Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
We are proud to introduce our Board of Directors, a dedicated group of leaders whose diverse expertise and shared commitment are instrumental in guiding our organization and advancing our mission.
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Lucy Sun is a commercial litigation lawyer at a national firm in Vancouver. She believes in giving back to her community as she served Vancouver’s migrant community and the Canadian Association of Food Law and Policy.
Lucy is admitted to both the BC and Ontario bars, having been educated at McGill for a BA (Hons), Queen’s for Juris Doctor and UC Berkley for Executive Education Certificate in Sustainable Capitalism and ESG. In her spare time Lucy is an avid painter and visual artist and is mom to rescue dog Nougie.
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Stan de Mello is a lecturer, field faculty, Affiliate Faculty-Canadian Studies and a member of the Community Centered Integrated Practice concentration. He has been on faculty at the Native Education Centre, Vancouver, University of British Columbia and the University of the Fraser Valley.Stan has a sustained interest in First Nations community development and has worked extensively with urban and rural communities in Canada and the United States. He has also been involved in developing field education sites and institutional relationships in Kenya, UK, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Canada. Stan has an enduring interest in the multicultural history of Canada, especially the Culinary history and evolving Gastro & Vini Tourism scene in Vancouver and BC.
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Nancy Fong was born and educated in Vancouver, BC. She graduated from UBC with BCom & LLB combined and practised law at a solicitors’ firm in Vancouver & Richmond. In 2004, she transitioned to become a certified financial planner, earning a CFP designation by 2005 and joined a prominent financial planning and insurance services firm in Richmond, BC and becoming a partner in 2013. She is the secretary for the Estate Planning Council of Vancouver for 2022-2023 and a life member of Lions, past president, past secretary and past treasurer & volunteered as Lions member in Vancouver Pacific Lion for over 27 years.
She is also the Vice-President of the Vancouver Pacific Housing Society managing Golden Age Court low-income housing in Chinatown, and a past member and past Chairperson of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Chinese-Canadian Planned Gift Committee. She has appeared on radio and TV for various charities regarding estate planning and charitable gift planning.
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Layla Haddad (she/they) is a second-generation Lebanese Canadian with a Master’s in Public Policy and Global Affairs. They work as a Policy Analyst with Lil’wat Nation’s Social Development Department, supporting culturally grounded policy work that strengthens community wellbeing, advances self-determination, and reflects community priorities.
They also work as an Inclusion Specialist with Inclusivity Insights Consulting, where they support organizations across Canada in building more equitable and inclusive workplace cultures. For the past five years, Layla has facilitated trainings, workshops, and conversations on equity and systems change, grounded in both research and lived experience, and focused on turning values into practice.
Layla cares deeply about justice, community storytelling, and the role museums play in holding and sharing cultural memory. They’re especially drawn to spaces that invite people to connect across generations and see themselves within history.
Outside of work, Layla loves trying food from all over the world, and often returns to their mom’s Lebanese cookbook for inspiration :).
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Andrea D Cruz, of Indian origin, was born and raised in Dubai, U.A.E. She completed her undergrad in Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. She later moved to Vancouver, BC in 2018 and is currently studying to become a CPA. While Dubai will always be where the heart is, Andrea is warming up to call Vancouver home.
Andrea has been working for the last 5 years in the accounting department for Lynch Bus Lines, a school bus company serving the lower mainland.
Andrea loves to travel and see new places. One of the things on her bucket list is doing a road trip from Vancouver to Toronto one day. She also loves spending time with her niece and nephew and enjoys life as an aunt!
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Tāriq Malik is a Vancouver-based, Pakistan-born, serial volunteer/social worker/teacher/listener/mentor, BIPOC author. He has worked across poetry, fiction, and art for the past four decades to distill immersive and compelling narratives that are always original. He writes intensely in response to the world in flux around him and from his place in its shadows.
Even though his published works Rainsongs of Kotli (TSAR Publications, short stories, 2004), Chanting Denied Shores (Bayeux Arts, novel, 2010), and now Exit Wounds (Caitlin Press, Poetry, 2022), challenge entanglements in the barbed wires of boundaries, he seems to have finally found home in downtown Vancouver, and has no plans to move elsewhere.
He has continually challenged racism in the workplace and society, and the reflection of cultural stereotypes of immigrant communities; and has sought outlets to frame the narratives of the marginalized through the lens of their own stories and lived experiences, and in decolonizing education.
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Mr. Pais has had a long career as a growth-oriented member of the management teams of several technology companies in Vancouver over the last twenty years. As a finance professional, he has also worked with companies in Asia, South America and Africa.
He has actively worked with networking organizations that assisted immigrants in the tech industry and will continues with these efforts through the Pacific Heritage Canada Heritage Council. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance and a Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Missouri and has passed the CPA examination in the US.
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Raymond Williams, a proud Seattle native and biracial, was shaped by his mother's nurturing of plants and his father's building skills. He earned a BA in Biology from Harvard and a Master's in Teaching from the University of Washington. Ray's extensive teaching career spanned West Seattle, Marist School in Atlanta (where he coached wrestling), and the International School of Curacao.
Returning to Seattle, he taught at Rainier Beach High School and served as an Equity and Race Specialist. His formal teaching culminated in incorporating urban farming into Biology and Nutrition at the Art Institute of Seattle. In 2018, Ray co-founded the Black Farmers Collective. As Managing Director, he oversees "YES Farm" and "Small Axe," fostering community health by teaching urban farming, developing Black and Brown farm managers, and growing food for local tables, restaurants, and food banks. Ray sees himself as a servant leader, dedicated to building the Black community through farming.
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Claudia immigrated from Portugal with her family at the age of four, arriving in Vancouver with no English but quickly discovering that friendship could transcend language and culture. Some of her earliest memories are of kindergarten friendships formed through play, curiosity, and shared experience - an early lesson in belonging across difference. Since then, she has lived on the unceded, traditional, ancestral territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As a guest on these lands, she is committed to ongoing learning/unlearning, reflection, and accountability and is grateful to serve on the board of the PCHC-MoM, an organization that amplifies underrepresented voices and upholds respectful relationships on unceded Indigenous lands.
Claudia has a master’s degree from UBC in community and regional planning and over 20 years of varied experience in the field. In her current role as senior social planner at the City of New Westminster, she works across a range of areas including interculturalism, social connectedness and belonging, community development, and homelessness. Claudia’s master’s thesis explored the role of popular arts as tools for informal learning and community mobilization, with fieldwork in Recife, Brazil, and her undergraduate training is in fine arts. She is a strong proponent of arts and culture as powerful vehicles for social change, and she believes deeply in the power of stories to foster curiosity, empathy, and meaningful connection across communities.
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Haawa!
Taanggunaay Grinder is a Haida woman from Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, and a member of the Kayaahl Laanas Eagle clan. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Communication Studies at Capilano University, where her studies focus on media, storytelling, strategic communication, and Indigenous representation.
Taanggunaay has experience working in museums, Indigenous relations, communications, and community engagement. During her time at the Haida Gwaii Museum, she supported archival and collections work while helping visitors learn about Haida history, art, and culture. She has also supported Indigenous student initiatives, cultural events, sponsorship development, and community programming.
As a Director with the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre–Museum of Migration Society, Taanggunaay is passionate about ensuring Indigenous histories, perspectives, and voices are meaningfully represented. She believes museums and storytelling can help preserve cultural knowledge, strengthen relationships between communities, and create spaces where people can see themselves reflected in history.
Outside of her professional and academic work, Taanggunaay is a member of the traditional Haida dance group hltaxuulang Gud Ad Kaajuu and speaks Xaayda Kil, the southern dialect of the Haida language. She hopes to pursue a career in broadcast media and journalism that creates greater Indigenous representation for future generations.
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Hannah Douglas is a lover of history, community spaces, and peoples’ stories. She is completing her Masters at the University of British Columbia in Archival Studies. She is drawn to archival work because she wants to gain the skills and knowledge to properly preserve, maintain, and provide access to information. She is interested in archival concepts that are rooted in an ethics of care and are person-centered. She is intrigued and sometimes troubled by the gaps and silences that exist in archives and their records. Most of all, at the core of her work is her deep sense of care for people.
She researches and writes from her position as a biracial, cisgender, straight, working-class woman. She was born and raised on the traditional ancestral lands of the Haudenausonee, Mississauga, and Métis Nations also known as North York, a suburb of Toronto Ontario, Canada. She is nisei on her mother’s side and third generation white settler on her father’s side.
Through her work as an archivist she hopes to question the status quo and challenge dominating and harmful colonial, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, and classist narratives. She promises to lead with kindness, respect, and humility; She is committed to offering friendship, support, and allyship; She will continue to embrace her role as a student and accept that she will always have something to learn, to improve, and to question.
Executive Director
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Jasmindra is an Urban/Regional Planner who is committed to “creating space for people and place” that lead to inclusive, sustainable, vibrant, resilient and just communities. Born on the unceded lands of the WSÁNEĆ peoples, Jasmindra is a proud daughter of immigrant parents from India and she is grateful for the richness of her cultural heritage. As a racialized woman she is professionally and personally committed to amplifying and uplifting as many diverse voices and communities as possible.
With over 20 years of professional experience, Jasmindra has a varied planning career working in the areas of land use planning, environmental/sustainable development planning, community planning, social planning, cultural planning, gender-responsive planning, EDI + anti-racism planning, placemaking, arts and culture, youth development, corporate social responsibility, and international development. She has worked with a myriad of populations including Indigenous and racialized peoples, immigrants and refugees, girls and women, youth, seniors, people with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Jasmindra has also worked in provincial, municipal, community, private, academic and non-profit/NGO sectors, locally and internationally, providing her with a unique and strong understanding of a myriad of planning issues from the global South to the local North.
She has a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning and a bachelor’s degree in Education both from the University of British Columbia, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Japanese from the University of Victoria. Jasmindra’s Master’s thesis was conducted in the Amazon region of Ecuador in the areas of community development, sustainable development, environmental/climate change planning, social responsibility, and cultural preservation for Indigenous peoples.
She is passionate about nature, books, critical thinking, social justice, community-building, music and dance, poetry/spoken word, meditating/spirituality, travelling and having as many diverse life experiences and conversations as possible. Carpe Diem!
Honorary Patrons & Advisors
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Dr. Vivienne Poy is an author, historian, fashion designer, entrepreneur and community volunteer. She was the first Canadian of Asian heritage to be appointed to the Senate of Canada (1998-2012), where she focused on gender issues, multiculturalism, immigration and human rights. Dr. Poy is also Honorary Patron to many cultural organizations and causes across Canada, including explorASIAN, Simon Fraser University David Lam Center’s Chinese Canadian History Project, and PCHC-MoM.
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Born in Victoria, Dr. Wallace Chung attended Victoria College, the University of British Columbia and McGill University where he graduated in Medicine in 1953. After a forty-year medical career specializing in vascular surgery, Dr. Chung retired in 1991 from UBC where he was a Professor of Surgery and Head of the Department of Surgery at UBC Hospital. During this time he also served on numerous boards, including the Canadian Multiculturalism Council, British Columbia Heritage Trust, and Vancouver Chinese Cultural Centre.Inspired by a poster of the Canadian Pacific RMS Empress of Asia in his father’s tailor shop when he was six, Dr. Chung collected an extraordinary 25,000-plus items on early British Columbian history, immigration and settlement, particularly of Chinese people in North America. In 1999, Dr. Chung and his wife, Dr. Madeline Chung, donated this collection to UBC Library “so as many people as possible can have the opportunity to understand and appreciate the struggles and joys of those who have come before them.” The Chung Collection is deemed a national treasure and is open to the public. Dr. Chung was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005 and the Order of British Columbia in 2006 for his multifaceted contributions.
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The Honourable Janet Austin was sworn-in as the 30th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia on April 24, 2018. Prior to this appointment, she spent 15 years as Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Metro Vancouver, one of the province’s largest and most diversified non-profits. There she oversaw operations delivering services to tens of thousands of people annually at more than 40 locations.
Raised in Alberta, Her Honour spent her early career in public sector roles in Calgary, working in regional planning and public consultation and communications for the provincial government. She eventually moved to British Columbia, where she began working with BC Housing and discovered her passion and aptitude for public office. Prior to joining the YWCA, Her Honour served as Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, and actively volunteered for many organizations in commitment to helping improve the lives of others, as well as serving on various boards ranging from Translink to the Women’s Health Research Institute.
Her Honour is Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia and was invested as a Member of the Order in 2016. As Lieutenant Governor, she has identified three key themes for her mandate: the promotion of diversity and inclusion, democracy and civic engagement, and Reconciliation.
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Christine Brodie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from California State University, Long Beach with further university courses at UBC and SFU. She began her career as a classroom teacher and became a specialist in math and reading and supporting students with learning disabilities.
Mrs. Brodie has also worked as a Teacher Consultant for Richmond School District in Community Outreach and as District Consultant for Autism. In those roles, she worked with school based teams, collaborated with community agencies to support out of school youth and was involved in professional development for staff. Mrs. Brodie is currently a Director of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation.
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Tama’s own migration story started from Japan as the first Keio-UBC exchange student on a WUSC (wusc.ca) scholarship. In 1962 she obtained an M.A. in Social Anthropology and Southeast Asian Studies from Yale, and lived in many countries as a diplomat’s wife.Tama believes in learning from others by listening, and creating a new world together. To her, creating a museum of migration to focus on the diverse peoples in Pacific Canada is part of Canada’s continuing process of nation building.
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Patsy George is a social justice and human rights advocate. She has served in many roles, including advisor on community development in BC and director of Multiculturalism BC.
George is a recipient of many awards for her work, including the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.
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Elder Larry Grant was born to a Musqueam mother and a Chinese father and raised on traditional Musqueam territory. He grew up learning hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the ancestral language of the Musqueam people, from his mother. After retiring as a longshoreman, Elder Grant enrolled in the First Nations Languages Program at UBC to reconnect with the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language and learn how to welcome visitors and migrants to Musqueam territory, just as his ancestors welcomed the first visitors from across the Pacific.Today, Elder Grant serves the Musqueam First Nation as the Language and Culture Consultant. He is an Adjunct Professor in the UBC First Nations and Endangered Languages Program, where he co-teaches hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language courses held at the Musqueam reserve, and is UBC’s Elder-in-Residence at the First Nations House of Learning. Through these roles and many others, Elder Grant plays a key role in sharing Musqueam culture, identity and narratives as the hosts for the first Pacific migrants to Canada.
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Michael Hwang is an advocate for social justice and change. He was born in South Korea to parents who lived through the Japanese colonization and survived the Korean war. His family immigrated to Canada to find a better life for his sister who had mental and physical challenges. These backgrounds set the course for Michael to become a pioneer lawyer in the Korean Canadian community and provided legal education and services for 30 years. Michael served as an elected director and officer of a major party in BC, and was appointed by both major parties to serve on their task forces, one on immigration and the other on small business. However, realizing that political changes must be accompanied by social changes, Michael devoted more years on the boards of many local and international community, educational, and business organizations, and founded many community events and festivals that promote social justice and inter-cultural understanding. His efforts were recognized in 2003 as a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and as the Businessperson of the Year by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. Michael currently serves on the boards of New Vista Society, The Spirit of the Children Society and BC's Small Business Roundtable.
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As a proud immigrant entrepreneur, founder and principal Helen Zhou, CPA, CA is an influential business and community leader in Canada. Through her dynamic career in accounting, banking, investment attraction for the province of British Columbia, and the Canadian Embassy in China, she has served hundreds of global, local and immigrant entrepreneurs. She is the founder of the Ansun Group, offering comprehensive soft-landing and financial services. She is passionate about supporting global and immigrant entrepreneurs successfully navigate their entrepreneurial journey in Canada.
Helen has been a strong inspiration to fellow immigrant entrepreneurs and has been frequently invited to speak to youth, women, newcomers, and entrepreneurs. Her accomplishments include:
• Selected to be part of the Canadian delegation to attend the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit and serve on the Innovation Taskforce
• Board Member at the Hong Kong Canada Business Association
• Executive Board Member and Treasurer at the Laurier Institution
• Steering Committee Member for Metro Vancouver Prosperity Committee
• Represented Canada in attendance at the Alibaba Global Conference on Woman and Entrepreneurship
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Frances is an experienced educational leader and communications professional with expertise in digital transformation and community engagement. She has worked internationally in Canada, Australia, China, and the Philippines, fostering inclusivity and driving impactful initiatives.
With dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communications and Marketing and a Master’s in Business Adminstration, Frances combines her academic and professional experience to amplify underrepresented voices and empower marginalized communities. Her innovative storytelling and strategic approach reflect her passion for cultural preservation, inclusivity, and community building.
Join Our Dedicated Team
Become a vital part of our mission by contributing your time and skills. Our staff and volunteers are the heart of our organization, helping us to create a meaningful impact in the community. Explore diverse opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
Our Leadership Heritage
Meet Past Directors and Presidents
Join us as we acknowledge and celebrate the visionary leadership of our past Directors and Presidents. Their dedicated service and strategic guidance have been instrumental in shaping our journey and laying the groundwork for our continued success.
Remembering Those Who Paved the Way
This section honors the legacy of the founding members of PCHC-MoM who have passed on. Their vision, dedication, and tireless efforts laid the foundation for the work we continue today. We celebrate their lives and the lasting impact they’ve made on our community and mission.