Introducing CBC Calgary’s 2025 class of Asian Changemakers

 

CBC Calgary is highlighting the rich heritage and contributions of Asian Calgarians through Asian Changemakers 2025 — a video series featuring five remarkable individuals. While each Changemaker has their own unique goals and interests, togerher they share a common commitment to giving back to the community. 

Ready to meet the Asian Changemakers class of 2025? Click on a Changemaker’s name to jump to their video!

→ Aroona Khiani
→ Bill Zheng
→ Brian Wong
→ Byron Chan
→ Gennerose Bacani

Aroona Khiani is a character designer and filmmaker who uses storytelling as a way to reclaim space and amplify Asian voices in animation. Her nine-time award-winning short film, DIYA, which streamed on CBC and CBC Gem, explores cultural identity through the eyes of an Indo-Canadian girl — and has touched audiences across the globe.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to inspiring others and helping people feel seen and represented, whether through the stories I tell or the spaces I create for emerging artists as a mentor, festival adjudicator and advocate for diversity.

Her goal is to inspire people, especially those from marginalized communities, to feel seen in the stories we tell and to know their voices belong in this industry. Through every project and initiative, she strives to amplify underrepresented perspectives and help build a more inclusive society.

Why do you do what you do?

I know firsthand the power of seeing yourself reflected in stories, and the pain of not seeing it. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked like me or shared my experiences. That absence made me question whether voices like mine belonged in the creative world. Now, through my films and advocacy, I aim to fill that gap: to tell stories that honour cultural authenticity, to help others feel seen and to foster environments where marginalized artists can grow and thrive. I see my role in guiding others, nurturing their development and inspiring confidence in them to share their own stories.

What impact do you see from your work?

I feel incredibly honoured every time I witness how people respond to my work, whether it’s someone sharing that they finally saw themselves in a character I helped create, a parent saying my film helped their child embrace their cultural identity, or someone enjoying the story and gaining a deeper understanding of experiences different from their own. 

One of the most moving moments for me was when DIYA was selected for Milwaukee Film’s Educational Screenings program, where more than 1,200 under-served students had the chance to watch the film and engage with it through a worksheet encouraging creative and critical thinking. 

Hearing how children connected with the story reminded me why I create — to give audiences the gift of seeing stories reflecting unique voices on screen. 

My work has sparked conversations about belonging and representation at festivals, in classrooms and within communities, and seeing how it empowers others to share their own stories and take initiative in their creative journeys is the impact I value most.

What would you recommend to someone who’s reading this and wants to make an impact?

I’d say start where you are, making a difference doesn’t have to be grand or public to be meaningful. Change often begins in small, intentional ways: uplifting someone’s voice in your community, sharing your story, or creating space for others to feel seen. 

Those seemingly simple actions ripple outward and can inspire more than you realize. What matters most is showing up with authenticity and purpose, because even the smallest steps toward inclusivity, representation and care contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate community.

---

Aroona wants to continue creating projects that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially in her community. 

She’s excited about a project she’s working on with the Alberta Children’s Hospital to direct a short film about stem cell transplantation. This film will help pediatric patients and their families better understand the process, improve health literacy and empower them to make informed decisions about their care. 

She can’t wait to see the impact it will have, not just in educating, but in giving comfort, clarity and representation to families navigating such a challenging experience. 

This is her hope for the future — that her projects continue to have real impact in helping people feel informed, seen and supported through the stories she creates.

Back to the top

Bill Zheng thinks he hit a quarter life crisis when he suddenly fell in love with plants this summer (although he says keeping them alive is still a work in progress). He also spends his spare time tending to his many reptiles, fish and amphibians and playing the piano. 

Bill is a fourth-year nursing student at the University of Calgary, who is deeply involved in his community. 

He serves as the president and CEO of RadiCare Ventures, a property maintenance social enterprise that employs people facing barriers to work, helping keep Calgary safe and clean. 

Bill is also the co-founder of the Calgary Pop-Up Care Village, a one-day festival that blends entertainment, arts, health care and social services to create a dignified and inclusive space for people who are often excluded from mainstream events. 

On top of that, Bill sits on the board of the Calgary Chinatown Business Improvement Area, where he co-chairs the Clean and Safe Committee. 

At the heart of it all, I love seeing my community thrive and bringing my nursing lens into unexpected places.

Why do you do what you do?

I do this work because Calgary has given so much to me, especially during times when I needed it most. I chose nursing after navigating the complicated health and social service systems while supporting a loved one who was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. That experience opened my eyes to how easily people can be left behind and how urgently we need advocates to push for change.

I want to be a voice for people whose perspectives are too often ignored, to ensure their opinions shape policy and practice. I’m passionate about systemic change about how health-care providers, law enforcement and social services work within the constraints (or freedoms) of institutional and government policies. I am very passionate about positively changing social and political determinants of health, because those structures shape outcomes for so many people on such a massive scale.

What impact do you see from your work?

Through RadiCare Ventures, we’ve employed more than 40 individuals since 2023 — people who otherwise faced huge barriers to employment, including homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and disability. By doing this, we’re not only opening doors for them but also improving the day-to-day experience of Calgarians — keeping properties clean, safe and well-maintained.

One project I’m particularly proud of is our Washroom Attendant Program in partnership with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. Since January 2025, attendants have welcomed more than 25,000 visits, including children and families, while maintaining a safe, dignified, overdose-free environment. A public washroom may seem small, but it’s actually a powerful symbol of community safety and accessibility.

With the Calgary Pop-Up Care Village, the impact is more cultural and symbolic — it’s about elevating dignity, humanity and resilience. We celebrate the culture and creativity of people who often face life’s hardest challenges, showing that hardship and vibrancy can exist side by side.

What would you recommend to someone who’s reading this and wants to make an impact?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I’ve learned so much by reaching out to people far outside my own field — urban planners, lawyers, health-care providers, social workers and beyond. Some of the most powerful insights come from those unexpected intersections. Start by having conversations, asking questions and learning from people with different perspectives. That’s where impact begins.

---

Bill hopes to end up in a leadership role where he can drive evidence-based policy that improves health, social services and public safety at scale. He wants to continue bridging systems, lifting up community voices and helping Calgary become a must-visit destination in the world.

Back to the top

Brian Wong, a long-time Calgarian, is a multifaceted changemaker whose impact spans media, sport, culture and community advocacy. With more than two decades in broadcast journalism, Brian serves as a senior editor at a leading multicultural radio station, where he bridges Eastern and Western values. His commitment to cultural storytelling has made him a trusted voice in the community.

His creativity and character are best captured by a former boss’s words:

Take a healthy dose of creativity, add an incredible work ethic, a brilliant sense of timing and good humour, and a whole lot of technical skill and you’ll have a sense of Brian Wong.

Why do you do what you do?

My journey into broadcasting began with curiosity and admiration for the craft. I first wanted to be a broadcaster because it was so cool. Broadcasting challenged me to be more proactive, a better communicator, and a better listener,” he recalls. “After so many years in the industry, I feel I’ve reached that goal. As my role changes, so as responsibilities. I still love telling stories and sharing good deeds, but more importantly, mentoring the next generations. The most satisfying moments are when positive feedback from the audience tells me those stories made an impact. 

What impact do you see from your work?

I believe my role is to empower others to participate fully in community life. By producing fact-checked information I help audiences cut through misinformation and find a sense of belonging.

I show people I represent them. For example, I’ve recently become a community ambassador for the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders. Friends and fans often tell me how proud they are of what I do — because they feel represented, they also feel like they belong.

What would you recommend to someone who’s reading this and wants to make an impact?

One thing is for sure: everyone has a gift. Make use of it and don’t be shy. Be the sunshine for someone. Try something new, and celebrate those mini victories — they will add up.

---

Brian plans to share his journey with audiences of all ages — newcomers, long-time immigrants and Canadians alike. He envisions building an educational business that nurtures responsible content creators and informed consumers, fostering a society that values integrity in both storytelling and citizenship in the AI era. 

Back to the top

Byron Chan is a born and raised Calgarian and proud son of immigrant parents from Hong Kong, who instilled in him the values of family, hard work and integrity. 

Over the years Byron has worn many hats – corporate lawyer, international NGO worker, non-profit leader and perhaps most proudly, full-time husband and dad.

After a few years in the legal world, Byron made the decision to move to Africa to seek a more purpose-driven career that aligned with his values and desire to make a meaningful impact. 

He spent three years working with an international NGO in sub-Saharan Africa, before immersing himself in Calgary’s non-profit sector where he currently leads the Alberta Law Foundation.

Outside of work, Byron’s life is a whirlwind of sports, music, and family. A proud father of three and an enthusiastic coach of their hockey and baseball teams, he is also a lifelong sports fanatic, an overly-indulgent foodie, a coffee enthusiast, and an avid traveler. 

Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do because I am deeply aware of the privilege I was born into. By pure accident of birth, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a loving, supportive family with parents who provided me with everything I needed and more – opportunities, resources, and a foundation to pursue any path I desired. But I know that many others, through no fault of their own, were not afforded the same advantages. This realization fuels my sense of social responsibility, a drive to give back, and to use my skills and privileges in service of those who haven’t had the same opportunities.

My faith plays a central role in guiding my path. The values and teachings I’ve embraced inspire me to pursue a life centred on grace and love while my principled nature directs me towards justice. I believe in acting with intention and purpose, in a way that uplifts others and contributes to the common good, and it’s at the core of everything I do.

Ultimately, my work is about more than just my career – it’s about setting an example for my children. I want them to understand that their identity and value is not just built on what they achieve or possess, but in how they care for others, serve those in need, and contribute to their community. That’s what keeps me motivated. It’s not just about making a living; it’s about making a difference – and showing my kids that they can do the same.

What impact do you see from your work?

The impact I see from my work is both personal and collective. On a personal level, it helps me stay grounded and humble. Amidst pressures to keep up with the Joneses or tendencies to pursue things that, in the grand scheme, don’t really matter, my work often provides me with a much-needed recalibration. Focusing on a purpose that transcends beyond myself reminds me what truly matters – things like service, community, and justice.

On a collective level, my work gives me the opportunity to contribute to a systemic shift in how people access and experience justice. Even with a legal education and background as a practicing lawyer, I still find many aspects of the legal system intimidating and difficult to navigate. That’s a problem – our justice system should be clear, accessible and reflective of the needs, perspectives and lived experiences of all people. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the reality for far too many individuals and families. At the Alberta Law Foundation, we are seeking to change this.

It has been incredibly impactful to work alongside our community partners — organizations and leaders whose tireless work and brilliance are often overlooked because it exists in the non-profit or charitable sector. These leaders are making real, on-the-ground change, and being able to support their efforts and amplify their work is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.

What would you recommend to someone who’s reading this and wants to make an impact?

Make it personal. The world is filled with good intentions, but we often struggle to convert them into meaningful action. We live in an increasingly busy world with a multitude of things that compete for our time and energy. If you truly seek to make an impact, you’re more likely to find success if it becomes a non-negotiable as opposed to a nice-to-have. If it doesn’t cost you something – whether that’s time, comfort or certainty – it’s unlikely to make a real difference. Real impact requires commitment, hard work and sacrifice. 

It’s not about you. This is something I deeply wrestled with during my time in Africa. It’s uncomfortable to admit, but I constantly had to challenge myself: Was I doing this work because of how I wanted to feel about or understand myself? Or did I truly believe in the cause – enough to keep going even if I never fully saw or realized the impact? It’s complicated because our desire to do good is so often intertwined with how we construct our identity and derive value. But sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from being a link in the chain – not the hero of the story. And that’s more than enough. 

---

Instead of constantly wrestling with what’s next, Byron is focused on being present and continuing to do the best he can to lead the Alberta Law Foundation in fulfilling its mandate. 

On a personal level, he and his wife hope to continue pushing each other to grow and live with intention, embracing the remaining years where they are still the main characters in their children’s lives. Ultimately, he hopes to look back with pride on the role he’s played – personally and professionally – in strengthening his community. 

Back to the top

If I can say I’ve contributed meaningfully to my family, my work, and the people around me, I’ll consider that time well spent.

Gennerose Bacani is a proud junior high teacher at Bishop Kidd School. She was born and raised in the Philippines and came to Canada in 2012. She got her second education degree at St. Mary’s University and she’s been inspiring young minds ever since.

For the past five years, Gennerose has been part of the Calgary Catholic School District, guiding Grade 9 students through the wonders of Science and the creativity of option courses. She wears a second hat as an adviser for two amazing clubs: C4 (Catholic Community of Caring Club) and BK Eco School Club.

Teaching isn’t just my job — it’s my passion, my adventure and my way of building a brighter future.

Why do you do what you do?

I believe teaching is not just about educating young minds, but also about shaping hearts. 

A teacher’s role goes beyond lessons, textbooks and exams — teachers are called to form individuals who are knowledgeable, value-driven and ready to make a difference.  

We teach knowledge so that students can understand the world and use their gifts wisely. We nurture values so that faith, kindness and integrity guide their choices. We inspire acts of service so they may see the joy of giving and the importance of caring for others. We teach them to protect the environment so they learn to be stewards of creation and defenders of our common home. When these elements come together, education becomes transformative. 

Students don’t just leave the classroom smarter — they leave with courage, compassion and purpose. This, I believe, is how we help raise the next generation of leaders who will build a more just, caring and hope-filled world. 

At the end of the day, this is a teacher’s motto and legacy:  To teach is to touch lives forever.

What impact do you see from your work?

Being a teacher is already a vocation that goes far beyond delivering lessons and marking tests. Teaching is a calling that allows me to shape young minds and guide students not only in academics but also in values and character. 

Over the years, my role has expanded beyond the classroom, as I also serve as an adviser for student clubs focused on charity work and environmental stewardship. This dual responsibility has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to educate the whole person — mind, heart and spirit.

In the end, the greatest reward is knowing that my students are leaving the classroom prepared not just for exams, but for life. They carry with them the lessons of compassion, responsibility and stewardship — qualities that will guide them as they become the compassionate, responsible and inspiring leaders of tomorrow.

What would you recommend to someone who’s reading this and wants to make an impact?

I start by saying teaching is not only about delivering lessons but about shaping lives. The most effective teachers recognize that students are more than learners — they are individuals with hopes, struggles, talents, unique life experiences and a potential waiting to be discovered.

1. Teach with passion and purpose. When students see your excitement for learning, they are more likely to be inspired.  

2. Build relationships rooted in respect, empathy and care. Take the time to know your students beyond their grades — listen to their stories, encourage their dreams and support them in their challenges. Students learn best when they feel seen, valued and safe.  

3. Be a role model of values and service. Lead with integrity, kindness and humility. Show that education extends beyond academics by engaging in acts of service, fostering compassion and modelling responsibility.   

4. Empower students to make a difference. Provide opportunities for them to lead projects, contribute ideas and use their gifts to serve others and care for the environment. When students realize that their actions matter, they begin to see themselves as leaders of change. 

5. Never stop growing as a learner yourself. Teaching is a journey of continuous reflection, learning, adaptation and renewal. The more you learn, the more you can inspire.  

---

Gennerose hopes to continue her roles as science teacher and club adviser while growing in depth and purpose. Teaching science will always be at the heart of what she does, but she envisions herself moving beyond the curriculum to create even more meaningful learning experiences that connect knowledge with real-world application.