Asian Star-Ruby Agarwal

Native City/Country parent’s background
I was born in famous Chandni Chowk neighborhood of Old Delhi, India, the
walled city which has its own charm, beautiful architecture, narrow lanes,
amazing food and lots of great shops. My father owns a cloth shop in
Chandni Chowk and my mother is a stay at home super busy mom. While
growing up in that part of the city, I learned the true meaning of multi-
culturalism where Jama Masjid, Gauri Shankar Mandir and Gurdwara Sis
Ganj Sahib are all at one place and people are tolerant of one another.
I learned the meaning of sharing and caring from my father when he left
no stone unturned to get all his three kids education in good schools in
spite of his modest background. My mother has always taught us patience,
discipline and how to live within our means.
Your Early Education
I began my studies at Happy School, Delhi, completed my Bachelors in
Commerce from University of Delhi and also became a Chartered
Accountant in India at an early age of twenty-two.
When & Why You came to Canada
I moved to Canada in the year 2000. My adventurous spirit to explore
something new brought me to Canada. I had no rhyme or reason to
immigrate to Canada as I had a good public sector job in Delhi and my
husband had an established CA firm.
Your career advancement initiatives, volunteer work and present
occupation
As my CA designation from India was not recognized in Canada, I needed
to upgrade myself. It was not easy to start a new life in Canada and to
start studying again with a four-year-old kid and a baby who was just born
as soon I immigrated to Canada. My only motivation was to prove to
myself that I will make it work. I enrolled for the CPA program and after
two long years of studying, I achieved my first goal. There were many
hurdles on the way as my kids were very young and I had no extended
family support available. There were days when I used to feel stressed out

because making both ends meet with education expenses was very
daunting. However, I always used to get a lot of moral support from
friends and used to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
My first breakthrough was at Deloitte Edmonton where I learned a lot
about accounting and taxation. After that, I applied for an auditor job at
the Government of Alberta and gradually moved up the ranks by gaining
experience at various ministries in the Government of Alberta. I am
currently working as a Director, Financial Reporting and Operations in the
Government of Alberta at the Ministry of Labour and Immigration.
Besides this, I support three little girls from India through World Vision as I
truly believe that girls should be educated and should always be able to
stand on their own feet. I really wish that I can find some time to do
volunteer work.
Your Regret in Life
Not being able to give enough time to my kids when they were growing up.
I could not find time to read books to them or play board games with
them.
Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements
Writing my first CPA exam –Business Law in Canada and getting the
highest marks in Alberta still gives me goose bumps. It may be a small
achievement for others, but it instilled the confidence in me to remain
focussed on my goal to become a CPA.
Were You Ever Discriminated?
Yes, when I initially moved to Canada. It just made me stronger to deal
with any situation. My workplace embraces employees from all cultures and
there are strong policies in place against discrimination.
Are You Happy in Canada?
I am super happy in Canada because it gave my kids the opportunities to
grow and do what they want to do in life although I miss my family back in
India. I am very grateful to Canada for helping me achieve my goals in life,
for inclusion, for its diversity and the beautiful landscape that I got to
experience for the last twenty-one years. Canada offers various perks such

as amazing social programs, free medical system with some exceptions and
it gives us the opportunity to grow as an individual.
Any Comments on Canada’s Culture
Canada accepts people from all races, color, religions and countries. Hence,
its culture is derived from various countries. I am so grateful that every
workplace has a diversity and inclusion policy. When I moved to Canada, I
loved the warmth and affection that I received from Canadians even while
travelling on a bus in early years.
Any Comments on Canada’s Weather
I do not like the Cold Edmonton weather. Hence, I try to escape some part
of the winters from Edmonton. I love sunny Alberta, especially during
Summers. I love Fall here because nature is at its best during that time of
the year. Fall also teaches us to be humble about life.
What Brought You Success in Canada?
Hard work, determination, self confidence and a positive attitude.
Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and How?
Definitely. I will go an extra mile to provide any help or advice to new
immigrants.
Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin
For new immigrants, please seek help from Immigrant Societies. I was not
aware and I was struggling on my own to find out many new ways of life.
Please try to find out if you are eligible for any government grants for
upgrading yourself or for starting a new business. Never give up even
during the most difficult circumstances. Canada will embrace you sooner or
later.
For established Canadians, please stay connected to your roots. Please
teach your kids your native language. It helps them communicate with
their grandparents if they cannot speak English or French. Please be
humble even if you have achieved a lot. Always remember that life has its
ups and downs. So, celebrate your successes but stay grounded.
For second generation Asians who are born here or moved here when they
were young, please respect your parents and try to learn from their
experiences. Please don’t take the liberty that Canada provides for granted.

Responsibilities come along with the rights. Hence, please never feel
entitled.