Ishitaa Dua: “I came to London to study, and stayed because I found my tribe in a city that has given me a platform to amplify my voice, develop professionally, and build a fulfilling life rooted in purpose and community.”
When she first arrived in London in January 2019, to pursue her further education at Fanshawe College, Ishitaa Dua found herself in a city that seemed calm, welcoming, and full of possibilities. Leaving her family behind in Delhi, India, she expected London, Ontario, to be a mere stepping stone in her education and career.
“But life had other plans and so did London,” says Ishitaa. “My goal was to complete my studies and explore career opportunities in larger cities. But I soon realised that London is big enough to provide career opportunities, and at the same time, it is small enough to make you feel heard and valued.”
“But life had other plans and so did London,” says Ishitaa. “My goal was to complete my studies and explore career opportunities in larger cities. But I soon realised that London is big enough to provide career opportunities, and at the same time, it is small enough to make you feel heard and valued.”
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Ishitaa completed her post-graduate education in Marketing Management and Public Relations at Fanshawe College. Through her co-op and volunteer work, she has pursued her passion for giving back to the community. As Director of Marketing and Communications - Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) - London Chapter, she provides access to networking events and mentorship opportunities. She is also a volunteer committee member for Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters – Southwest Ontario Branch (CME-SWOB), which awards scholarships for study in the manufacturing sector. Today, she works at UWO Engineering, supporting both domestic and international students, bridging the gap between students and employers, and contributing to creating the workforce of tomorrow.
Ishitaa attributes her success in London to the support she received from her mentors in the city. “My mentors not only provided professional direction but also a sense of belonging. Their mentorship, encouragement, and belief in my potential helped me realize that I did not need to look elsewhere - I had already found my community, my tribe, and my home in London.” With London being a melting pot of cultures, Ishita actively advocates for inclusive cultural celebrations in the workplace. “I have promoted awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures, including Indigenous peoples, as part of my Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts within organizations,” she says. |
Ishitaa has been pleasantly surprised by the genuine warmth and support she found within the London community. “Coming from a large, bustling city like Delhi, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a smaller city,” muses Ishitaa. To her,
London’s size is its unique strength - where people can form authentic, long-lasting relationships and a true sense of belonging and community.
Ishitaa reflects on her decision to stay in London, “Looking back, the most rewarding part of choosing London as my permanent home has been the deep sense of belonging and connection I have developed here. Choosing London was not about finding a place to live - it was about finding a place where I could thrive and make a meaningful difference.”
London’s size is its unique strength - where people can form authentic, long-lasting relationships and a true sense of belonging and community.
Ishitaa reflects on her decision to stay in London, “Looking back, the most rewarding part of choosing London as my permanent home has been the deep sense of belonging and connection I have developed here. Choosing London was not about finding a place to live - it was about finding a place where I could thrive and make a meaningful difference.”
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