Christina Wong is Executive Director and Co-Founder of Employ to Empower, an organization that provides access development and entrepreneurial resources to local residents. Using a “hand-up, not hand out” approach, Christina developed programs that offer affordable micro-loans and business mentorship to people facing work and social barriers. She was instrumental in developing the organization’s Basic Business Fundamentals and Soft Skills Course for local artists and entrepreneurs. Employ to Empower advocates to bring about positive change for residents in the Downtown Eastside to create a community free of stigma, where residents are seen, heard and validated. To encourage dialogue, Christina created the Cardboard Project which seeks to engage local entrepreneurs in the Downtown Eastside with the other members of the public to raise awareness and showcase artists’ voices.

Christina is passionate about challenging the way we talk about poverty and homelessness. Her vision is to see a Downtown Eastside community free of stigma. Christina frequently challenges the stigma through experiential events, like the Cardboard Project 2.0, with notable partners like Daily Hive + TELUS.