Aspire to Lead® – 2026 Chinese Canadian Leaders’ Summit – Chinese Canadian Leadership, Belonging, and the Future We Shape

2026-04-22

CPAC is proud to support the Aspire to Lead® – 2026 Chinese Canadian Leaders’ Summit, organized by the ACCT Foundation—a national gathering dedicated to advancing leadership within the Chinese Canadian community.

Taking place May 15–17, 2026 at the University of Waterloo, this year’s summit centres on a timely and important theme: Chinese Canadian Leadership, Belonging, and the Future We Shape.

Setting the Context: Research That Matters

As a key contributor to this year’s summit, CPAC will help set the context for critical conversations by presenting findings from its research study on the Underrepresentation of Chinese Canadian Leadership.

This study sheds light on a persistent and often overlooked challenge—the gap between the strong presence of Chinese Canadians in the workforce and their relatively limited representation in leadership roles across sectors.

By bringing data, insights, and lived realities to the forefront, CPAC aims to:

Ground the summit discussions in evidence and real-world experience
Highlight systemic barriers and opportunities for change
Encourage informed dialogue on leadership pathways and representation
Inspire actionable solutions for individuals and institutions alike

This research presentation will serve as a foundation for deeper conversations throughout the summit.

A Summit Grounded in the Chinese Canadian Experience

The Aspire to Lead® Summit brings together Chinese Canadian leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging voices from across Canada to explore leadership, identity, and participation in today’s society.

It is a space that brings together leaders of Chinese descent from across sectors—business, government, academia, and community—to reflect on where we stand and where we are going.

Key Conversations for 2026

This year’s program will focus on:

Leadership pathways and representation
Belonging, identity, and visibility in leadership
Having a seat at the table and navigating positions of authority
Intergenerational perspectives and lived experiences
First Nations and Chinese Canadian relationships and shared learning
Civic participation and leadership toward 2030

A Dynamic and Engaging Format

Participants will engage through:

Inspiring keynote speeches
Thought-provoking panel discussions
Open and honest dialogue sessions
Interactive roundtables

The summit creates space not only for reflection, but also for practical pathways forward—equipping attendees with insights, connections, and tools to lead with confidence and purpose.

Why This Matters

Chinese Canadians have long contributed to Canada’s social, economic, and cultural fabric, yet their presence in leadership roles remains disproportionately low across sectors.

By supporting Aspire to Lead®, CPAC reaffirms its commitment to: