Our Founding Team
Founders & Leadership
ISABELLE HON-LEE
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Working at one of the largest financial institutions as Senior Consultant, Strategic Initiatives and previously at an award-winning financial services company as Corporate Governance Manager, Isabelle was a nominee of the WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women award and a finalist of the 2020 Women in Payment's Rising Star award. She has led many strategic initiatives that garnered the attention of C-suite executives and seasoned Board members.
She graduated from the University of Toronto (St. George) with distinction, holding an Honours B.A. degree with double major in Employment Relations and Urban Studies. With a desire to pursue further education in the fields of leadership and business strategy, Isabelle is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Human Resources at her alma mater with a straight-A academic record and has also completed a certificate program at the Harvard Business School (online).
As a native Cantonese speaker that was born and raised in Hong Kong, Isabelle is fluent in three languages (Cantonese, Mandarin and English). She truly values her roots and strives to give back to her community by volunteering her time and making investments to support women entrepreneurs.
She was featured in Ming Pao Canada (Eastern Edition)'s cover story in 2016 and was recently interviewed by the World Finance Magazine together with her colleagues to discuss "How to adopt the best corporate governance practices in a privately held company". Isabelle enjoys sharing her story and experience to help inspire others. She is a frequent guest speaker at universities, colleges and non-profit educational groups.
Isabelle is a wife and a proud mother of one.
VIRGINIA ZHAO
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Virginia is an experienced angel investor and a management professional at one of the most renowned real estate companies in Western Canada. She has a track record of experience in PR, HR, immigration law and business development. She formerly worked at a reputable law firm and the Saskatchewan Government as a legal and public policy analyst. She is registered as a Commissioner of Oaths in Canada and also a holder of the Saskatchewan Property Management License and the British Columbia Strata Management License.
Being drawn to the Canadian education system and learning environment, Virginia participated in an international joint program to complete a Bachelor of Law degree from Xi'an Jiantong University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan. After graduating with double degrees, she decided to stay in Canada and successfully obtained a Master of Public Administration from her alma mater.
As a certified early childhood educator in her hometown and a loving mother of one, Virginia is experienced in helping children build confidence, resilience and social consciousness. Her knowledge and expertise in early education is focused on concentration training, full brain development and potential enrichment. She is also a consultant of Usborne Books, an award-winning company for children's books.
RACHEL LAWAL
CO-FOUNDER & COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
Currently pursuing a Joint Honours degree in Political Science and Marketing at McGill University, Rachel is an active member of several campus organizations, including the Faculty of Arts Council and the McGill University Welcome Centre (Ambassador/Tour Guide division), providing prospective students and parents with information regarding university operations and student life. As one of 53 students chosen from across Canada, Rachel was also a recipient of the Loran provincial scholarship for academic excellence.
As a part-time hand model, Rachel has been featured in national televised and print campaigns representing many of Canada's top brands and corporations. Combined with her experience in graphic design, she provides her artistic services to entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Born and raised in the GTA, Rachel has taken part in various political and commerce initiatives including an internship program at Interac Corp., an award-winning financial service brand that operates the domestic debit network covering all of Canada, and serving as a delegate for the local constituency government riding, all with the goal of becoming a practicing lawyer.
Partners & Consultants
