As part of the Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we had the privilege of speaking with Arundati Dandapani, Founder and CEO of Generation1.ca. Arundati’s path into the nonprofit world is rooted in a lifelong passion for storytelling and empathy — from publishing her first short story at eight years old, to teaching writing workshops inside prisons, to leading initiatives that bridge data, creativity, and social impact.
Her organization, Generation1.ca, has grown into a thriving professional community that equips immigrants with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed in a new country.
With more than 2,000 members and a mission grounded in education, inclusion, and collaboration, Generation1.ca is helping transform the newcomer experience in North America.
In our conversation, Arundati shares how her personal journey shaped her leadership, why storytelling remains at the heart of her work, and how her team is building a future where immigrant voices are not only heard but celebrated.
Q: What led you into the nonprofit sector and ultimately to founding Generation1.ca?
A: My journey began with storytelling. I published my first short story when I was eight, and that experience showed me the power of creativity in understanding the human condition. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to education and literacy, which I believe are superpowers that empower individuals and societies.
In my formative years, I taught writing workshops for women inmates in Ohio and later in India. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of empathy, of seeing people beyond their circumstances, and of using storytelling as a tool for resilience and empowerment.
When I later moved to Canada and worked in the data and insights industry, I noticed many immigrants struggling to find professional networks and opportunities despite their skills. That inspired me to launch Generation1.ca as a platform to help newcomers integrate, grow professionally, and find community.
Arundati Dandapani, Executive Director of Generation1.ca – Mentor Mixer
Q: What is the mission of Generation1.ca?
A: We champion North American newcomer stories in a world reshaped by opportunity. As a social enterprise and professional community association, we empower immigrants by providing professional connections, skills training, job fairs, and collaborative networks.
We focus heavily on data and insights to ensure our programs are impactful. Our model brings together two types of members:
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Immigrants, who receive free membership and access to support.
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Organizations and employers, who partner with us through sponsorships, events, and career fairs.
Ultimately, our mission is to make the newcomer journey smoother, shorten the adaptation curve, and ensure immigrants can thrive and contribute to society.
Q: What systems or tools have helped your organization run more effectively?
A: Running a nonprofit is exhausting—you wear many hats. Tools help, but the human element is always most important. We use project management platforms, marketing tools like Mailchimp, and increasingly AI tools such as Copilot Studio and Perplexity.
But tools only work if the right people are trained to use them wisely. That’s why we document processes, emphasize good data practices, and partner with academic institutions so interns and graduates can gain real-world experience while supporting our mission.
At the end of the day, tools evolve, but human oversight, creativity, and judgment remain essential.
Q: What are some of the milestones Generation1.ca has achieved, and what’s next?
A: We’ve grown from an idea in 2016 to a community of over 2,000 members today, including more than 1,000 immigrant members. We’ve also distributed over $50,000 in scholarships, hosted major events, and delivered thousands of hours in mentorship, training, and recognition.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing to launch our Future Ready Innovators Credential, designed to fast-track new immigrants into the workforce through tailored connections, visibility, and skill-building. Our goal is to continue expanding partnerships and proving that a healthy, diverse society is a stronger and more innovative one.
Q: If you could share one message with nonprofit leaders everywhere, what would it be?
A: Don’t be afraid of creativity and unexpected partnerships. The pandemic showed us that unusual collaborations can thrive under challenging circumstances. Nonprofits sometimes carry the reputation of being slow or bogged down by red tape, but the reality is that strategic collaboration across sectors can unlock incredible opportunities.
So while staying true to your mission, be open to working with new partners—even those outside the nonprofit world. That’s how we build stronger organizations and healthier societies.
