Volunteer
Volunteer with us and connect, grow, and lead within a caring network.
Leader Circle thrives on the invaluable contributions of volunteers. By joining us, you step into a vibrant, tightly-knit community of passionate individuals. Here, we foster mutual growth, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on impactful initiatives.
Whether you aim to propel your career forward, nurture your leadership abilities, or make a difference in worthy causes, Leader Circle offers the perfect platform. It’s a place where you can connect with like – minded peers, expand your horizons through learning, and take the lead in creating positive change.
Your involvement will not only enhance your personal and professional journey but also be an essential part of our collective efforts to make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer 2025
Chongguang Zhang
Volunteer
Chongguang Zhang is a Project Manager at MSH International, steering cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and data-driven initiatives that boost operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction. He earned his MBA from the Schulich School of Business (’22) and leverages a diversified background in banking, insurance, and e-commerce to translate complex business requirements into executable project plans with measurable outcomes.
Away from project dashboards, Chongguang can be found exploring new destinations with camera in hand, capturing striking landscapes and urban scenes that inspire his creative side.
Edward Gao
Volunteer
Edward is an MBA candidate at the Schulich School of Business, committed to creating meaningful impact for newcomers to Canada. He earned a Master of Economics from Peking University and worked on M&A and various types of complex transactions. This hands‑on deal experience sharpened his ability to collaborate with entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and diverse stakeholders to craft solutions and maintain deal momentum.
Beyond the meeting room, Edward enjoys long hikes and exploring books on history and psychology.
Vera Y.
Volunteer
Vera is a Risk Analytics Consultant at CIBC, where she focuses on developing data-driven credit strategies and optimizing strategy performance.
She holds a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from the Schulich School of Business and a Master of Science in Marketing Analytics from the University of Rochester, Simon Business School. With a background spanning risk modeling, strategy development, and cross-functional collaboration, Vera is committed to creating meaningful, insight-led impact.
As part of the Leader Circle Workshop series, Vera contributes to program design and participant engagement. She values the opportunity to foster thoughtful dialogue and build a supportive, growth-oriented community.
Outside of work, Vera enjoys reading, language learning, and spending time with her cat.
Bowen Nie
Volunteer
Bowen (Tim) Nie holds a degree in Biostatistics from the University of Waterloo and currently serves as an AML Reporting Analyst, where he supports daily compliance operations and ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality reporting. Although his academic background is not in finance, he has developed a strong interest in the field, particularly in anti-fraud measures, financial analytics, and leveraging data-driven insights to enhance decision-making. Eager to expand his expertise, he is keen to learn from industry professionals and further explore the intersection of data science and finance.
Outside of work, he enjoys reading sci-fi, listening to podcasts and folk music, and playing badminton and table tennis as ways to unwind and stay active.
Yunya (Lydia) Li
Volunteer
Yunya is a young professional who graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Mathematics and Statistics and is currently working as a Personal Banking Associate, where she supports clients with their banking and financial goals. She has a growing interest in investment research and analysis and is passionate about connecting with like-minded individuals and growing alongside her peers.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and playing badminton to stay active and inspired.