I Belong: Aleks Ljubinkovic – Rooted in Two Worlds

Born in Serbia and immigrating to Canada as an infant, Aleks Ljubinkovic has spent his life navigating a dual cultural identity. “I grew up learning English at school, but as soon as I stepped through the front door, I was immersed in Serbian language, traditions, and values,” he shares. “It was like living in two worlds at the same time,” he says. “You learn to translate who you are based on where you are.”

At times, this duality felt like a challenge but over the years, it became a source of strength. “There was a time when I minimized parts of myself to fit in,” he reflects. “Now, I feel whole. I don’t have to split myself anymore, I just get to be Aleks.”

For Aleks, his upbringing in a Serbian Orthodox household played a central role in shaping his values. Among the most meaningful traditions was the celebration of Orthodox Easter- a time that symbolized more than just a religious holiday. “It’s when we gather, reflect, and celebrate who we are as a family,” he says.

After immigrating to Canada, his parents and grandparents worked hard to keep those cultural traditions alive. “What people were doing back home, we tried to do here,” Aleks shares. “A cherished tradition was sitting together and dyeing Easter eggs —it was a small thing, but it meant a lot.” It wasn’t just about the activity itself, but what it represented: connection, continuity, and care. These intergenerational rituals created a sense of rootedness and pride in his cultural identity and spearheaded the direction of his professionalism.

Inspired by the World, Driven by Community

Aleks began his career as a nurse, an experience that continues to shape his leadership today. “Being a nurse gave me a deep understanding of what it means to care, to advocate, and to lead with empathy,” he says. His clinical background grounds his belief in people-first systems and compassionate leadership. His experience of working in healthcare systems across Europe and the Middle East also curated a global perspective and exposed him to diverse approaches to care, collaboration, and innovation. “Working internationally taught me to stay flexible, open, and culturally aware,” he shares. “There’s no single way to deliver care, just like there’s no single way to lead.”

Now at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), Aleks blends global insight with local impact, bringing practical expertise and cultural sensitivity to every interaction. As Director of Quality, Risk, and Patient Relations at BCHS, he leads with intention, offering mentorship, sharing resources, and creating opportunities that help people build long-term skills and confidence. “It’s about building a toolkit for the future, not just for today.”

For Aleks, this approach is more than leadership, it’s inclusion in action. “Belonging is about more than just being invited in. It’s about being supported to grow,” he explains. Through coaching conversations, shared tools, and consistent encouragement, Aleks creates an environment where people feel seen, trusted, and valued.

“It’s the little things, those everyday acts of trust and investment, that make people feel like they matter.”

Shaping Tomorrow, Today

Though still new to BCHS, Aleks recognizes the organizations commitment to transforming diversity, equity, and inclusion inside and outside their walls. “I belong here. This is a place that’s ready to grow, and I want to help shape that growth,” he shares. “It means a lot to be part of an organization that’s choosing to foster a culture of authenticity and belonging. I’ve lived what it means to feel like an outsider. Now, I want to be part of building something different, something better.”

Aleks is especially excited about BCHS’s growing focus on community engagement and equity. “I’m really looking forward to doing more work with the community,” he says. “Healthcare doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. We have a responsibility to go beyond and build meaningful relationships with the people we serve.”

“I’m proud of where I’ve come from. I’m proud of where I am. And I’m excited for where we’re going together.”

This feature is part of the “I Belong” campaign, where BCHS employees, professional staff, and volunteers are given the opportunity to share their personal stories, strengthening a culture of belonging that empowers each individual and deepens our collective mission to provide exceptional care. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered BCHS.