Binu Jain

The Jain family emigrated from India to Canada in 2000. Binu and her husband, Pankaj, started working in their respective fields in hi-tech industries soon after they arrived in Canada. Binu started with Research in Motion (RIM) in Waterloo.

Initially the Jain family settled in Waterloo, adapting their professional qualifications to Canadian standards and expanding their family to add two new members. Binu also moved up professionally, managing Technical Documentation & Training at Ansys, while helping several new immigrants settle into the community.

In 2005 Pankaj accepted a job with Siemens in Peterborough. Pankaj’s daily commute from Markham, before the whole family could move to Peterborough, proved to be a great challenge for the family. It was difficult to raise two young boys with one parent spending long hours working and commuting. This difficulty led the family to live closer to where Pankaj worked.

Binu also began to look for work closer to Peterborough and surrounding areas. With a Masters degree in Applied Mathematics and a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, she wanted something that was at least equivalent to her previous job in management and one that would give her room for growth and advancement. Binu was happy, but nervous, when she was offered a job at Siemens in Peterborough. "Initially I was hesitant to move to such a small community, unsure about industry and future career advancement in Peterborough, but I knew this opportunity would be the best for my family. I was grateful to Siemens Management who helped me find an equivalent professional opportunity."

Binu was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the transition to life in Peterborough turned out to be, "The community greeted us with open arms. Neighbors and co-workers helped us get settled and find suitable daycare for our young children, which made the transition and move much easier."

Today Binu’s family is active in the community. She volunteers at her children’s daycare and the family enjoys canoeing and walking in the parks in the Peterborough area. At Siemens, Binu is a member of The Wellness Committee, and President of The Social and Athletic club. She has led many initiatives including a Siemens- sponsored "Leadership Forum" that delivers first rate Business Leadership training to the community at no charge. Both Binu and Pankaj have embraced the lifestyle in the cottage country, while providing a safe happy place to raise their two children.

"Peterborough has given us the sense of community that we couldn’t find in a larger city. It’s a great place to raise our children. They are more in touch with their Indian heritage and culture in Peterborough than they would have been growing up in India. Peterborough has become our home, and is heaven on earth. It’s difficult to imagine living anywhere else."

Binu advises, "There is a positive tradeoff to moving to a small community, you have more time to bond with your family and contribute to the community. The community is so open and helpful - the possibilities are endless."