Arundati Dandapani, MLitt, CAIP, CIPP/C, CIPM, is the Founder and CEO of Generation1.ca, a social enterprise, media platform and professional community association focused on immigrant inclusion and empowerment in North America. Based in Toronto, she teaches data, analytics, insights and business courses to over 300 learners at Humber Polytechnic. Arundati has published extensively and presented at global industry conferences. She was honored as a top 75 global data and insights leader with a star raised in her name at ESOMAR’s 2023 Congress and won the best paper of the year award for her publication Voicing the New Global Immigrant Realities: Empowered Insights for an Underserved Market in 2024’s ESOMAR Congress at Athens, Greece. An active member of several industry boards, she uses her platform to connect immigrants to career resources, fostering professional growth through Generation1.ca.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Arundati shared her professional trajectory, the inspiration behind establishing Generation1.ca, the secret mantra behind her success, her favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Arundati. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
My passion lies in weaving together people, stories, and places to drive meaningful change. As a visionary data leader, I bridge the gap between ambitious ideas and impactful outcomes, shaping industries and communities alike. As a professor, I dedicate myself to nurturing global talent and advancing social impact through education and upskilling. I am also the proud founder and CEO of Generation1.ca, an award-winning platform that empowers immigrants by connecting them to career opportunities and growth, leveraging innovation in data and insights to build a brighter, more inclusive future. I am also an author and storyteller at heart and published my first work at the age of eight.
What was the inspiration behind establishing Generation1.ca? What is its mission and vision?
Generation1.ca was inspired by the need to empower immigrants and newcomers to North America—individuals who bring rich perspectives and unique aspirations. It’s about creating belonging with safe spaces for connection, where diverse worldviews are celebrated, and shared challenges are navigated collectively. Our mission is to enable newcomers to thrive as global citizens and leaders, leveraging their strengths to drive progress in their new environment. Through data and insights innovation, we elevate them—and the industry partners supporting us—to lead transformative global impact. We run a number of successful career fairs and case competitions, webinars, offline events and host courses and a forthcoming credential that enables newcomer integration and inclusion in the North American workplace.
How do you stay ahead of emerging AI trends and innovations?
Staying ahead in AI means active involvement and continuous learning. I serve on industry boards and committees, where I exchange insights on sector-wide challenges and opportunities. I stay deeply engaged through extensive reading, publishing, and presenting my perspectives, and by working hands-on with AI technologies to understand their potential and limitations. Certifications and upskilling are key to translating knowledge into measurable impact. And teaching others is a form of re-education always.
What impact do you believe increased diversity and inclusion would have on innovation, creativity, and progress in your industry?
Diversity fuels innovation. By embracing multicultural, interdisciplinary, and intersectional perspectives, we unlock the creativity and progress needed to challenge assumptions and drive meaningful change in our industries and societies.
You were recently recognized as one of the Top Women Leaders for 2024. Our readers would love to know the secret mantra behind your success.
Success is a journey of consistent effort and thoughtful decision-making. It’s about taking small, deliberate steps every day, embracing the power of practice, experimentation, and resilience.
What leadership qualities and skills do you believe are essential for driving growth and transformation, and how do you embody those qualities in your own leadership style?
Honesty and empathy are the cornerstones of effective leadership. I embody these qualities by engaging in meaningful conversations and actively seeking feedback from customers, stakeholders, and communities to foster trust and drive growth.
Who has been a personal role model or mentor to you throughout your career, and what qualities or characteristics have you admired or emulated?
I am inspired by individuals who are strong, intelligent, and purpose-driven, with a deep commitment to social responsibility and compassion. Their qualities transcend distance, proving that meaningful lessons can be learned from afar.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
I stay resilient by reading widely and staying connected with diverse perspectives. To motivate others, I encourage curiosity and self-reflection, fostering a deeper sense of connection and fulfillment in themselves and the world around them.
What is your favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is by Alice Walker: “Intelligence is not measured by what you know, but by how you think.” It resonates deeply with me, as it highlights the transformative power of imagination and thoughtful approaches to problem-solving.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Always leading in a greater capacity than before and with greater conviction and impact. Time is a measure of progress that is both incremental and dramatic, and I have been fortunate to live to see the consequences of all my extremely hard work and strong purpose.
What message or advice would you give to young women or girls who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
To young women and girls pursuing a career in tech: be persistent, believe in yourself, and stay disciplined in your pursuit of truth. Define your own path, and don’t let societal expectations or external voices limit your aspirations. If you can dream it, you can achieve it—your potential is limitless.