The Halton President of this Arts Organisation is a Selfless Indian Lady

A group of families came together for a potluck, excited to connect with one another. As each person took the stage to introduce themselves, they expressed their gratitude towards one individual, Shruti Desai. It was clear that she plays a vital role in bringing people together, dedicating herself to the community through various initiatives.

Throughout the evening, I learned about different aspects of Shruti’s character. She offers free swimming lessons, organizes badminton classes, and is an accomplished artist who leads a non-profit organization, promoting different art forms and supporting artists as a volunteer. It is no surprise that Shruti has been the President of the Halton chapter for six years. What’s noteworthy is that Shruti does all this volunteering while doing a full time job as an IT professional – a Cyber Security Solution Architect!

“For me, all these initiatives are a way of giving back to the community. It’s work that brings me joy,” Shruti said during a phone interview, continuing a conversation we began at the get-together.

She eagerly discussed the Artists and Artisans Development and Network (AADN), the organization she leads as the Honorary President. “Each year, we receive a federal grant to promote diverse artists and art forms. One hundred percent of the funding goes toward this cause. Everyone involved is a volunteer,” she stated.

AADN is a registered non-profit organization focused on enhancing the economic, social, and civic development of culturally diverse artists and their communities.

“Our mission is to support artists and artisans from visible minority groups who are newcomers to Canada,” she explained.

AADN offers opportunities for mentorship and professional development, helping artists showcase their talents and build partnerships that enhance their artistic practices and strengthen communities.

Every year, AADN hosts an Inclusive Artfest that highlights the skills of a wide range of artists and art forms. The eighth annual Artfest will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th, in Brampton.