Executive Team

Koby Chen | Executive Director and Founder

Currently in Grade 11 at St. George’s School, Koby is beyond ecstatic to be leading the A.WARE Project. To him, art is a solution and remedy— an escape from the chaos of life. He uses art as a medium to communicate with others, to express his ideas, and to relax. Thus, he established this organization in order to share artistic outlets and empower a community that needs it. Through A.WARE, he hopes to amplify the value of creativity and help individuals of all abilities find acceptance.

Michelle Li | Vice Executive Director

A senior at West Point Grey Academy, Michelle is thrilled to serve as the Creative Director for the A.WARE Foundation. From painting and illustration to theatre and photography, her broad experience in artistic endeavours showcases an ever-evolving approach to life. Through these mediums, she believes one is able to search for beauty and solace during both life’s splendours and sorrows. In growing A.WARE, she hopes to build a welcoming community of acceptance, dialogue and empathy.

Kelly Ho | Managing Director

As a first-year student at the University of British Columbia, Kelly is delighted to serve as the Managing Director for A.WARE Foundation! She is excited to help shape A.WARE into a community that promotes inclusivity for all. Kelly finds art in various mediums such as photography and music. She believes that art conveys a universal language with no boundaries or limits. Kelly hopes that through A.WARE’s initiative of giving a voice to those without an outlet of expression will create a more diverse, understanding and compassionate world for all.

Johnny Sheng | Director of Logistics

Johnny is a boarder at St. Georges, currently in his junior year. Ever since Johnny was young, he has fallen in love with the visual arts and expanding his appreciation for it by learning ceramics upon moving to Canada. He enjoys the intricacy and detail put into an art piece, and how art can turn mistakes into something potentially beautiful. As the Director of Logistics, Johnny is thrilled to be working up close with the volunteers to help establish a person's sense of self through the form of art.

Makayla Wijanta | Volunteer Coordinator

In her final year at West Point Grey Academy, Makayla is eager to meet other passionate people and make new friends as the Volunteer Coordinator at A.WARE. Finding solace and love in music and the performing arts, Makayla believes that our emotions and passions are often translated and understood by others through all mediums of art. Through A.WARE, Makayla seeks to impact and bring joy to others through the art of her own.

Alizah Irfan| Director of Outreach

In her junior year, Alizah Irfan attends Fraser Heights Secondary. Astounded by the natural world around her she enjoys landscape photography and painting as well as semi-realism sketching. Through her work as DER for A.WARE, she strives to connect others with the joys of unique expression and choice in art pieces.

Jenna Farhoud | Program Coordinator

Jenna, currently in her junior year at Moscrop Secondary School, is eager to be a part of the A.WARE team. She perceives art as a form of self-expression that you can’t go wrong with. It is a creative outlet for many, an opportunity to escape reality. Through her efforts as one of A.WARE’s Programme Coordinator, Jenna aspires to give everyone a safe space where they can feel empowered, despite who they are. She strives to impact her community and make a difference by influencing others around her while learning more about herself.

Brigette Lee | Marketing Coordinator

Approaching her Grade Eleven year at West Point Grey Academy, Brigette is thrilled to be a part of the A.WARE executive team. Passionate in music, visual arts, poetry, and painting, Brigette imagines art as a way to connect with nature and our subconsciousness. Brigette hopes that through A.WARE, she will be able to build new relationships with other artistic individuals and help to create a more accepting and compassionate community.

Timothy Hu | Director of Outreach

Tim, in his junior year at St. George’s School, is overjoyed to be the Director of Outreach for A.WARE Foundation. Passionate about dance and literature, he believes art is a fantastic way to reveal one’s hidden desires through creative means, and that one can use art as a tool to grow and learn about themselves. Tim hopes that through A.WARE, he can make art accessible to everyone so that they may appreciate the beauty of expression. 

Angel Ye | Program Coordinator

Progressing to her Grade 12 year in West Point Grey Academy, Angel Ye is one of the Programme Coordinators for the A.WARE Foundation. She believes that art is a medium that can bring joy to others, and create an impact on others’ lives. She wants to spread this joy to all the people around her, and especially to A.WARE and create meaningful bonds. Through A.WARE, she hopes to be able to create a safe and inclusive place for all to create art and have fun! Angel hopes to be able to make an impact through art to those around her through A.WARE.

Ben Solliday | Campaign Coordinator

Ben, a rising 11th grader from Arlington High School in New York, is ecstatic to collaborate with the A.WARE Foundation. Art to Ben is all about self-development and introspective discovery. Ben has utilized the arts as a platform for him to express his identity and struggles. In his downtime, he works as a figurative oil painter and sculptor. As Campaign Coordinator, Ben hopes to create a positive difference through the power of visual arts.

JOIN THE A.WARE FAMILY!

Looking to work with a team of creative and passionate students? Want to participate and contribute to our initiatives? Join our team below!