In This Section

• About PICS
  • What is PICS?
  • Funding
  • The Directors
  • Affiliated Organizations
  • Volunteer

The PICS Board of Directors have been steering the organization for over 20 years. In addition to working closely with, and supporting, the Chief Executive Officer, our Board of Directors approve the annual budget and annual report; approve major contracts and grants; solicit and review program evaluations; and troubleshoot as necessary. They actively set the policy for our Society by creating and updating the mission and vision statements; determining the organization’s programs and services; and approving the strategic plan.

Our Board Members serve as public figures for our organization, and participate in robust fundraising by soliciting funds from individuals, foundations, corporations and government entities.
 

Jay Minhas joined the PICS Board of Directors in 2005. Over the last 13 years he has been president and manager of his own busy construction company and has many years of real estate experience. He is involved and committed to his community and has a vision of a strong, free, loving and peaceful society.

Mohinder has been involved with PICS since 1991. He has also previously served as President of the board. He took a few years off from serving on the board, however, he continued to work with the society. He rejoined the board in 2006. He received his Bachelor's degree from Punjab University and completed the Registered Social Work Program from UBC . Mohinder worked as a social worker up north, in the interior and on the south coast for almost 30 years. He has lived in Surrey since 1990 and has been actively involved in the community and currently works as a Canadian Immigration Consultant.

Balvindar has served the board since July 2001 and was previously its President. He is a retired Professional Agrologist and received his M.Sc. Agri. from University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon working in Saskatchewan for 6 years. Balvindar also worked for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded Agricultural Projects in the developing counties for 14 years in the Agronomic Research, Extension and Advisory capacities. He is member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee for the City of Surrey and has been a B.C. resident since 1993.

Amrik is a successful entrepreneur and has been on the board since 2008. Mr. Sangha immigrated to Canada over three decades ago. He arrived with pocket change but profound and earnest desire for improving status quo of all. His consistent hard work and noble intent to bridge gaps between the ethnic communities, established him as one of the revered personalities in the community. Mr. Sangha is very well known for his relentless volunteer service. Always making sure no one is left behind. The community is his family. As an executive of some very renowned companies, he maintains that only team work, dedication, sincerity and devotion can assist in the process of being a part of the universal solution. ‘We all have our callings; the most successful among us are those who are guided by their instinct to achieve the best for the society,” is Mr. Amrik Sangha’s motto !

Beth Barlow joined the Board in February 2010. She has been Chief Librarian at Surrey Public Library since 2001. Prior to that she worked as a senior manager at the Calgary Public Library and in management positions at Saskatoon Public Library and the University of Saskatchewan. She was Chair of the Boards of Saskatoon Open Door Society and Public Legal Education Association of Saskatchewan, also President of the Canadian Library Association. She is an active member of the Semiahmoo Rotary Club in Surrey.

Farah has served the board since 2007 and is a busy entrepreneur. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Farah has many years of experience in insurance business.

Nirmal joined the Board in 2005. He is a Psychiatrist at UBC, Department of Psychiatry and Head Department of Psychiatry, Burnaby General Hospital. Nirmal is an active member of the community.

Pummy has lived, learned, worked, played and grown in England, Canada, The Bahamas, Australia, and the U.S.A., as well as traveled to many countries. Her extensive studies include science, religion, mathematics, psychology, global issues, metaphysics, spirituality, philosophy, creativity, and education. She is a cultural creative, an educator, author, social justice activist, international speaker, dancer, a single mother of three, and a community leader who has also dabbled in radio, T.V., the art world, politics, and journalism, receiving numerous recognitions for her work in various fields. She is currently a gifted education facilitator for a British Columbia school district, and frequently writes for progressive journals.

Roger joined the board in 2010. He received his BA at McMaster University and MA from Carleton University majoring in Canadian Studies. Roger served as an Officer Cadet and Officer in the Canadian Navy serving the East and West Coasts and Great Lakes for 9 years. Roger was a founding faculty member of Douglas College in 1970 and is currently a consultant and Dean Emeritus of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Roger founded the Cultural Identity and Diversity Awareness Committee in 1989 and chaired it for 10 years

leading to Kwantlen winning the SDISS Cultural Diversity Award. He was Chair, National Consortium of Schools, Colleges and Universities in New Information Technology – this organization transmitted the first graphics coast to coast over telephone systems 1983

Vasant joined the board in 2010 and is a retired community worker & activist. He travels to India and Africa to provide social services to the needy people. Each year he has been conducting ICAMP in India as well as in Africa.