ABOUT

VYVA is a BC registered non-profit organization with a vision of a Canada that gives back. We are dedicated to connecting youth and young professionals with volunteer and career opportunities. Our mission is rooted in the principles of inclusivity, empowerment, community, resilience, and innovation.

We offer various community and corporate opportunities in Vancouver and beyond, as well as expanding our community and civic leaders program like Engage to Inspire (E2I) Program, and hosting our flagship annual Canadian Cultural Festival along with Job Expo. We further offer Top Tier Mentorship, Public Speaking Workshop, Leadership and Communication Workshop and more purposeful events to support.

Through giving back and community engagement, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Canadians.

we deeply believe in

CORE VALUE

INCLUSIVITY.
EMPOWERMENT.
COMMUNITY.
RESILIENT.
INNOVATION.

Join Us

Advance together

ADVISOR TEAM​

Carrie Chen

DIRECTOR OF CSR | Fortinet
Globally experienced Sustainability/ESG/CSR Program and Project Manager with a strong track record in Cybersecurity Solutions across loT and IT industries in North America and Asia Pacific.

David Wang

Senior Manager | Telus
Founder of Social Diversity for Children Foundation, Corporate Strategy at TELUS, and our 2024 Business Elite's "40 Under 40" Honoree in Canada.

Maita Santiago

Councilor | City of Burnaby
Community advocate and longtime Burnaby resident with decades of experience in public service, small business, and government relations, focused on housing affordability, climate action, and inclusion.

Lenny Zhuo

Councilor | City of Vancouver
Experienced healthcare operations and decision support professional with over 15 years in BC's public health system, advocating for evidence-based policy and community health education.

Carrie Chen

DIRECTOR OF CSR | Fortinet

  • Globally experienced Sustainability/ESG/CSR Program and Project Manager with a strong track record in Cybersecurity Solutions across loT and IT industries in North America and Asia Pacific.
David Wang

SENIOR MANAGER | Telus

  • Founder of Social Diversity for Children Foundation, Corporate Strategy at TELUS, and our 2024 Business Elite's "40 Under 40" Honoree in Canada.
Maita Santiago

COUNCILOR | City of Burnaby

  • Community advocate and long time Burnaby resident with decades of experience in public service, small business, and government relations, focused on housing affordability, climate action, and inclusion.
Lenny Zhuo

COUNCILOR | City of Vancouver

  • Experienced healthcare operations and decision support professional with over 15 years in BC's public health system, advocating for evidence-based policy and community health education.

STRIVE TOGETHER WITH

OUR TEAM

Passionate board of directors behind VYYA, where our shared commitment to community drives us forward. As newcomers ourselves, we understand the challenges of starting a life in Canada, which fuels our dedication to supporting others on their journey. Despite our diverse backgrounds and professional paths, our hearts beat as one in pursuit of VYVA’s mission to foster inclusion, cultural exchange, and support to empower next generation’s leaders in Vancouver.

Each of us brings unique experiences and skills to the table, united by our desire to make a difference. Whether exploring different career avenues or embracing Canadian culture, our shared goal remains constant: to create an empowering environment where we all can thrive and make more positive impacts.

Join us as we continue to uplift and empower others, building a stronger and more inclusive community together. Welcome to the VYVA family!

Charlene L.

Founder & Chair
● 4+ years experience in client relationship, public relations, & project management
● President of Vancouver Taiwanese Film Society

Amanda Szo

Board member | Director of Marketing
● Founder of Papaya Marketing Co.
● UBC Alumni

Fairha

Program Lead
● NYIT Alumni

Miks

Membership Account Lead
● NYIT Alumni

Charlene L.

Founder & Chair

  • ● 4+ years experience in client relation ship, public relations, &project management
  • ● President of Vancouver Taiwanese Film Society
Director of Marketing
  • Board member | Director of Marketing
  • ● Founder of Papaya Marketing Co.
    ● UBC Alumni
Fairha
  • Program Lead
  • ● NYIT Alumni
Miks
  • Membership Account Lead
  • ● NYIT Alumni

Unite for growth

OUR MENTORS

Huy Ta

Board member | Director of Community Engagement
● MC/Host, Actor, Public Speaking Trainer
● 6+ yrs experiences in Event and Marketing

Michelle B.

Festival Committee | Director
● 30+ years experience in marketing and sales manager positions in education industry

Huy Ta

Board member | Director of Community Engagement

  • ● MC/Host, Actor, Public Speaking Trainer
  • ● 6+ yrs experiences in Event and Marketing
Michelle B.

Festival Committee | Director

  • ● 30+ years experience in marketing and sales manager positions in education industry