Board of Governors members

The VCC Board of Governors includes government‑appointed and college‑elected members who bring a wide range of experience and perspectives. Together, they ensure the college serves the public interest and supports our strategic goals.

Our members represent diverse communities and expertise. They guide decisions on academic quality, equity, financial stewardship, and campus planning, ensuring VCC stays accountable, inclusive, and aligned with evolving public needs.

Meet the individuals who contribute to VCC’s leadership and help shape today’s student experience.

Members

Mahin Rashid

Chair

Appointed Member Term: July 31, 2018 to July 31, 2026

Mahin Rashid is a strategic leader and change professional, dedicating her career to organizations that create a positive impact in community. As Director, Customer (Member) Readiness and Process Optimization at Vancity Credit Union, her role is to create and lead change within the organization, resulting in a better customer (member) and employee experience. Her previous roles include the Director of Business Planning and Performance at Vancity, Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant for the Presidents Group, a network of BC business leaders working to recruit and retain diverse talent, and a Director of Revenue Development at United Way, an organization focused on poverty alleviation and community development.

Mahin is a long-standing and active volunteer with a variety of organizations such as Vancouver Foundation and Rainbow Refugee. She has a passion for fostering change in the areas of social and economic inclusion.

Jeffrey Yu

Vice Chair, Appointed

Term: July 12, 2021 to July 31, 2028

Jeffrey Yu is the principal owner of REL Technology Inc, a company that empowers people to live an independent and healthy lifestyle. As a former Assistant Operations Manager for Five Star Building Maintenance, and as an Integrated Service Manager and numerous Management roles in the Long Term Care Industry, Mr. Yu has extensive management and leadership experience.  Mr. Yu is also experienced in real estate development and master site planning.

Active in his community, he is a member of Premier’s Chinese Canadian Community Advisory Committee, Trustee Chair for the New Vista Society and the Board Chair of Trustees for the Burnaby Library. He is a Nutrition Manager of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Managers and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Simon Fraser University.

Carol Ye

Appointed

Term: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Carol Ye is a Chartered Professional Accountant and tax practitioner with a Master of Laws in Taxation from UBC. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Applied Legal Science at SFU. Carol brings deep expertise in tax compliance and planning, and is an active community volunteer focused on economic inclusion.

Dr. Chi Lo

Appointed

Term: July 31, 2023 to July 31, 2026

Dr. Chi Lo is Principal Lawyer, Barrister & Solicitor at CML Law Corporation. Previously, he was Census Enumerator at Statistics Canada. Active in his community, Dr. Lo is an Advising Lawyer with Access Pro Bono, and Honourary Legal Advisor for The Natives of Toi Shan Benevolent Society. Dr. Lo holds a Juris Doctor in English and Hong Kong Common Law, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Chinese University of Hong Kong; a Master of Applied Science from the University of British Columbia; a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from Imperial College, University of London; a Chartered Financial Analyst from CFA Institute; advanced (postgraduate) diploma courses from the British Columbia Institute of Technology; and, certificates from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and Harvard University Online.

Christie Sparklingeyes

Appointed

Term: Term: December 1, 2023 to July 31, 2027

Christie Sparklingeyes is an Indigenous Recruiter for Vancity. Previously, Ms. Sparklingeyes was a Talent Acquisition Specialist for Vancity. Active in her community, she is the Chair of the Indigenous
Employee Resource Group (ERG) for Vancity and the Co-Lead Financial Literacy Facilitator for Vancity. Ms. Sparklingeyes holds an MTI Community College Child & Youth Care Diploma.

Colin Zuo

Appointed

Term: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Colin Zuo is an entrepreneur and community leader with over 15 years of experience in business and finance. As General Manager of Intertrips Canada Ltd., he has built a successful B2B travel company and previously held advisory roles at major Canadian banks. Colin is also active in cultural and philanthropic initiatives, including fundraising for local hospitals and supporting immigrant communities.

sXalusat – Michele Guerin

Appointed

Term: Term: December 1, 2023 to July 31, 2027

sXalusat is a proud Elder of the Musqueam Band.
 
Michele has worked with First Nations for over 30 years. Ms. Guerin holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia and was called to the Bar of BC in 2007. She practiced Aboriginal law as an Associate with Ratcliffe and Company LLP. Ms. Guerin was the Director of Research at the National Centre for First Nations Governance until starting her own consulting firm, Guerin Tetreault & Associates specializing in Indigenous governance advisory and Nation-building work, along with community consultation and engagement. 
 
Ms. Guerin is a past Governor of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and served as a Director on the Board for Ecojustice and previously sat as a Musqueam Band Councillor. Ms Guerin’s educational journey began when she obtained her GED certificate as a single mother at VCC.

Simon Cheng

Appointed

Term: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Simon Cheng brings over 15 years of experience as a Financial Planner with the Royal Bank of Canada, where he specializes in retirement transition planning and personalized financial strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and holds multiple certifications, including CFP, CIM, and PFP. Simon is actively involved in community service through board roles with the Taiwanese Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association of BC and the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC, and volunteers with newcomer support programs and senior outreach initiatives.

Dr. Steve Cardwell

Appointed

Term: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Dr. Steve Cardwell is a seasoned leader in public education, having served as Vice President at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Professor of Teaching at UBC, and Superintendent/CEO of both the Vancouver and Delta School Boards. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from SFU and has contributed to numerous provincial and national education councils and accreditation bodies.

Synthia Kloot

Appointed

Term: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026

Synthia Kloot is a strategic and inclusive leader with a strong track record in operational efficiency across multiple industries. Known for her ability to build partnerships and deliver results, she has led the development and implementation of new roles and systems aligned with organizational strategy.

Dilraj Singh Sandhu

Student Representative, Elected Student

Term: November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025

Dilraj Singh Sandhu, is a Business Management student at VCC, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering, and an MBA in Marketing Management. Before becoming a VCC student, Dilraj was in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry for 3 years, leading a team and managing sales-related strategic initiatives and market analysis.  Dilraj is currently Chair, Student Union of VCC (SUVCC).  This position allows him to participate in the community and build on his leadership skills.

Harleen Kaur

Student Representative, Elected Student

Term: November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025

Harleen Kaur is a second-year student in the Business and Project Management program at Vancouver Community College (VCC). With over seven years of experience in public relations, communications, and human resources, she combines her professional expertise with a passion for making a positive impact on campus.
As a former Board Director for the Student Union of Vancouver Community College (SUVCC), Harleen has gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by students on campus and across the province. She is dedicated to enhancing campus life and advocating for improved student services while keeping the overall college’s interests in mind. Harleen strives to support a thriving community where students and the institution can grow together.

Jennifer Cummins

Faculty Representative, Elected

Term: November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026

Jennifer Cummins was elected by the faculty group in October 2023. Jennifer has been a VCC employee of since 2010. She is currently a faculty member in the English as an Additional Language Department and proud to work with immigrants, refugees and Canadian citizens on improving their English language skills. She holds a Masters of Education in Educational Psychology from Simon Fraser University. She has sat on two board of directors prior to joining the Board of Governors at VCC. She was the Board Secretary and Membership Chair of The Association of British Columbia Teachers of English as an Additional Language (BC TEAL) from 2021 – 2023. She is also a current board member for the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB). From 2022, she has been the representative for the VCCFA on the Women and Gender Equity Committee of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. 

Dr. Paul Yeung

Support Staff Representative, Elected

Term: November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026

Dr. Paul Yeung was elected to the Board as Support Staff Representative in 2020 and for a second term in October 2023.  Dr. Yeung has been working as a VCC support staff since 2011. He has held various positions in academia, government and the not for profit sector. In academia, he has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at UBC, SFU, and Brock University and is currently treasurer of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), as well as a board member for the Private Practitioner Chapter. In government, Dr. Yeung was a researcher to the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control (CCDPC) for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Dr. Yeung has authored articles in refereed journals and presented at conferences in Canada and abroad.

Ajay Patel

President & CEO, Ex-Officio

Ajay Patel was confirmed as president of Vancouver Community College on January 24, 2020. He first joined VCC in May 2019 as Vice-President, Enterprise and International Development.  Ajay has over 25 years of post-secondary experience, and has consistently distinguished himself for his strategic leadership and for his inspiration and support for students, employees, and the whole community.  More Info on the Office of the President and the Senior Team.

Louise Dannhauer

Education Council Chair, Ex-Officio

Term: September 9, 2025 to December 31, 2025

Louise Dannhauer is the current Chair of Education Council (EdCo) at VCC. Louise has worked at VCC as a Department Head, Hair Design & Skin/Body Therapy, and has been the EdCo Vice Chair, leading up to her election as Chair in September 2025.

Contact the Board of Governors

For governance-related questions, contact the Board Secretariat.

Email: dlucas@vcc.ca

Phone: 604-871-7000 ext. 1234

Mail: Office of the Board Secretariat

Vancouver Community College

1155 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC

You can also contact VCC’s campuses directly. See location details below.