Building a board that reflects the communities HSNS serves

For Dr. Anuroop Kaur, community service has always centred around helping people feel supported, included, and heard.

Those values were instilled early in life by her father, who taught her the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others in whatever way possible. Today, they continue to guide her work in education, leadership, and community involvement, including her role on the Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS) Board of Directors.

After beginning her career as an elementary school teacher in 1996, Dr. Kaur went on to complete a Ph.D. in Philosophy before moving into educational leadership as a vice principal and later principal of a K-12 school. Along the way, she developed a strong commitment to supporting community wellbeing and equitable access to services.

“Joining the HSNS Board of Directors felt like a meaningful opportunity to contribute my experience and commitment to community service to an organization that positively impacts the lives of Nova Scotians,” says Dr. Kaur.

Having volunteered with HSNS for the past three years, Dr. Kaur says one of the things she values most is the collaborative and supportive nature of the board itself. Along the way, she’s also formed meaningful personal connections and friendships through her involvement with the organization.

She currently serves as Chair of the Nominating Committee, where she helps identify and recruit individuals who can strengthen the board through diverse perspectives, experiences, and leadership skills.

“Building an inclusive board means listening to community needs and ensuring people feel welcomed, respected, and valued at the table,” she says. “Representation matters because it allows the organization to better understand the realities and experiences of the communities it serves.”

One of Dr. Kaur’s favourite parts of serving on the board has been hearing directly from clients and families about the impact of HSNS services.

“Those stories remind us why the organization’s work is so important and meaningful,” she says.

Outside of HSNS, Dr. Kaur remains deeply involved in community service and lifelong learning, and was recently honoured with an HRM Volunteer Award in recognition of her involvement with various non-profit organizations. She’s also a writer with several published books available online.

In her personal time, Dr. Kaur enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, writing poetry, and continuing her own learning journey. She’s currently completing her third master’s degree at St. Francis Xavier University, reflecting her ongoing passion for education and personal growth.