Waqas Sajid – The Power of Belonging in the Workplace

Waqas Sajid’s journey has always been rooted in the belief that belonging is not something to be earned, but something that should be given freely. To him, belonging isn’t about fitting into a box; it’s about being free to stand tall as yourself, with no need to pretend or hide parts of who you are. He believes that a place that truly welcomes you lets you breathe, speak, and thrive as your authentic self.

Waqas’ has always appreciated the richness of the diverse cultures that have shaped him, most notably the deep influence of his Pakistani heritage. "I was raised in the Middle East, where my family’s traditions taught me the importance of resilience and hospitality. From the warmth of home to the food we shared, every part of my upbringing reminds me to be thankful and to give back," he reflects.

Religion has always been a cornerstone of his life. For Waqas, the Holy Month of Ramadan is about grounding himself in empathy and gratitude. "Ramadan isn’t just about fasting; it’s a time to feel what others feel and to cherish what we have," he explains. Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan, holds deep meaning for him as well, serving as a celebration of the lessons learned during the Holy Month and a reminder to carry forward compassion and understanding.

Now living in Canada with his wife and twins, Waqas shares that the way they celebrate has evolved but the core values remain the same. "Our celebrations may look different now, but the intention is still there—the love, the importance of family, and the sense of giving back," he says.

Stronger Together

Being a part of multiple culturally vibrant regions has enriched Waqas’ belief in belonging, adding new layers to his cultural, religious, and international perspectives. His experiences have reinforced his understanding that true diversity isn’t just about having different people in the room; it’s about creating an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. "The richness of our differences is what builds the foundation for true innovation," he states.

These values of resilience, empathy, and gratitude have guided Waqas throughout both his personal and professional life, driving his dedication to creating inclusive spaces.

"In a workplace where you truly belong, you're not asked to change who you are to fit in. Instead, you're invited to bring your whole self to the table, knowing your unique perspective is what makes the team stronger."

Waqas’ journey took a pivotal turn when he decided to join Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) as Project Manager in Redevelopment. Prior to his current role, he worked with a consulting firm supporting BCHS and felt drawn to the openness and collaborative spirit he saw within the organization. "When the opportunity came to join BCHS, I jumped at it. I was truly inspired by the team and the culture here," he says. “I love that my team is so curious about my culture and religion. They ask questions and genuinely want to learn more. It’s refreshing to be in a workplace where my background is celebrated,” Waqas shares.

Driving Meaningful Change at BCHS and a Vision for the Future

Waqas’ drive to create positive change isn’t just rooted in his personal experiences; it’s also inspired by his observations of how quickly BCHS has acted to implement diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B) initiatives. "I've seen the organization take real, meaningful action—whether it’s implementing a temporary prayer space or creating new opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. It’s incredible to see how quickly things are changing for the better," he says. For Waqas, working at BCHS is a chance to be part of an organization that is truly intentional about creating an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Looking ahead, Waqas is unwavering in his belief that creating a better future starts with small, intentional actions.

“In every conversation, every action, we have the opportunity to create a world that celebrates difference. It's in the small, intentional steps that we make space for everyone to thrive. We must be the change we wish to see in the workplace, in society, and in ourselves."

Chicken Puff Pastries

Click here for Waqas' recipe.

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.