On March 4, the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society celebrated a milestone, marking 26 years of dedicated leadership by current president, Satbir S. Cheema.
From his humble beginnings to his pivotal role as President & CEO, Satbir’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community service.
Starting as a frontline staff member, Satbir quickly ascended through the ranks, serving in a variety of roles until being named CEO in 2017, following the retirement of his mentor, Late Charanpal Gill. Under Satbir’s stewardship, PICS has flourished, becoming a model of excellence in community service.
Innovations and achievements
Satbir’s tenure at PICS has been marked by a series of innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships that have significantly impacted the community. From persuading the Canadian Forces to establish a recruiting office within PICS, to conceptualizing the largest job fairs in the Lower Mainland, his leadership has fostered an environment of creativity and growth.
Significant milestones include the launch of the annual PICS Mega Job Fairs, the establishment of the PICS Employers Advisory Committee, and the involvement in high-profile government consultations. These efforts facilitated community support and engagement and paved the way for groundbreaking projects like the Guru Nanak Diversity Village – a 125-bed long-term care facility offering culturally sensitive care for South-Asian seniors.
The growth of PICS under Satbir’s leadership is nothing short of remarkable. The organization has seen its staff numbers swell from 110 to more than 275, its operational budget grow from $7 million to $23 million, and its project offerings expand from 20 to more than 60.
This expansion has enabled PICS to extend its geographical reach across British Columbia and other provinces, solidifying its status as the largest non-profit organization serving the South-Asian community in Canada.
Satbir’s collaborative efforts have not only enhanced PICS’s service offerings but have also fostered strong partnerships with other organizations in the social services sector, including Primary Care Reimbursment Service, Common Reporting Standard, and YWCA, among others.
Celebrating excellence
Throughout his journey, Satbir has received numerous awards and honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for Outstanding Service to the Community – accolades that are a testament to his exceptional leadership and his profound impact on the community.
“Empowering and nurturing our team to think outside the box has been pivotal to our success. Here’s to many more years of collaboration, growth, and making a difference in our community,” shares Satbir.
For more information on all the work PICS does for its community visit pics.bc.ca.