Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, Kitchener, ON (2026)

07/30/2026

Same Person. Different Chapter.
By Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

When people look at these two photographs, they may notice different clothing, different appearances, and different stages of life. But what they are really seeing is the journey of the same person through two very different chapters.

There was a time when success, possessions, and material achievements seemed like the ultimate goals. Like many people, I believed that what I owned reflected who I was. Those experiences were part of my growth, and I do not regret them—they taught me valuable lessons.

Today, my definition of success has changed.

I have come to realize that the greatest wealth is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch. The greatest investment is not in possessions, but in people. Helping someone overcome a mental health challenge, supporting a person in finding meaningful employment, mentoring a student, or simply being present during someone's darkest moment brings a sense of fulfillment that no material possession ever could.

The person in both photographs is the same. My values, however, have matured. My purpose has become clearer. I no longer strive to impress people with what I have; I strive to make a difference through what I give.

The greatest chapter of my life is not defined by what I own, but by how I serve.

Same person. Different chapter.

07/29/2026

What Is Corruption?
By Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

Corruption is the abuse of power, authority, trust, or influence for personal gain at the expense of fairness, honesty, and the public good. It is not limited to politics or government. Corruption can exist anywhere—within businesses, organizations, communities, families, or even among individuals—whenever someone deliberately places self-interest above ethics and integrity.

Corruption can take many forms, including bribery, fraud, favoritism, nepotism, abuse of authority, deception, conflicts of interest, and the misuse of public or private resources. At its core, corruption undermines trust, weakens institutions, creates inequality, and deprives deserving people of fair opportunities.

As a social worker and community advocate, I believe that the fight against corruption begins with each of us. Integrity is demonstrated not only by the decisions we make when others are watching, but also by the choices we make when no one is watching. A just and equitable society is built on accountability, transparency, and a commitment to doing what is right—even when it is difficult.

"True leadership is not measured by the power we hold, but by the integrity with which we use it."
— Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

07/29/2026

FYI

07/28/2026

Being charged is not the same as being convicted. A person who is charged has been formally accused of committing an offence, but that accusation has not been proven in court. Under the law, every person who is charged is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A person is convicted only after they either plead guilty or a court finds them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, a charge is an allegation; a conviction is a legal finding of guilt. It is important not to confuse the two, as many people who are charged are never convicted.

This principle is a cornerstone of democratic justice systems, including both Guyana and Canada, ensuring that individuals receive a fair trial before any finding of guilt is made.

Legal References
Guyana

Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Article 144(2)(a):

"Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he or she is proved or has pleaded guilty."

Canada

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, section 11(d):

"Any person charged with an offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal."

Criminal Code of Canada, section 6:

A person is deemed not guilty of an offence until convicted or otherwise lawfully discharged in accordance with the law.

- Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

07/28/2026

Fake friends don't always stand against you—they often stand beside you until it no longer benefits them. Protect your peace, value loyalty, and remember that genuine friendship is proven through actions, not words.

– Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

07/28/2026

Before I found my professional calling in social work, mental health, and inclusive hiring, I was simply a young newcomer to Canada trying to build a future. My time at Kitchener Collegiate Institute (KCI) within the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) was a defining chapter of my life.

Like many new Canadians, I was balancing more than just my studies. I was working while attending school, learning to adapt to a new country, a new culture, and a new educational system. Those experiences were not always easy, but they taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work—qualities that continue to guide me today.

One of the highlights of my time at KCI was participating in track and field. Competing as a student-athlete taught me discipline, determination, and the importance of giving my best effort, regardless of the outcome. Looking back, I realize that those lessons extended far beyond the track. They prepared me for the many personal and professional challenges that would come later in life.

Although my career ultimately took me in a very different direction—becoming a registered social worker, mental health leader, researcher, and advocate—I find it fascinating how life comes full circle. Coincidentally, one of my colleagues today is an Olympic champion. While our journeys have been different, we both understand the commitment, discipline, and perseverance that are developed through athletics. It is a reminder that the lessons learned in sport can shape success in many different fields.

As I reflect on my years at KCI, I do so with gratitude. That school was more than a place of education—it was where a young immigrant began laying the foundation for a lifetime of service, leadership, and community impact. I may no longer compete on the track, but the values I learned there continue to propel me forward every single day.

– Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

07/27/2026

Every Profession Has Value
By Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

One of the greatest lessons I learned while working as an Employment Counsellor and Job Developer within Employment Ontario was that every profession has value and every worker deserves respect. Whether someone is a cleaner, construction worker, truck driver, nurse, teacher, mechanic, cashier, farmer, social worker, engineer, or CEO, each profession plays a vital role in keeping our communities and our economy functioning.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping people from diverse backgrounds secure meaningful employment. Those experiences reinforced a simple but powerful truth: there is no such thing as a "small" job—only meaningful contributions made by dedicated people.

This belief became the foundation of my doctoral research, Best Practices for Inclusive Hiring. My work focused on removing barriers and creating fair employment opportunities so that individuals are evaluated based on their abilities, potential, and character—not stereotypes, status, or the title of the position they seek.

A society thrives when it values all forms of honest work. The person collecting our waste, preparing our food, delivering essential goods, caring for our loved ones, building our homes, and teaching our children all contribute to our quality of life. We often notice their absence only when they are not there.

Let us move beyond judging people by their job titles and instead appreciate the dignity of work itself. Every profession serves a purpose, and every individual who contributes through honest work deserves our gratitude and respect.

Every job serves its purpose. Every worker deserves dignity. Every profession matters.

— Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

07/26/2026

People often ask why I only own two watches. The answer has very little to do with telling time and everything to do with remembering what truly matters in life.

The first is a gold watch that is now more than 28 years old. It is priceless to me—not because of its monetary value, but because of the love and memory it carries. Before my brother died by su***de, it was his wish that this watch be given to me. Since then, I have worn it not simply as a timepiece, but as a constant reminder of him, of the importance of family, and of how fragile life can be.

His passing forever changed the direction of my life. It deepened my understanding of grief, loss, and the silent battles that so many people carry. That experience became one of the driving forces behind my commitment to the field of mental health. Today, I have the privilege of supporting individuals and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Being recognized as one of Canada's Top 25 Mental Health Leaders is an incredible honour, but behind that recognition is a deeply personal story rooted in loss, compassion, and hope.

My second watch is a brown leather timepiece that was presented to me after receiving the Reelworld Trailblazer Award. Having it presented by daytime television icon Tanya Lee Williams made the occasion even more memorable. To me, that watch represents purpose, perseverance, and the journey of turning personal pain into meaningful service for others.

One watch reminds me of where my purpose began. The other reminds me of where that purpose has taken me.

Together, they symbolize the two defining chapters of my life: profound personal loss and the privilege of helping others heal. They remind me that success is not measured by how many possessions we accumulate, but by the lives we touch, the compassion we show, and the legacy we leave behind.

These watches have sentimental value that cannot be replaced. They are not luxury items—they are reminders of love, resilience, and the responsibility I carry every day as a mental health professional. Every time I look at them, I am reminded that while time never stops, we all have the opportunity to use the time we are given to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Dr. Narine Dat Sookram
One of Canada's Top 25 Mental Health Leaders

07/26/2026

2017 Reflection – Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Examination Review Panel
By Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

Looking back on 2017, I, Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as one of only two social workers from Ontario selected to participate as a panelist with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) in reviewing the social work licensing examination. It was a rare privilege to contribute to a process that helps uphold the standards of a profession dedicated to protecting and serving the public.

At the time, I could not have fully appreciated how significant this experience would become for Ontario. Beginning in 2027, candidates seeking registration in Ontario will begin writing the licensing examination, and by 2028, it will become a mandatory requirement. Knowing that I had the opportunity to contribute to the review of this examination years before its implementation in Ontario makes this experience especially meaningful.

This reflection is not about personal recognition but about gratitude. To have a seat at the table where important professional standards were being examined was both an honour and a tremendous learning experience. It reinforced the importance of evidence-informed practice, fairness, and ensuring that future social workers are prepared to provide competent and ethical care.

As I, Dr. Narine Dat Sookram, reflect on this milestone, I do so with humility and appreciation. It remains one of the many experiences that has strengthened my commitment to advancing the social work profession and supporting excellence in practice. I will always look back on this opportunity with pride, knowing I had the privilege of contributing, even in a small way, to a process that will shape the future of social work in Ontario for generations to come.

– Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

Dr. Narine Dat Sookram

07/30/2026

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