The Story of Cathy Lee
In 1988, Cathy Lee arrived in Vancouver from Hong Kong with her husband and three-year-old daughter, carrying with her a vision of peace, opportunity, and multicultural community. She says, “We were considering a change in career and long-term residence, and Canada surpassed the options of the UK, US, and Singapore. We saw it as a peace-loving country with a strong multicultural foundation, especially since its 1972 Federal Multiculturalism Act.”
Cathy’s journey began far earlier, when her parents brought her from Guangzhou to Hong Kong at the age of three. Cathy studied in Hong Kong, completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in sociology and social work at the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her early professional life reflected a passion to create social impact, whether it was teaching in high schools and post-secondary institutions while building a career in community organizing, service planning, and policy development.
That commitment carried through when she moved to Canada. In the early years, Cathy and her husband tried start a small, independent business, forming connections within their new community. However, it wasn’t long before their paths led them back to the education system. In 1991, Cathy and her husband opened a private high school with boarding facilities. At the same time, Cathy pursued her Master’s of Educational Leadership, serving as Principal of the school they founded. Cathy says, “I always loved teaching and training school children…, I feel I can empower them in their pursuits, while they enrich mine—helping me understand people and communities more deeply.”
“Set clear goals and stay devoted to what you believe in. Whether or not your journey is faith-based, we all become better individuals when we act in the spirit of love - for our families, our communities, and our shared future.”
Cathy’s values have been shaped by inspirational figures in hr community. She names two prominent Chinese-Canadian community leaders as key role models: David Lam, British Columbia’s former Lieutenant Governor, and Maggie Ip, founder and former chairperson of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Cathy says, “Both contributed so much to the community.” She further explains, “David Lam supported institutions like VanDusen Botanical Garden, and Maggie, who is part of my social circle, shared many of my aspirations in education and community service.”
As an Asian immigrant, Cathy has a keen understanding of the cultural dynamics that come with living and working in a multicultural society. She says, In a community with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, there is always the concern of how well groups understand and accept each other’s differences. When the economy and social situation are good, different communities can coexist peacefully. But during challenging times, prejudice surfaces, both individual and systemic.” For Cathy, education plays a vital role in addressing these challenges, she says “It promotes dialogue, encourages action, and fosters long-term commitment to building multi-ethnic harmony and preserving cultural heritage.”
Although Cathy has been in Canada for over three decades, her connection to Chinese cultural values remains strong. She notes, “I need to revisit Hong Kong and China more often to deepen my understanding of today’s realities and renew my cultural ties. Chinese history and moral values give me a deep sense of pride.”
At the same time, she expresses a clear vision for Canada’s future. “Here and now, we must continue to be peace-loving and just—within our country and in our role in the global community. There is so much inequality in the world. I see my role in education as helping young people develop global awareness, and encouraging them to pursue truth and justice, wherever their careers take them.”
Cathy shares some insightful thoughts from her lived experience. She emphasizes the need for intention and service in the community. She says, “Set clear goals and stay devoted to what you believe in. Whether or not your journey is faith-based, we all become better individuals when we act in the spirit of love—for our families, our communities, and our shared future.”
Cathy Lee’s story is not only about the successful founding of a school or a career in leadership. It’s a testament to what can happen when cultural pride, educational vision, and a deep commitment to service come together. As an educator, community builder, and advocate for justice and harmony, Cathy continues to bridge generations, cultures, and values, shaping not only the lives of her students, but the fabric of her community