Members

Jeffrey Yu is the principal owner of REL Technology Inc, a company that empowers people to live an independent and healthy lifestyle. As a former Assistant Operations Manager for Five Star Building Maintenance, and as an Integrated Service Manager and numerous Management roles in the Long Term Care Industry, Mr. Yu has extensive management and leadership experience.  Mr. Yu is also experienced in real estate development and master site planning.

Active in his community, he is a member of Premier’s Chinese Canadian Community Advisory Committee, Trustee Chair for the New Vista Society and the Board Chair of Trustees for the Burnaby Library. He is a Nutrition Manager of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Managers and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Simon Fraser University.

Carol Ye is a Chartered Professional Accountant and tax practitioner with a Master of Laws in Taxation from UBC. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Applied Legal Science at SFU. Carol brings deep expertise in tax compliance and planning, and is an active community volunteer focused on economic inclusion.

Dr. Chi Lo is Principal Lawyer, Barrister & Solicitor at CML Law Corporation. Previously, he was Census Enumerator at Statistics Canada. Active in his community, Dr. Lo is an Advising Lawyer with Access Pro Bono, and Honourary Legal Advisor for The Natives of Toi Shan Benevolent Society. Dr. Lo holds a Juris Doctor in English and Hong Kong Common Law, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Chinese University of Hong Kong; a Master of Applied Science from the University of British Columbia; a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from Imperial College, University of London; a Chartered Financial Analyst from CFA Institute; advanced (postgraduate) diploma courses from the British Columbia Institute of Technology; and, certificates from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and Harvard University Online.

Christie Sparklingeyes is an Indigenous Recruiter for Vancity. Previously, Ms. Sparklingeyes was a Talent Acquisition Specialist for Vancity. Active in her community, she is the Chair of the Indigenous
Employee Resource Group (ERG) for Vancity and the Co-Lead Financial Literacy Facilitator for Vancity. Ms. Sparklingeyes holds an MTI Community College Child & Youth Care Diploma.

Colin Zuo is an entrepreneur and community leader with over 15 years of experience in business and finance. As General Manager of Intertrips Canada Ltd., he has built a successful B2B travel company and previously held advisory roles at major Canadian banks. Colin is also active in cultural and philanthropic initiatives, including fundraising for local hospitals and supporting immigrant communities.

sXalusat is a proud Elder of the Musqueam Band.
 
Michele has worked with First Nations for over 30 years. Ms. Guerin holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia and was called to the Bar of BC in 2007. She practiced Aboriginal law as an Associate with Ratcliffe and Company LLP. Ms. Guerin was the Director of Research at the National Centre for First Nations Governance until starting her own consulting firm, Guerin Tetreault & Associates specializing in Indigenous governance advisory and Nation-building work, along with community consultation and engagement. 
 
Ms. Guerin is a past Governor of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and served as a Director on the Board for Ecojustice and previously sat as a Musqueam Band Councillor. Ms Guerin’s educational journey began when she obtained her GED certificate as a single mother at VCC.

Simon Cheng brings over 15 years of experience as a Financial Planner with the Royal Bank of Canada, where he specializes in retirement transition planning and personalized financial strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and holds multiple certifications, including CFP, CIM, and PFP. Simon is actively involved in community service through board roles with the Taiwanese Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association of BC and the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC, and volunteers with newcomer support programs and senior outreach initiatives.

Dr. Steve Cardwell is a seasoned leader in public education, having served as Vice President at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Professor of Teaching at UBC, and Superintendent/CEO of both the Vancouver and Delta School Boards. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from SFU and has contributed to numerous provincial and national education councils and accreditation bodies.

Synthia Kloot is a strategic and inclusive leader with a strong track record in operational efficiency across multiple industries. Known for her ability to build partnerships and deliver results, she has led the development and implementation of new roles and systems aligned with organizational strategy.

Maria Lourdes Morales, known as Malou, is a Dental Technology Sciences student at VCC. Originally from the Philippines, she brings experience as a dentist and college instructor, holding degrees in Dentistry and Education. In Vancouver, Malou balances her studies with part-time work as a dental assistant and service as a Lector at Holy Rosary Cathedral. She enjoys exploring the city with her family and friends. As a parent, student, and educator, Malou offers a unique perspective to the Board of Governors. Her commitment to collaboration and community has guided her journey, and she is honored to represent student voices, advocate for meaningful outcomes, and help strengthen ties across VCC. 

Tanmay Chugh is a student in the High Performance and Custom Engine Technician Diploma program at Vancouver Community College. With a strong academic background and hands-on project experience—including developing a fully functional e-commerce website—Tanmay has built analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Tanmay is passionate about representing student voices on the Board of Governors, advocating for policies that support academic success, equitable access to resources, and professional growth. Collaborative by nature, Tanmay values consensus-building and diverse perspectives, aiming to strengthen the academic experience for all VCC students.

Since 2010, Francesco Barillaro has contributed to VCC in instructional, leadership, and curriculum development roles across several departments. He’s served as an Instructional Associate with the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research since 2019 and has been active on committees for curriculum, policy, EDI, and online learning. Francesco holds degrees in Communication and TESOL, and has taught at BC universities and coordinated English programs in Brazil. He is committed to equity, collaboration, and supporting VCC’s diverse community as Faculty-at-Large on the Board of Governors.

Dr. Paul Yeung was elected to the Board as Support Staff Representative in 2020 and for a second term in October 2023.  Dr. Yeung has been working as a VCC support staff since 2011. He has held various positions in academia, government and the not for profit sector. In academia, he has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at UBC, SFU, and Brock University and is currently treasurer of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), as well as a board member for the Private Practitioner Chapter. In government, Dr. Yeung was a researcher to the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control (CCDPC) for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Dr. Yeung has authored articles in refereed journals and presented at conferences in Canada and abroad.

Ajay Patel was confirmed as president of Vancouver Community College on January 24, 2020. He first joined VCC in May 2019 as Vice-President, Enterprise and International Development.  Ajay has over 25 years of post-secondary experience, and has consistently distinguished himself for his strategic leadership and for his inspiration and support for students, employees, and the whole community.  More Info on the Office of the President and the Senior Team.

Louise Dannhauer has been part of VCC for over 14 years, starting as a Skin and Body Therapy Instructor and now serving as Department Head.  Louise has been an active member of Education Council since 2021, holding roles such as Chair of the Education Policy and Education Quality Committees, Vice-Chair, and now Chair. She holds a Master of Education from SFU, a Provincial Instructor Diploma from VCC, and an Organizational Coaching Certificate from UBC. Louise brings expertise in curriculum design, accessibility, and quality assurance, and has held leadership positions with SkilledTradesBC and national industry associations. She is committed to inclusive, student-centred education and collaborative governance at VCC.