Ching Tien Foundation for Women

10/02/2025

This National Day, alumni in Guizhou, southern China came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Educating Girls of Rural China. One alumna wrote, “Twenty years is not just a number—it represents a remarkable journey. It is a road paved with love and kindness, a path of hope that has transformed the lives of countless girls.
Today, we are not only celebrating a milestone, but also celebrating the joy of meeting each other, our personal growth, and the warmth of gathering as one big family.”

EGRC alumni celebrated this milestone anniversary with traditional arts and crafts, games and delicious food. Not only did EGRC provide transformative educational opportunities for rural girls to receive high school and university education, the organization help to foster a sisterhood of educated women who provide each other with lasting community support.

09/06/2025

“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

09/05/2025

“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

09/05/2025

Summer Reflections:

“At the end 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. I was so impressed to see our students blossom 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.”

~ Ching Tien, Founder and President, Ching Tien Foundation for Women

09/03/2025

“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

09/03/2025

“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

09/02/2025

Summer Reflections:

“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.”

~ Ching Tien, Founder and President, Ching Tien Foundation for Women

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

Women Leaders of Tomorrow (WLOT) is a passionate group of advocates committed to advancing the cause of education and empowerment for Afghan women and girls. Firmly believing that education is the most crucial catalyst for enhancing women’s lives in Afghanistan, WLOT is dedicated to empowering women and girls through education and sports.

WLOT is led by Founder and Executive Director Friba Rezayee - OLY, who shared her remarkable personal journey, from Afghanistan’s first-ever female Olympic athlete to the leader of a Vancouver-based non-profit providing Afghan women with life-changing scholarships and mentorships to pursue secondary, post-secondary, and Master’s degrees in North America.

Friba was joined by WLOT scholarship recipient, Bahara Ahmadi, who shared her powerful and courageous personal story of feeling the Taliban to pursue her education in Canada. Bahara is an inspiring representation of WLOT’s impactful mission: to to develop future leaders who will help close the gender gap in Afghanistan’s workforce, government, and civil society.

Thank you Friba and Bahara for sharing WLOT’s incredible impact with our community at this year’s Ching Tien Foundation Leadership Forum.

08/09/2025

Mothers Matter Canada (MMC) is a national leader in breaking the cycle of poverty, social isolation, and economic vulnerability for mothers and their children. Through a network of 46 community-based organizations across 10 provinces and territories, MMC develops and delivers innovative, evidence-based programs that equip mothers with the tools to thrive—at home, at work, and in their communities.

We were fortunate to have Chief Programs and Advocacy Officer Yusra Qadir as our guest speaker to introduce Mothers Matter and the organization’s incredible impact, as well as Home Visitor and former Mother Matter client Johana Juarez Gutierrez, who shared her personal experience as a former Mothers Matter Client who has leveraged her experience to gain meaningful employment as a Home Visitor providing vital support to even more mothers in need.

Both Yusra and Johana are true believers that when mothers thrive, children flourish and communities prosper. At the Ching Tien Foundation Leadership Forum we felt privileged to learn about this wonderful example of women’s leadership leading to transformative community impact.

08/06/2025

The Ching Tien Foundation for Women is especially grateful for the unwavering support of Royal Roads University (RRU), our partner for our Undergraduate Leadership Program. Through this program, aspiring women leaders from Asia at the undergraduate level undergo three months of online learning with the Foundation before coming to Canada to complete a four week Leadership Academy at RRU’s Global Learning and Language Centre. After their time in Canada, students design and execute giving back projects of their own.

Without a doubt, the Leadership Academy provides a transformative experience. As Global Language and Learning Centre Director Megan Domenichelli says, “The program is designed to foster leadership, collaboration, and intercultural understanding. Through workshops, group projects, discussions, and hands-on experiences, students deepen their self-awareness, connect meaningfully with others, and develop practical skills that empower them to contribute to their communities and shape a better future.” Indeed, the Foundation has had the privilege of witnessed our students blossom through this one of a kind program.

Our hearts were warmed to have both Megan and Paula Jamieson, Manager Global Learning Programs, make the trip from Victoria join us for our Annual Leadership Forum in Vancouver.

08/06/2025

The Ching Tien Foundation for Women was honoured to have Vancouver City Councillor Lisa Dominato, MA, GCB.D as our keynote speaker for our annual Leadership Forum.

A three-time elected official, Lisa is known for bringing people together from across the political spectrum. A bridge builder, driven by a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community, Lisa’s 20+ years in government administration, public policy, communications, and stakeholder relations are centred on two simple questions: How can we work together? How can I help?

Thank you Lisa for sharing your experience and insights as a woman leader in public service. You are a special role model for aspiring women leaders!