July 2026
2026 Leadership Forum
Our Foundation’s 2026 Leadership Forum, held on Saturday, July 18, was a resounding success. More than just an annual gathering, it brought together our scholars, alumni, donors, supporters, partners, and women leaders to learn from, connect with, and inspire one another.
This year’s Forum welcomed our 2026 Undergraduate Leadership Program cohort, Master’s Program scholars, and alumni from Canada, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. For many of our scholars, it was the first opportunity to meet in person after months of learning together online.
The day strengthened friendships, fostered meaningful cross-cultural connections, and reinforced the sense of belonging to a community of women committed to leadership and service.
The event was kicked off by our wonderful Executive Director and MC for the day, Ashleigh Au. She welcomed everyone and introduced the Foundation’s history and current mission, programs and achievements.
Ching Tien acknowledged our supporters, partners and the outstanding keynote speakers. Ching also talked about her journey of overcoming personal hardship and challenges to create opportunities for young women from Asia.
Our Partners and Keynote Speakers
Tina Strehlke, CEO of Minerva BC, a supporter and adviser of the Foundation.
Tina led an engaging and interactive workshop on Networking and Personal Branding. It was Tailored specifically to young people looking for career development opportunities and our emerging women leaders. The session equipped the participants with practical strategies to build authentic connections and relationships.
Megan Domenichelli, Director and Paula Jamieson, Manager at the Global Learning Centre from Royal Roads University have been instrumental in supporting the Foundation’s Undergraduate Leadership Program.
Each year RRU provides five scholarships to our Foundation. In addition to introducing their innovative global leadership programs, they were generous in their praise of the young women from the Foundation, and how they have grown and contributed to their program.
Kim Haakstad – President & CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries.
Kim delivered a speech with honesty and authenticity, sharing her personal leadership journey and noting that setbacks and difficult moments tested her resilience but also provided opportunities to overcome them and help her build a meaningful network.
Rebecca Pang – Regional Vice President, Royal Bank of Canada. Rebecca inspired the audience with her humour and optimism.
Drawing on her own experience as an Asian woman building a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated banking industry, she spoke about embracing opportunities, overcoming self-doubt, and leading with authenticity.
Sally Armstrong – internationally acclaimed journalist, award-winning author, and lifelong advocate for women’s rights.
For every Foundation cohort, Sally Armstrong’s CBC Massey Lectures – The Power Shift – serve as essential reading, followed by discussions on women’s advancement journeys throughout history.
Joining us virtually from her summer home in New Brunswick, Sally challenged our scholars to think critically about the current world and the setbacks women are facing. Meeting Sally for the first time and engaging with her during a Q&A session was an exciting moment for our young women.
Our 2026 Undergraduate Leaders
The Forum had many highlights throughout the day. One of these was the presentations by the Undergraduate cohort. Learning about their personal journeys moved everyone in the room, brought both tears and cheers.
Watch Roan Jessa Bodino & Erica Deliguer Live
Angie Li, China
Northwest Minzu University
Civil Engineering
Joining the Foundation was a turning point. The learning experience has challenged my thinking, built my resilience, and prepared me to step up as a future leader who can inspire change and empower others.
Lisa Rai, Hong Kong, China
City University of Hong Kong
Accounting
At RRU, the learning environment is focused and supportive. The classes pushed me to be more independent in my thinking. It challenged me to stay consistent even when things felt unfamiliar and uncertain.
Ekra Rahman Oakia, Bangladesh
Asian University for Women (AUW)
Computer Science
In Canada, one of the cultural differences that impressed me is how people welcome questions and are open to discussions. It has inspired me to express my thoughts with confidence.
Leoraine De La Cruz, Philippines
Ateneo de Manila University
Bachelor of Arts
When I was a child, I did not understand why my friends’ parents would leave their children behind to work abroad until my own mother had to make this difficult decision. I have not seen my mother for three years. In the future, I want to fight for the rights and justice of overseas workers like my mother.
Katherine Zong, China
China University of Petroleum
Engineering
I have experienced firsthand how a single person’s love and care can touch and turn around many lives, and I am one of them. I want to be that kind of person to pass on the love I received.
Hazel Borlagdan, Philippines
Ateneo de Manila University
Bachelor of Science
Coming to Canada made me realize that the women who shaped my life were no longer just in my family. The Foundation simply supports scholars by investing in our potential and dreams.
Nahian Tasmim Orni, Bangladesh
Asian University for Women (AUW)
Computer Science
Throughout the experience in Canada my vision and mission have become clear. I want to help create a future where girls have the confidence to speak up, make choices, and become leaders.
Roan Jessa P. Bodino, Philippines
Ateneo de Manila University
Diplomacy and International Relations
The learning at the Foundation and RRU has inspired me to dream bigger and think deeper, challenge the status quo in my home country, and love more.
Erica Deliguer, Philippines
Ateneo de Manila University
Bachelor of Arts
Thank you to the Foundation for believing in me. Now I feel that I can do so much more than the world has limited us to or labeled us.
Giving Back
Fatemah Mozafari participated in our 2025 Undergraduate Leadership program along with seven others. Between October 2025 and May 2026, each of them completed a self-created and self-led “giving back” project, which is an essential part of the program. Fatemah introduced all the “giving back” projects on behalf of the participants.
“At the Ching Tien Foundation, I learned that Leadership isn’t measured by the titles we hold, but by the opportunities we create for others.
The most meaningful moment was speaking with Sally Armstrong about the future of girls’ education in Afghanistan. I am from Afghanistan and lived that reality. The conversation was both inspiring and deeply personal. It strengthened my belief that advocating for girls’ education is not just important — it is essential.
Beyond the inspiring speeches and discussions, I met leaders, mentors, and changemakers whose generosity, wisdom, and passion reminded me that leadership grows through connection and collaboration.
I leave this Forum with renewed purpose, new friendships, and the confidence to keep turning ideas into action.”
Our Master’s Program Scholars and Alumni
Six of the Foundation’s Master’s Program scholars and alumni gathered in BC, beginning with a three-day retreat on Sunshine Coast followed by the Forum.
Denise Wu, China
Hainan University
Master of Rural Development
We often hear that hardships make us grow; however, I gained this insight from learning at the Foundation: hardship alone does not create growth; hardship acts as a forge only for those who are truly willing to grow. Through the Foundation, I saw the essence of female leadership: it is not about power and control; it is empathy, resilience, and inclusion.
Yuchen Jia, China
University of British Columbia
Master of Science in Human Nutrition
The amazing retreat and forum taught me that growth often begins in small moments: trying unfamiliar things, listening with an open heart, staying curious, and being willing to learn from others. I am grateful to the Foundation, mentors, and everyone who created such a warm and supportive space.
Haadia Bibi, Hong Kong
Royal Holloway University of London
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
After returning to the UK, I still can’t believe I had the opportunity to come to Canada, attend the Forum and meet with Ching, fellow scholars and other inspiring leaders. It was an incredibly enriching experience filled with meaningful connections, new perspectives and memorable moments.
Vera Sun, China, Graduated in 2025
Master of Business and AI, UOIT
Teacher, Montreal Language Institute Toronto Campus
At the Forum I was inspired by this message from Ching Tien – use your own success to create opportunities for others.” It reminded me of the true meaning of being a leader and giving back.
Summer Deng, China, Graduated in 2025
Master of Computer Science & AI, U of T
Senior Engineer, Microsoft China
By participating in the retreat and the Forum, what stood out most was the opportunity to connect with women from diverse backgrounds and faiths, and to hear their stories. Some had come from places marked by real hardship like Afghanistan, but had found their own path forward with remarkable resilience. Others grew up from challenging backgrounds but carried a clear sense of purpose and faith that was truly inspiring.
Huiming Ma, China, Graduated in 2024
Master of Education, UBC
Teaching Assistant, Vancouver School Board
The Forum was filled with inspiration and enlightenment. Listening to the experiences of these women leaders from different industries encouraged me to dream bigger and continue pursuing the meaningful life I desire.
The whole day was filled with high positive energy, learning, sharing, laughter and a few tears.
Retreat on Sunshine Coast BC
From July 14 to 17, the Foundation organized its second annual three-day retreat tailored to our master’s Program scholars and alumni, led by Ching Tien. This year, the six participants are from Vancouver, Toronto, China, and the UK.
All the participants experienced many “first times” – first time sleeping in a cabin/tent, first time kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and swimming in the ocean, and first time using an outdoor shower. The spirit and energy were high!
The outdoor activities were led by a volunteer who is an experienced outdoor education teacher. The cabin and all facilities were provided by a generous supporter.
The retreat is a perfect opportunity for the scholars to bond with each other and with Ching in person by having fun, social, and meaningful conversations. The discussions included the challenges and gains from study abroad, cultural enrichment, career goals, and their roles in contributing to the Foundation’s development.
We hope you enjoyed reading the news and were inspired by the young women we support. We see every scholarship as an investment. The greatest return is their commitment to creating change in their communities and beyond.
Investing in women is investing in our collective future.