Summer Memories & Reflections

August 2025

Dear Friends and Supporters,

In this newsletter, I would like to share some reflections, both from myself and from our scholars, as we look back on all the summer activities here at the Foundation. I would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to our local supporters who provided accommodations for all of our scholars while they were in Vancouver and on the Sunshine Coast.

In the third week of July, I hosted our Master’s Scholars and select Undergraduate Leadership Program Alumni for a three-day retreat on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. This was a precious time we had for in-person bonding, leadership building and personal reflection.

In addition to sessions focused on personal growth and development of the Foundation, the retreat focused on exploring nature with activities including hiking, water sports, bird watching, and evening star gazing. For the girls, it was their first time taking part in most of these outdoor activities.

At the end of third week of July, our 2025 Undergraduate Leadership Program cohort wrapped up their four-week leadership program at the Royal Roads University Leadership Academy in Victoria, British Columbia and returned to Vancouver. I was so impressed to see the transformation of each of our students. They all blossomed into more confident, worldly and enthusiastic aspiring leaders.

Witnessing the transformation of these young women in such a short period of time has further convinced me of the importance of providing these life-changing opportunities at this critical age – before their university graduation, and when they are facing big decisions to be made about their futures. I am convinced that this experience will play a critical role in their future planning.

I was especially impressed to see the close friendships formed in such a short period. When I visited the students at RRU only two weeks into their study, they already behaved like they had always known each other. They complimented and encouraged each other during their presentations, and shared lunches brought from their homestay families every day. By the time they were leaving Canada, they all promised to invite the whole group to their weddings in the future. I also noticed that the close friendships were formed with a strong sense of cross-cultural understanding.

The Foundation is deeply grateful to Royal Roads University’s continued partnership in making this program available to young women from Asian countries who are passionate about leadership and social impact.

“As the Foundation scholars study in difference places and usually meet online, this was the first time we finally had the chance to connect in person. This retreat gave me the gift of a true family — I felt deeply loved and I also realized that my capacity to love and care for others. It strengthened my confidence and commitment to using my own power to give back to society and support more women. No matter what industry I work in in the future, I know I can pass on the light that the Foundation has given me to other girls and women.”

– Vera Sun, 2024 Master’s Program Scholar

“The Sunshine Coast retreat was everything! We created powerful shared memories as a community: adventuring together, camping, having candid conversations with Ching, and holding afternoon forums to discuss our future plans. I had many first experiences: my first ocean swim, first time paddle boarding, and first-time stargazing! My connection to the Foundation is significantly strengthened. Arriving feeling overwhelmed by work, I am now completely recharged, feeling empowered and ready for what lies ahead.

– Echo Nan, 2023 Undergraduate Program Alumna

“The sense of sisterhood and family belongings touched me most. The bond among each of us is strong and powerful. Many of the outdoor activities we did, were all things I did for the first time, but I didn’t feel scared at all. I think this courage and confidence come from the trust I share with my fellow scholars.”

– Jessie Huang, 2023 Master’s Program Scholar

“The retreat was as absolutely magical experience for me. I had a very treasured time to spend with Ching, the other scholars, as well as two alumni from our undergraduate program. This tight connection we built during the retreat makes me feel like it’s more possible to do all the things I want to do. With this support system, I believe I am capable of building influence in the future and making positive change that will impact others.”

– Summer Deng, 2024 Master’s Program Scholar

“Ching gave everything she had to create this perfect retreat for us. Her dedication, planning, and hard work showed me that leadership is not just words spoken or concepts written in books—it is real, concrete action. This inspired me to realize that when we have an idea, we should act on it and do everything within our power to make it happen. Seeing her dedication has also inspired me to do more for the Foundation. I hope more women can join and be empowered through our efforts.”

– Huiming Ma, 2022 Master’s Program Scholar

“The three days on the island were like paradise. I was liberated from the pressures of life to enjoy the ancient forest, alongside the vast sea and in the company of friends. I gained energy, enthusiasm and inspiration.

Together, we envisioned what our future selves might look like and shared our most ambitious dreams. At age 24, I am entering society, wanting everything yet still possessing nothing. As a high school teacher, my passion for students, the exhilaration of standing at the podium, the joy of inspiring others, led me to this career path. But, more than ever I feel this path does not confine me. My mind is open, and with the support of the Foundation, I know I will be able to make a lasting impact through all the work that I do.”

– Abigail Ma, 2024 Undergraduate Program Alumna

“To be honest, I never thought I would be so confident and brave. When my journey started with the foundation, it felt like I was betraying the women in my family. It felt like I’m breaking the traditional and cultural line. But when the days passed, I felt proud that I was creating my own line, a new status for women in my household, and inspiration to the little cousins in my house. We can fight for our education and lean forward. The program has impacted me with confidence and realization of self-worth, which is important for every woman, every girl, and every human to know.”

– Syeda Zaibunnissa, Government Degree College for Women Begumpet, Osmania University, Major: Applied Nutrition and Public Health, Psychology and Zoology

“The program has been a catalyst for profound personal and professional growth, reshaping my perspectives and enhancing my skills in ways I hadn’t anticipated. One of the most significant impacts has been on my confidence and leadership abilities. Not only did I overcome my fear of public speaking, but I also began to see myself as a capable and confident leader.

The program has been an incredible journey in cultural immersion. Making amazing friends from Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, Afghanistan, India, and China has been a highlight, offering me a living lesson in how different cultures shape our perspectives. This hands-on learning has helped me develop empathy and understanding towards people of different cultures.”

– Sadaf-Riaz, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Major: Business Administration & Management

“The Undergraduate Leadership Program has been a transformative journey for me. With the help of my teachers, classmates, and Foundation, I overcame many challenges and learned that true growth occurs outside of my comfort zone. Beyond academics, the program has deepened my commitment to giving back. Seeing how previous scholars have used their education to create positive change has inspired me to think about how I can contribute to my own community in the future.”

– Jasmine Feixiang Lyu, Zhengzhou Sias University, Major: English

“At the beginning of the program, I was conservative. I was trying to be very perfect. I was only trying things that I knew I was good at. I asked Ching for advice, and she said, “Experience as much as you can.” During the four weeks in Canada, I tried things that I had hesitated to do in the past. I started conversations with strangers. I asked questions. I expressed my ideas. In the end, I noticed that I can be good at a lot of more things, but only if I am brave enough to try. I think it is a very significant step in leadership. As a community leader, I can either wait for the ideal situation to take action, or I can start small. Now, I am brave enough to take small steps rather than waiting until I can devour the biggest challenges at once.”

– Sadaf Yaqobi, Asia University for Women, Major: Computer Science

“This experience felt like a dream. I went from feeling “everything is new to me”, to marveling, “I can’t believe how much I’ve accomplished”. Now I understand education isn’t just about sharing knowledge. It’s about one person inspiring another, and groups of people creating change together. After witnessing so many brave, creative girls in person, I’m determined to pass on this power to others.”

– Hanna Jiayan Huang, University of Finance and Economics, Major: Burmese

“Through workshops, forums, and rich conversations here in Canada, I’ve come to appreciate that leadership isn’t always loud; sometimes, it is found in the quiet power of reflection and the courage to take meaningful action, no matter how small. With everything I’ve learned, I feel more determined than ever to design and implement a community project that responds to the real needs of those around me — one rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the belief that even small efforts can create lasting change.”

– Fatemah Mozafari, Asia University for Women, Major: Bioinformatics and Biotechnology

“This experience has become an important turning point in my life. Facing challenge after challenge, I found my personal strength by breaking through my comfort zone over and over again. This experience sparked my desire to contribute to the development of women’s leadership and prompted me to think more deeply about my future career and life direction.”

– Esme Yuting Li, China, Zhengzhou Sias University, Major: English

“The program was an outstanding hands-on opportunity to exercise the skills and values we define as leadership. During the program, I got to see a bigger picture of myself in the world and envision a greater version of my future self. This experience has been deeply important to me, because it is setting new guidelines for shaping my path ahead.”

– Shokria Muhsini, Asia University for Women, Major: Computer Science

I hope you enjoy reading these reflections from our scholars.

– Ching Tien

If you are inspired by the progress of our scholars, please consider making a donation to support the Ching Tien Foundation for Women.