Connections Café

ACCT's Connections Café is a casual get together where we can connect with one another and continue the conversations of underrepresentation of Chinese Canadians in leadership roles. It is also an opportunity for us to discuss other issues that Chinese Canadians are facing these days.

Next Connections Café:

To Be Announced

Connections Café: Entrepreneurs in Action

Date: Monday, July 18, 2022

Time: 6 – 7:30 pm MT

Via Zoom

Running a small business requires hard work, dedication, and time commitment. Our July Connections Café special guests not only own and operate their own businesses, but they also find time either through their businesses or outside of it to support the Chinese Canadian communities.

Join us at this Connections Café as we chat with these trailblazers to learn more about why they do what they do, what were some of the barriers they encountered and what advice they would have for all of us to give back to our community.  

Meet Our Special Guests:

Alice Lam
Calgary, Alberta

Alice Lam is an avid volunteer in the Calgary community and has created non profits such as the Calgary Community Fridge and Good Neighbour Community Market. She has spent a lot of time advocating for the needs of Chinatown residents to keep the neighbourhood affordable and thriving. She hosts Chinatown history tours for the community at large. In her day job, she works in real estate as a property manager for commercial properties.

Christine Chee and Cassie Leung
Vancouver, B.C.

Christine Chee and Cassie Leung are owners of I’ll Know It When I See It™, a sweet + slightly snarky paper goods™ + gifts from Vancouver, BC. Their products are sometimes nostalgic, often funny + occasionally Asian-inspired.


Their work has always been from the heart, creating what feels most authentic to them in the moment. They’ve been joyfully reawakening to their Chinese heritage of late, allowing for more of their identity + experiences to come through their designs. Being able to snark on niche cultural references while also discussing universal topics like asking your partner what they want for dinner until death perfectly encompasses their ethos.

Supporting local + Canadian businesses is one of their core values + they pride themselves on being Made in Canada. Their goods are produced either in Vancouver or with manufacturers across the country. The small business community is strong + they’re proud to be part of it.