Behavar’s journey from Iran to Vancouver is one of courage, resilience, and the quiet power of choice. In a country where determination is the only limit, she and her mother built a restaurant rooted in Iranian hospitality, bridging two worlds with every meal. Her story is a testament to the strength of peaceful protest, the longing for freedom, and the belief that life - truly lived - should be possible for every woman.

Mo and Zeynep’s journey from Egypt and Turkey to Vancouver is a story of resilience, cultural connection, and the quiet power of coffee. Through shared experiences of migration, identity, and community, they find belonging in a new land - one cup at a time.

Stephanie's journey from Shanghai to Vancouver and back again is a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and cultural duality. Navigating the tensions between Chinese heritage and Western assimilation, she found her voice through sociology, compassion, and connection. Today, she cultivates belonging at her campus’s Chinese community center - where language, history, and shared experience create a home. Her story is a testament to the quiet strength found in embracing both worlds.

Phoebe’s life has been shaped by movement - born in the Philippines, raised in Beijing and London, now settled in Vancouver. Though she’s lived here for years, the urge to leave lingers. She still hesitates to decorate, to settle in, caught between identities and the quiet ache of never quite feeling rooted. Home, for her, isn’t a place, but a question.

Margaretta James, a matriarch of Filipino and Stl’atl’imx heritage, is a lifelong advocate for Indigenous education, cultural preservation, and community wellness. Living in Yuquot, she has led the Mowachaht Band Council and the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society, and now pursues a Master’s at UBC, exploring the ties between Indigeneity and Asian migration on Canada’s west coast.

Broye Cafe in Vancouver blends Vietnamese coffee tradition with Japanese pastry craftsmanship, creating a modern taste of Vietnam. Inspired by the historic Broye tea and coffee farm, Louis and his family are redefining Vietnamese coffee with innovative fusion drinks like the Ube Haze Latte. A celebration of culture, connection, and creativity, Broye Cafe is where heritage meets innovation - one cup at a time.

Liza’s journey from Jakarta to Vancouver is one of resilience, cultural bridging, and connection through food. At Nusa Coffee, she shares the bold flavors of Indonesian coffee and specialty goods - not just as products, but as stories of home, identity, and community. Through her café and global sourcing, Liza fosters understanding, one cup at a time.

Kape Philippine Coffee is more than a brew - it’s a story of connection, heritage, and resilience. Founded by Iona and Paolo, Kape honors the Indigenous farmers who grow every bean, sharing their journeys and ensuring they earn four times more than in the commodity market. Rooted in Filipino coffee culture - where coffee and conversation go hand in hand - Kape blends tradition, sustainability, and diasporic pride. Every cup is a tribute to home, migration, and the hands that bring it to life.

Grandmama’s Cafe is a heartfelt tribute to the matriarchs who shaped a family’s legacy. Born from memories of Mediterranean and Far East flavours, this Vancouver gem blends Sana’s global-inspired menu with Ilham’s warm, inviting ambiance. More than a cafe, it’s a sanctuary of love, tradition, and connection - where every dish tells a story and every visit feels like home.