Meghna Bajpai

In a world where the effects of racism continue to impact countless lives, change begins with empathy and action. For Meghna Bajpai, Senior Policy and Program Advisor for Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD), this truth shapes every step of her journey. With a mission to empower marginalized communities and drive systemic change, Meghna’s work represents hope in the fight against injustice.

“It’s always been important to me that the stories I get to tell can help empower others,” Meghna shares. “I knew I needed to do something that would make a difference in the world.”

Her journey into public service began through an unexpected opportunity—an internship with the Ontario Digital Service shortly after graduation. What started as a career detour quickly revealed itself to be her life’s passion.

“My focus has always been on making a tangible impact for the better,” she explains. “I didn’t realize the gravity of the work the government does until I found myself at the epicenter of positive change for everyone in the province.”

That passion has guided Meghna to some of Ontario’s most impactful projects, including her work with community organizations at the forefront of the anti-racism movement.

One of Meghna’s most humbling experiences came during a visit to the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA), a grassroots group that launched the #EradicateHate 2.0 app. The organization connects over 100 agencies to develop anti-hate strategies across various sectors.

“It was incredibly eye-opening,” Meghna recalls. “I was sitting across from changemakers who had dedicated their lives to fighting racism on the ground. Their work, collaboration, and commitment to systemic solutions moved me beyond words.”

Meghna’s current work with the Anti-Racism Anti-Hate (ARAH) grant program stands as one of her most meaningful contributions. With a $5.9 million investment supporting 82 community organizations, the program has empowered groups to develop initiatives aimed at public education and anti-racism awareness.”Working with these organizations has been transformative,” Meghna says.

Culturally Safe Spaces for Healing and Empowerment

Among the many initiatives Meghna has overseen, one stands out: Building Anti-Racism & Trauma-Informed Practices, a project led by WomanACT. This initiative created culturally safe spaces for racialized women survivors of gender-based violence to access trauma-informed care.

“I was spellbound by the meticulous effort they put into every aspect of the project,” Meghna explains. “WomanACT engaged the very people they were supporting—racialized survivors—to guide the program’s design and delivery. That kind of approach is vital. The people being served must have a voice. They know their needs better than anyone. We just have to listen.”

WomanACT’s initiative is just one of many examples of the transformative work supported by the Anti-Racism Directorate. These programs share a common goal: to foster systemic change by empowering communities and raising awareness about the profound impacts of racism.

A Personal and Collective Mission

For Meghna, this work is deeply personal.

“This was my first program with ARD, and firsts are always special,” she reflects. “But this one became even more significant because of the incredible people I met—people who wake up every day determined to make our society better. I feel so lucky that my job is to support and amplify their efforts.”

Continuing the Fight for Justice

As we commemorate Black History Month, we are reminded that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing. In Ontario, many communities continue to face the challenges of systemic racism. These ongoing challenges highlight the necessity of Meghna’s work and that of the many grassroots leaders she partners with. Their shared mission—to drive systemic change through empathy, active listening, and action—has never been more important.

These painful truths highlight the necessity of Meghna’s work and that of the many grassroots leaders she partners with. Their collective mission—to foster systemic change through empathy, listening, and action—is more vital than ever.

“Every initiative, every story, every voice we amplify brings us closer to a more equitable future,” Meghna affirms. “Together, we can build a society where every Ontarian feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.”

Through programs like the ARAH grant and the relentless efforts of community leaders, Ontario’s Anti-Racism Directorate continues to advance that vision—one step, one story, and one initiative at a time.