August 2025
Dear Supporters and Friends,
On Saturday, July 26, the Ching Tien Foundation for Women held its Annual Leadership Forum in Vancouver – a day-long celebration of women’s leadership. This special event brought together scholarship students, alumni, supporters, partner organizations, and special guests to share ideas, stories, and inspiration.
This year, we were honored to host the forum in partnership with four organizations:
- Minerva BC
- Mothers Matter Canada
- Women Leaders of Tomorrow
- Royal Roads University – our partner for the Undergraduate Leadership Program
The event emcees are Diana Chang, a long-time supporter of the Foundation, and Huiming Ma, the Foundation’s first Master’s program scholarship recipient.
From left to right – Huiming Ma (emcee), Diana Chang (emcee), Friba Rezayee – (Founder & Executive Director, Women Leaders of Tomorrow), Ching Tien, Tina Strehlke (CEO, Minerva BC), Yusra Qadir (Chief Programs and Advocacy Officer Mothers Matter Canada) and Johanna Guiterrez (home visitor), Megan Domenichelli (Director, Global Language and Learning Centre Director, Royal Roads University), Ashleigh Au (Executive Director, Ching Tien Foundation)
Keynote Address
We were privileged to welcome Vancouver City Councillor Lisa Dominato as our keynote speaker. A three-time elected official with over 20 years in public service, Lisa is known for bringing people together across political and social divides. She shared her personal journey to leadership, her dedication to public service, and her life as a devoted wife and mother of two. Her story deeply inspired our young women scholars.
Opening Remarks
Founder Ching Tien expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees – including our partners, long-time supporters, and the incredible young women of the Foundation. She reflected on her journey from founding EGRC to growing the Ching Tien Foundation, emphasizing the power of leadership rooted in service.
The Foundation was also delighted to share a special video greeting from Don Kayne, our Board Chair and former CEO of Canfor, a long-time supporter of both EGRC and the Foundation.
Foundation Updates
Executive Director Ashleigh Au shared an overview of the Foundation’s progress, noting that in less than two years, our small but dedicated team has achieved remarkable milestones. We look forward to expanding our reach and making our programs accessible to more aspiring women leaders.
Partner with Royal Roads University
Built in partnership with Royal Roads University (RRU), this program has been transformative for our scholarship students since 2023. Every summer, we have witnessed profound growth in our students after just four weeks of study at RRU.
Megan Domenichelli introduced RRU’s Summer Language and Leadership Program, praising our Foundation’s students for their dedication, and expressing the university’s commitment to continuing the partnership.
Foundation’s Students Sharing
Our scholarship recipients and alumni shared moving reflections on their international study experiences. For the 2025 undergraduate students, the program marked their first time studying abroad — a deeply emotional and empowering milestone.
Our Master’s Scholars participated in a panel discussion about their academic journeys in a new country. Supported by mentorship, online learning led by Ching Tien, and academic guidance and mentorship from our volunteer professionals, each scholar also contributes at least 100 volunteer hours to their local community and the Foundation. They remain engaged as leaders after graduation.
We celebrated Echo Nan and Abigail Ma, who completed their leadership programs in 2023 and 2024. Echo shared how she has supported Ching Tien Foundation programs and EGRC alumni events, while Abigail presented the “giving back” projects on behalf her 2024 cohort covering environmental protection, clothing recycling, gratitude-building, and supporting children in need. These initiatives reflect the leadership and giving back values our programs aim to cultivate.
Partner Spotlights
Minerva BC
For over two decades, Minerva BC has empowered women across British Columbia through education, mentorship, and leadership training. CEO Tina Strehlke led an engaging workshop, “Uncovering Your Leadership Gifts”, encouraging participants to explore the experiences and passions that make each of us a unique and capable leader.
Mothers Matter Canada (MMC)
MMC works to break cycles of poverty, social isolation, and economic vulnerability for mothers and their children. Yusra Qadir introduced the organization’s mission and impact, followed by Johanna Juarez Gutierrez, a former client turned Home Visitor, who now supports other mothers in need.
Women Leaders of Tomorrow (WLOT)
Led by Friba Rezayee – OLY, Afghanistan’s first female Olympic athlete, WLOT provides Afghan women with life-changing scholarships to study in North America. Scholarship student Bahara Ahmadi shared her powerful journey of fleeing the Taliban to pursue her education in Canada, exemplifying WLOT’s mission to develop future leaders who will close the gender gap in Afghanistan.
The day was a true celebration of leadership – connecting established and emerging women leaders and expanding the possibilities for women’s futures.
We extend our deepest thanks to our volunteers, whose dedication and effort made this event possible.
