On March 25, Petra Kuret, Chair of MOSAIC’s Board of Directors, received the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal during a special ceremony at MOSAIC’s Headquarters. The honour was presented by MP Sukh Dhaliwal (Surrey–Newton) in recognition of Petra’s exemplary service as Board Chair and her enduring contributions to MOSAIC’s work in the community.
The nomination was initiated by MP Dhaliwal in December 2024: “When we had to choose candidates, Petra’s name came up—and without a blink, I said yes,” said MP Dhaliwal. “She has a tremendous background in business and has made a real difference by providing leadership to MOSAIC.”
“I’m here today to deliver the medal for the work she has done, the difference she has made, and the lives of many, many newcomers and Canadians she has touched,” MP Dhaliwal added.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. It honours individuals who have made significant contributions to Canadian society—whether in public service, the arts, education, science, or other fields. Recipients embody a spirit of commitment, excellence, and service to their communities and the country at large.
Accepting the award, Petra reflected on her own family’s immigration journey. “My story begins like that of many Canadians,” she shared. “My 85-year-old parents packed a single suitcase, not filled with wealth, but filled with hope when they came to Canada over 60 years ago.” She continued, “This story is like so many, including all the newcomers that MOSAIC has welcomed and served for almost 50 years.”
Petra Kuret, nationally recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, brings decades of executive leadership experience to her role as Board Chair, including senior positions at SkyHive, Vancity, and a 25-year career at Accenture. Renowned for her expertise in innovation and transformation and her passion for community engagement, Petra has volunteered for numerous causes, including women’s leadership, healthcare, seniors’ care, and education. At MOSAIC, she has been instrumental in setting strategic direction, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the organization addresses the evolving needs of newcomers and racialized communities in British Columbia. Under her leadership, MOSAIC’s diverse Board of Directors – 69% of whom have lived experience as immigrants or refugees – continues to champion inclusive and equitable systems for all.
In her remarks, Petra emphasized that this collective impact is made possible by MOSAIC’s comprehensive and community-driven approach to service: “Our strength and success has come from taking a holistic approach to integrating newcomers into Canadian life – from settlement services, language training, employment, housing, and our newest area – our primary care community health clinic. These are critical pillars to live out our vision of advancing an inclusive and thriving Canada.”
