Current Board Members 2022
Lindsey Li, Chair has almost a decade of experience serving on non-profit boards in the areas of research & advocacy, civic engagement, and social services, and joined ACAS in October 2018. Lindsey was previously employed at a philanthropic foundation and has also worked in social policy research, community development, child rights, fundraising, scholarship programming and marketing & communications. A first-generation Canadian raised the prairies, Lindsey completed an undergraduate degree in international development and globalization studies at the University of Ottawa as a Loran Scholar. She currently works in online events operations and hospitality.
Robinson Truong, Vice-Chair joined the ACAS Board of Directors in 2020 and was a previous ACAS volunteer in the health promotion team. He holds an M.Sc. from the University of Toronto in Medical Science, where his research examined health inequities for gender and sexual minorities. He joins ACAS with experience in grant writing, program planning and delivery, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) approach to all community obstacles. Robinson also serves on other EDI committees, particularly at St. Michael Hospital and the University of Toronto Graduate Student Union. He is also passionate about supporting racialized communities, LGBTQ2S+ issues, health equity, and mental health. In his free time, you can find Robinson eating bánh mì in Toronto’s Chinatown!
Raymund Carino, Secretary is a settler from the Philippines who’s been living in Canada since 2011. He has a degree in Business Administration and completed a Project Management program. He currently works as a Sr Analyst in the Telecommunications industry. He has been a part of ACAS since 2019, and He has attended the SLAM men’s Conference, the PinkDOT event, and he regularly attends information sessions and events for the men’s program. He is also a member of Pride Toronto and OUTwrites, a Queer writing collective. When not working, you’ll see him at AGO or the park or a Karaoke bar (pre-COVID) or Karaoke zoom chat. He is a strong believer in positive thinking, and he wants to see ACAS as a community organization that helps Queer Asians find an inclusive, supportive, self-affirming environment much the same way he had found such a space in my short time with the group.
David Cai, Treasurer is a lawyer, a project manager, a change management consultant, a policy maker, a leader, and a previous board member of another 2SLGBTQ+ organization. Although members, volunteers, and clients of ACAS are diverse in our identities, we share a common thread: the lived-in experience of oppression and stigmatization. That lived-in experience is what made David Cai want to be part of the ACAS board. He hopes to bring the skills and talent he has gained from his professional life to help those in our community in need and also improve the experience for future generations.
Le Thai Ly, Director has been part of the HIV/AIDS movement for over 20 years and has worked in the AIDS Service sector for 15 years. She has also volunteered for several AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in various capacities throughout the years, providing support and working behind the scenes for numerous annual events and fundraisers. In her 15 years of working for an ASO she has developed and maintained relationships with clients, volunteers, and members in the community which she believes can be an asset to ACAS’ in strengthening our team atmosphere that will provide opportunities of great motivational and professional dimensions. Throughout the years she has been privileged to engage and learn from people infected and affected by HIV and are familiar with issues and challenges facing PHAs especially stigma associated with HIV.
Hogan Lam, Director is a social worker, a community organizer, and an advocate against anti-Asian racism with extensive experience working with Asian populations. He joined the ACAS Board of Directors in May 2023. Hogan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sexual Diversity Studies and Equity Studies and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, through which he developed a community-centred and anti-oppressive approach to non-profit management. As a first-generation queer immigrant from Hong Kong, Hogan commits to combating all stigma and discrimination against Asian communities, as well as serving and empowering fellow Asian newcomers and immigrants.
Jaclyn Wong (she/her), Director is a racialized settler and public school teacher in Tkaronto. She recently co-managed the “Live Well, Take Action: Ambassador Program for East Asian Youth” at 11 high schools across York Region. This after-school program encouraged students to explore their social positions and its connections to well-being, activism and community. For the past decade, she has facilitated workshops for youth, educators and community members, focusing on topics that aim to challenge the status quo and re-center marginalized voices. Jaclyn has also been involved in research projects, grassroots initiatives, and panel discussions. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Trent University with particular interests in anti-oppressive education, activism and well-being. Jaclyn is a proud mom of two cats.
Vanessa Ling Yu, Director is the founding executive director of caterToronto, a Toronto neighbourhoods-based catering network with the mission to cultivate better social and economic outcomes by connecting people and food in ways that are diverse, dignified, and delicious for all! She continues to build caterToronto as a social enterprise network that supports the advancement of newcomer, queer, and racialized women in their food industry careers and businesses through training, resources, spaces, services, and community networks. Vanessa’s experience and interests range widely from anthropology to advocacy, generally through community-based art, health promotion, civic engagement, and active participation. She is passionate about social justice, food systems, and seeming contradictions!