up not only for herself but also for others. “My work in mental health and social justice has reinforced that silence can perpetuate harm, while voice can create change. Confidence is less about being fearless and more about being grounded in who I am and what I stand for. Women often navigate complex systems. They have to take risks, adapt, and remain resilient. It’s crucial to build a strong network and continue seeking mentorship. At Hundal Counselling Centre, we emphasize collaboration, cultural humility, and continuous learning. I set the tone by modeling these values, showing up consistently, being open to feedback, and ensuring our work always centers the well-being of our clients and community.”
In many fields, including mental health, women still face barriers to leadership, especially women of color. Jas believes in creating pathways, challenging biases, and supporting one another in advancing. Balance is an ongoing practice rather than a fixed state. “I prioritize boundaries, self-care, and intentional time with family,” she affirms. “My work is deeply meaningful, but I also recognize the importance of rest, reflection, and connection. Maintaining my mental health through the gym, gardening, and prioritizing rest allows me to show up fully for my clients, my team, and my family.”
Inclusion is more than representation; it’s about belonging and about creating environments where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered. “Through a social justice lens, inclusion requires action,” Jas explains. “It means addressing systemic barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and services.”
Jas appreciates her mother’s resilience and sacrifices: she raised 5 children, navigated challenges with strength and grace, and often put others before herself. These life lessons make me most proud of her ability to persevere, hold our family together, and instill values of compassion, hard work, and Seva. Her quiet strength has been one of my greatest inheritances and will stay with me forever.
Becoming a mother has deepened Jas’s understanding of love, patience, and responsibility. It has also strengthened her commitment to building a better world, not only for her children but also for future generations.
“To my mom, thank you for everything you have given, often without recognition. Your strength, love, and sacrifices have shaped who I am. I carry your lessons with me in every role I hold, as a woman, a leader, and a mother.”
