SANCHARI SEN RAI

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

The factors that contributed to Humber being a popular choice for me to continue my education to enhance my skills and career prospects include:

- Flexible learning options, allowing me to balance studies with my ongoing business and personal commitment as a new mother.

- Practical and relevant curriculum providing practical knowledge and skills applicable to current industry standards, which was a significant draw.

- Experienced faculty who were approachable and brought expertise, industry insights, and connected on a personal level while teaching.

- Networking opportunities, which were beneficial for my career advancement in the business.

- Positive testimonials from current and former students reflected satisfaction with the quality of education and support received during their studies.

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

My favourite Humber experience was sharing my story through a video profile with Humber Alumni.

It can be seen on the Humber Polytechnic Alumni YouTube channel!

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

With the completion of my program came validation and empowerment to help students in a holistic way, settling them in Canada and integrating them with Canadian immigration. I counselled them on program options and gave informed advice about their visa status. I welcomed students from Humber as interns in our office, and some later joined our company to amass work experience.

My instructors and peers inspired and affirmed my path—particularly one professor who proudly recounted her family's story of arriving as Vietnamese refugees. From there, she became a lawyer who did impactful pro bono work. The pride with which that story was told and how she speaks passionately about where she comes from resonated with me.

After completing my studies, I was immediately prepared to serve as a regulated consultant and help amend the industry's potentially negative reputation. My college experience became increasingly impactful as my instructors opened my eyes to the future of the industry and encouraged me to develop my professional and personal brand. Humber helped me advance an entrepreneurial mentality and changed my perceptions of business.

What are you up to now?

I am a Co-Founder and CEO of Education Consultants Canada (ECC Hive) and Founder of SSR Immigration Service Inc., a boutique consultancy firm that leads a 95% immigrant-women team that provides strategic consulting, including education plans, counselling, internships, mentoring, and immigration services for higher education abroad.

As a woman, a person of colour, and an immigrant entrepreneur, I passionately advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the international education ecosystem and with immigrants to create a human-centred world. I want to make an impact by inspiring other young women who come to Canada as international students and immigrants to pursue careers for themselves and live the Canadian dream.

Leveraging my experience, I also serve as a mentor to girls and women from diverse communities, cultures, and marginal socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as to young and BIPOC entrepreneurial mentees.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

I am proud to have received several awards and recognition, such as Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award (Entrepreneur Category); Top 50 finalist for the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award; RBC Small Business of the Year by Canadian SME Magazine; Lead5050 Award for Contributions to Gender Diversity; and the Ontario Premier’s Awards.