We are pleased to welcome two new team members to our Vancouver office!
Kaitlin Hong Tai
Kaitlin Hong Tai is a network program manager for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network program at TFRI. She holds a BSc in Biomedical Physiology from Simon Fraser University and certificates in management, health and fitness studies and addiction medicine. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit realm, including in molecular and community health research, program and event management, stakeholder management and fundraising.
What is your #DearTerry message?
Dear Terry,
So many people around the world know your name and about your accomplishments. You’re also an inspirational figure for so many budding philanthropists and researchers in Canada. Because of your determination, cancer research is top of mind amongst funders and policy makers, and investigators are making great strides. Thank you for the spark you provided to the cause.
What is something you saw recently that made you smile?
While scrolling through social media, I saw a post about an elderly couple in Asia that run a laundromat. The couple are in their 80s and they’ve been running the business for decades. As you would imagine, people sometimes forget to pick up their clothing. Their grandson had the idea to have his grandparents dress up in the forgotten clothing and pose for photos. The end results are lovely.
Are you reading anything interesting right now?
I’m currently reading Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, a biography about the South Korean music and performance group, BTS. It’s interesting to learn about the challenges and experiences of people who have such a different career path and lifestyle compared to your own. And as someone who grew up without a lot of Asian representation in music and media, it’s great seeing these individuals make history.
Kaja Tecza
Kaja Tecza is TFRI’s interim agreements coordinator. Kaja completed her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of British Columbia in 2015 and is currently working towards completing her J.D. at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. She is expected to graduate in 2025. Kaja has years of experience in legal case management, policy analysis, and stakeholder relationship management.
What is your #DearTerry message?
Dear Terry,
Thank you for showing us many small steps can conquer big challenges.
What is something you saw recently that made you smile?
Despite being up in the nosebleeds, the recent Tears for Fears concert I attended still has me smiling. It truly is a “Mad World” that “Everyone Wants to Rule.”
Are you reading anything interesting right now?
The most recent audiobook I finished was Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone. However, I particularly recommend it for women who tend to give a lot of themselves and their time to others. I also want to give a shout out to CBC’s The Debaters. It is my go-to listen for profusely laughing while getting things done around the house.