PUNEET CHOWDHRY has always had a knack for entrepreneurship.
In her home country of India, she ran her own dental clinic. But, after immigrating to Canada, Chowdhry sought a career that offered more balance for her family.
“I have two beautiful daughters and a loving husband, and I was done working odd hours and weekends,” says Chowdhry.
Inspired by her mother, a high school principal in India and later a child-care provider in Canada, Chowdhry decided to take a leap.
“Twelve years later, here I am,” she says.
Chowdhry now owns and operates Airdrie Daycare, which she has grown into four centres. Under her leadership, she has retained her entire team, with some employees now supervising their own locations.
She was among the first in Airdrie to offer part-time care options for families and plans to introduce a shared profit system to further support her staff.
Managing more than 90 employees, Chowdhry is also investing in upgrades, renovating her centres, parking lots and play areas to enhance the experience for children, families and her team.
“Puneet’s kindness and determination is contagious,” says nominator and employee Jovelyn Incando.
“She is so humble, approachable and will always make you feel that you are part of the family. I know that she is unstoppable in whatever she does.”