FROM NEWCOMER TO COMMUNITY LEADER

Master of Management alumna Krishanthika Dassasnayake (’22) recalls her move to Canada and the path that enabled her to help other newcomers feel welcome

Encouraged by one of her best friends to pursue her dreams in Canada, Krishanthika Dassanayake (Krisha) started researching post-graduate study opportunities, looking for a program that would align with her educational background. Having obtained her first master’s degree in Regional Development and Planning at the University of Colombo in her home country of Sri Lanka, Krisha was determined to join a program that would meet her aspirations, not only in terms of curriculum, but also in terms of international exposure. Eventually, in the spring of 2021, her journey at Crandall University began when she enrolled in the Master of Management program.

Located in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, Crandall felt like an easy choice to Krisha; “The program, faculty, and campus, all exceeded my expectations,” she shared, “and today, as I look back on completing my degree in December 2022 and my time as a student, I can say with confidence that I have gained excellent academic and professional knowledge and experience thanks to Crandall.”

Originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka, Krisha grew up on an island located in the Indian Ocean which is known for its rich ethnic and cultural diversity. “When my family and I first moved to Moncton, my initial concerns were about not being sure what to expect or how to adapt to a new life and a different community,” she expressed. “At the beginning, being away from our culture, family, and friends was very challenging, but we started to adjust and settled quickly, mainly thanks to the friendly and welcoming community and the region’s beautiful nature. Furthermore, the city’s remarkable multiculturalism and culture of inclusion helped us network and become part of the community in little time.”

Joining the Multicultural Association of Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA, one of the largest settlement agencies in New Brunswick) in the summer of 2022 was a turning point in Krisha’s professional career in Canada. As a Client Support Navigator, she is the first point of contact for newcomers to Canada. “My role allows me to interact with newcomers directly and to help them navigate a new system, understand their competencies, and guide them so they can access the right support needed to successfully become integrated members of their new Canadian community,” Krisha explained. “As a newcomer myself, I am thrilled to be able to give back to the community that welcomed me, and to demonstrate my cultural awareness when working with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds all over the globe.”

As a MAGMA team member, Krisha engages in a variety of community services and recently had the opportunity to lead a Community Volunteer Tax Clinic that helps hundreds of newcomers file tax returns and gain benefits. To recognize her commitment and contribution to this community project, she was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Minister for Canada National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier.

It’s been two years since Krisha and her family arrived in Moncton, and when she looks back at all the things that she’s been able to achieve so far, she feels grateful for the amazing people that she’s gotten to know. “One person in particular who comes to mind,” noted Krisha, “is Professor Don Moore, whose dedication, continuous guidance, and motivation are what inspired me to pursue my academic and professional goals.”

“Despite the challenges that I have faced, I am proud to say that I pursued my passion for community work. Being a breast cancer survivor, I have been through tough and painful times, but today, I conduct Breast Cancer Awareness sessions for newcomers to Moncton to educate them by sharing my personal experience. I am grateful for all of the opportunities and everything that I have been able to achieve and I look forward to what the future will bring.”