S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Board of Directors (2024-2025)
| Chair: | Jason Lam |
| Treasurer: | Jeffrey Louie |
| Directors: | Vahé (Steve) Agopian Lewis Fan Irene Hsu Charlie Huang Kathryn Huang Dr. Linh Le Stephanie Li Gallant Ma Dan Nipp |
Chair –Jason Lam
Jason is a Community General Manager at CIBC Imperial Service who manages an advisory team from 4 banking centres consisting of total funds managed $2.8 Billion. He has been steadily involved with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation beginning in 2011 as a member. Later he served as Board Vice Chair, first from 2013 to 2017, and then for a second time from 2020 to 2022. He has served as the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Board Chair since 2022. His volunteer work on behalf of the Foundation extends over many years to his work as Co-Chair of the Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala in 2016, 2017, 2020-2022. Jason has also dedicated his time to organizing additional S.U.C.C.E.S.S. charity events, including acting as Co-Chair of the Foundation Charity Golf Tournament (2015), serving as Co-Chair of the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Charity Concerts (2012, 2013, 2015), and working as a member of the Walk with the Dragon Planning Committee (2011-2013 and 2015).
In addition to his deep volunteer commitment to S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Jason has been involved in community work with several non-profit organizations, including the BC Children’s Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure and the United Way. He is a Charter Member of the Vancouver Chinatown New Century Lions Club, and has served the Lions as a Director, Vice President and President. In addition, he is the Founder and Co-Chair of the Lions Club Medal of Merit – Outstanding Young Leaders Award since 2013.
Treasurer – JEFFREY LOUIE
Bringing his expertise in the business field, Jeff Louie, CPA, CA, has served as a member of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Board of Directors since 2019 as Treasurer, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, and Chair of the Investment Advisory Committee. His professional experience includes the role of Executive Vice-President, Corporate Finance and Accounting for Shape Properties Corp, and prior to that spent over 10 years at KPMG LLP. In addition to his volunteer work for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, Jeff has made a personal commitment to make a social impact, volunteering at Salvation Army Belkin House, the Vancouver Food Bank and Union Gospel Mission. A graduate of UBC, he has served to guide others as a mentor in the UBC Executive Mentorship Program from 2012 to 2017.
Director – Vahé (Steve) Agopian
Steve is founder and owner of Lugaro Jewellers, a vertically integrated jewellery company which upholds the promise of giving back to the community. Under his leadership, the company has supported various causes including BC Children’s Hospital, local schools, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, the Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala and the Pacific Autism Family Foundation. Steve’s personal commitment to empowering communities to grow is evident in his participation as Co-chair of the Armenian National Committee for Western Region Canada, President of the St. Gregory Church Sponsorship Agreement Holder, and member of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller. Steve has served on the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Board of Directors since 2019.
Director – Lewis Fan
Born in Vancouver but raised in Hong Kong until early grade school, Lewis is the only child in a Cantonese and Shanghainese-descent family. Lewis received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UBC, and went on to complete the Interior Design certification at BCIT. He is an entrepreneur at heart with a few businesses and commercial real estate development as the main career. Lewis has been actively involved in community work, including Children’s Wish Foundation, Driven Project and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, as he always wanted to leave a social footprint for his kids to follow. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the 2023 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Charity Golf Tournament.
Director – Irene Hsu
Irene is the Vice President of All Harmony Financial Service Ltd., bringing over a decade of expertise in mortgage services and a strong commitment to responsible lending. Holding a registered mortgage license in British Columbia and a degree in Actuarial Science from Simon Fraser University, she has a flawless record in risk mitigation and investment management. Irene previously served as Director and Vice President at Finca MIC, where her leadership contributed to high investment returns with zero bad debts.
In addition to her professional achievements, Irene has a diverse background, including her role as a Former Radio Show Host/Producer at Far East Broadcasting. She is also deeply involved in the community. As a teenager, she volunteered at St. Vincent Hospital in Vancouver, delivering meals and feeding patients, spreading love and care. Currently, she serves as the President of the Richmond Maple Mandarin Group at S.U.C.C.E.S.S., where she has volunteered for over 20 years. Her dedication to organizing community seminars and supporting new immigrants has made her a trusted and respected figure in Vancouver. Irene has recently served as Co-chair of the 2024 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Walk with the Dragon, reflecting her enduring commitment to community service.
Director – Charlie Huang
Charlie is the founder of Peaceful Restaurant, a large-scale chain restaurant which has successfully integrated Chinese culture into the mainstream market since 1998. Charlie is not only the pioneer of promoting Chinese culture but also the founder of the Peaceful system, including Peaceful Media in 2019 and Peaceful Academy in 2020, which provide strong support for the branding promotion and talent supply chain of the Peaceful system’s business ecosystem. Charlie is the Founder and President of the Canada Catering Association and has served as Vice President of World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry in 2021. In 2022, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee medallion in recognition of his significant contributions to the community.
Director – Kathryn Huang
Kathryn’s journey began in Guangzhou, China, leading her to Hong Kong before eventually settling in Vancouver. With a Master’s degree in International Marketing from the UK, she embarked on a diverse path, gaining experience in various industries while overseeing marketing and projects. Currently, she serves as the Corporate Development Manager at Concord Pacific, drawing from her background in agency operations, public relations, digital marketing, real estate, and private equity to excel in her role. Kathryn’s dedication to making a positive impact drives her professional pursuits, reflecting her adaptability and resilience. Her story is a testament to her commitment to creating value in her collaborations.
Director – Dr. Linh Le
Linh is an Adjunct Professor and Entrepreneur In Residence at the University of British Columbia. He is a serial startup founder, serving as founding CEO of Flextrapower Inc, New York, Managing Director of Bonbouton Incorporation Limited, and co-founder of Buyo Bioplastics, Vietnam. Linh was trained as a chemical engineer, with an MSc from Columbia University and a PhD from Stevens Institute of Technology, he is also a beholder of 10 world-wide patents ranging from material science to healthcare methodologies and automation systems. Linh has served on the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation Board of Directors since 2021.
Director – Stephanie Li
Stephanie is the Founder and Principal of Spotlight West Communications, an award-winning public relations and integrated communications expert with a track record of success in both private and non-profit sectors, locally and in Asia. With over a decade of experience, she has provided strategic consulting for businesses and overseen global campaigns. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Arts from UBC, and went on to complete the General Management program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, and Masters in Management at Harvard University. Stephanie has been recognized by a number of awards and nominations, including the Inspiring Canadians Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Best Community Service Award, and a nomination for the B.C. Government Ministry of Attorney General’s Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Award.
Stephanie is a highly engaged and active member of her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including Chimo Community Services and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. At the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, she is a member of the Board of Directors and serves as Co-Chair for the 2023 Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala. She is also a founding partner and advisor for the Eyeglasses Project, a non-profit organization that provides marginalized communities with free eye care and prescription glasses.
Director – Gallant Ma
Gallant is the Regional Director of Finance at Dilawri Group of Companies, the largest automotive group in Canada. He received the Bachelor of Commerce degree in University of Toronto and completed Master of Business Administration degree in University of British Columbia. Having CPA, CA and MBA professional credentials, along with numerous years of experiences in financial analysis, change management and strategic development, Gallant would like to bring positive differences to the communities through sharing his experience and skills earned. With this passion, Gallant devotes to the communities through numerous aspects. Currently, he serves as a board member at Richmond Music School and volunteers as a CPABC judge for business case competitions. In addition, Gallant is a news host and commentator for various news programs at local Chinese media.
Director – Dan Nipp
Born and raised in the Greater Vancouver Area, Dan is a Chartered Professional Accountant who is currently an audit partner at KPMG LLP, a global professional services firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to a wide range of industries across Canada. Dan has been with KPMG LLP for over 15 years focused primarily on the real estate sector in providing financial statement audit and accounting advisory services. Dan also speaks at real estate industry events highlighting relevant accounting and financial matters to the industry. Dan has also contributed his time to a number of charitable organizations over the years such as United Way, Salvation Army, and Union Gospel Mission.