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Our Dedicated Team

Since our establishment in 2009, the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Society has flourished and expanded. We take immense pride in the expertise and dedication of our team members, who bring their unique experiences and skills to contribute to our success.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Current (2023 -2024)

Co-President

Kim Be Howard

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Kim was recruited at the age of 11 by a dance college in Vietnam; she received a rigorous training that combined an academic education with intensive dance training in Russian classical ballet and folkloric dance practices. Upon graduation, she toured extensively with an ambassadorial dance troupe representing Vietnam to international audiences. Travelling to India, she studied the North Indian classical dance form Kathak. Her wide-ranging repertoire includes traditional T’ai dance, the traditional dance of Vietnam and folk dances of India and Eastern Europe, and her concerts have received high praise in many countries, including Sweden, Italy, Germany, Russia, Mongolia and the united States. Currently residing in the Greater Vancouver area, she teaches, performs and choreographs. In 2009 she co-founded SEACHS, and her choreography and expertise continue to guide the organization.

Co-president

William Canero

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William currently serves as a Board of Director for the Kathara Pilipino Indigenous Arts Collective Society and the South East Asian Heritage Society. During his time at UBC, William served as Councillor for the Graduate Student Society, the Planning Students Association, and the Planning Equity Coalition. William has had the privilege of facilitating consultations with the Pilipino community, lead non-profits through strategic and long-term planning, and has recently worked with Burnaby’s Planning Department on ethnic business and farmer protections, arts and culture within Official Community Plans, and Indigenous parks co-management research. He has since moved on to start his own consulting firm, Malaya Planning and Engagement, which works with non-profits around planning issues within their local communities. As the current Systems Change Coordinator for Collingwood Neighbourhood House, William supports the ongoing work of the community to identify the root causes of systemic issues and build capacity for lasting and positive change.

Senior manager

Annie Dieu Ha

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Born in Vietnam, Annie embarked on a remarkable journey that shaped her into the extraordinary woman she is today. Leaving her homeland at the age of 18 with her parents, brother, and two sisters, Annie's path was destined for greatness. From a young age, Annie's talent and dedication to ballet were evident. Handpicked for the prestigious Ballet School in Ha Noi, she honed her skills and nurtured her artistic passion. The stage became her sanctuary, and her graceful movements captivated audiences.
Annie's commitment to preserving and sharing her cultural heritage led her to SEACHS. She leads and teaches traditional dances, ensuring that these rich Southeast Asian traditions are passed down to future generations. Through her dedication and expertise, Annie has become a guiding light, inspiring others to embrace their cultural roots and celebrate the beauty of dance.
Annie's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of art. Her unwavering dedication to ballet and her commitment to preserving her cultural heritage have left an indelible mark on those around her. Annie's story is one of triumph over adversity and a reminder that the pursuit of one's passion can bring joy and purpose even in the face of life's challenges.

Grant director

Lam Dang

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Lam Dang is a former community worker, avid reader and SEACHS volunteer who joined the Board of Directors this year.

Treasurer

Khanh Nguyen

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Khanh has worn many hats in the film industry: script supervisor, actress, assistant director, grip, production assistant, and singer-songwriter. Originally from Vietnam, her adaptability on set proves her dedication to mastering every facet of filmmaking. She's refined her craft by shadowing esteemed Crazy8s directors like Ava Maria Safai and Thomas Affolter in award-winning shorts, such as “JEFFREY” (Run N Gun, 2023). Her keen eye for detail in script supervision ensures that every page flawlessly transitions to the screen. Driven by the challenges she encounters as a minority in the Canadian film and music realms, Khanh is determined to amplify the voices of the underrepresented through her directorial ventures. Beyond film, her involvement with SEACHS as a multilingual singer and board treasurer demonstrates her passion for championing Vietnamese culture.

Mentor Director

Susan Mckenzie

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Susan was born and dwells on unceded Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh lands. Dance is her field - currently, she works with Mascall Dance and serves on The Only Animal Board of Directors. Her volunteer work with SEACHS and the Vietnam Education Society is fueled by a love of Vietnamese culture and gratitude for the privilege of being adoptive parents to a daughter born in Vietnam.

Secretary

Firda Wijaya

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Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and later immigrating to Canada in 2016, Firda's dancing journey commenced at the age of 6 when she was introduced to Balinese dancing. Currently, in addition to her role as a member of SEACHS' Board of Directors, she leads an Indonesian folk dance group, Srikandi Indonesia.

Dedicated members

SEACHS is immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication of its members, spanning over a decade. Their commitment has been the cornerstone of our success.

Hellen Hien Tran

Solara Thanh-Binh Dang

Vi An Diep

Jessica Ly

​Dennis D. Gupa

Thai-Hoa

FOUNDERS

Our organization owes its very existence to the vision and dedication of our esteemed founders, who laid the foundation for SEACHS's mission and success. Their unwavering commitment continues to inspire our journey toward positive change and impact.

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Kim Be Howard

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Thai Hoa Le

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Julie Loan Tran

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Thao Co

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Phuong Uyen Ta

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