First non-Chinese co-chair

I had just returned from a very short whirlwind holiday in Hong Kong, when I was approached by the Chair of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses (CPB) with an intriguing suggestion. He said that CPB had appointed a Co-Chair for their upcoming Healthy Living Expo, and suggested that I consider taking up the position of the other vacant Co-Chair. I accepted.

And so began my journey of learning and growing, with a group of people who not only believed in my integrity and  liked me for what I am, but respected my past achievements. It was exhilarating and humbling at the same time. More than ever, the knowledge that not only was I the first non-Chinese to be given this role, but was the first person outside of CPB, to be entrusted with it, kept me motivated and focused.

I realized that I had an amazing capacity to face a challenge, and turn it around for the benefit of those who mattered. For me, it has always been about the need for support, especially for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. The Healthy Living Expo for 2012 was aimed at seniors, their family and caregivers. After careful planning and execution, it came off near-flawlessly.