Thank you for visiting.
Jo left us too soon, but her vision, generosity, and determination to make the world a better place continue through The Joanna Duong Chang Memorial Foundation. Created to honour what Jo stood for and believed in, the foundation carries forward her passion for creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and helping others reach their full potential.
Our mission is to support girls and women as they pursue their dreams and overcome barriers that may stand in their way. At this time, through our scholarship fund and support of girl- and women-focused charities in Toronto, Canada, and beyond, we are working to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. With women still underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), we are particularly passionate about supporting young women pursuing education and careers in these fields.
A contribution of any size helps us continue the work Jo cared so deeply about and ensures her generosity and impact live on.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, your contributions have already made an impact:
- 2021–2026: Joanna Duong Chang Memorial Award, University of Waterloo (a description provided below)
- 2021–2023: Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society
- 2023: Visions of Science Network for Learning
Jo was a passionate serial entrepreneur who was never short of ideas or suggestions for how to make the world better. Her drive came from a desire to challenge the status quo, find better solutions, and create positive outcomes for the people and communities she cared about. Jo always believed in striving for the best and helping others reach their potential.
Her dedication and achievements were recognized through the following awards:
- 2016: University of Waterloo Faculty of Mathematics Young Achievement Award
- 2014: W100 – Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs
- 2014: Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE) – Best Startup Award
- 2013: Profit Hot 50 – Canada’s Top New Growth Companies
- 2013: W100 – Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs
Thank you for helping us carry Jo’s legacy forward. Your support ensures that Jo’s passion for creating opportunities, challenging what’s possible, and uplifting others continues to have a lasting impact.
With love and light,
Stanley, Jolène and Dylan
University of Waterloo Joanna Duong Chang Memorial Award description
An award, will be provided annually to a full-time undergraduate student who identifies as a woman enrolled in Year Two, Three, or Four of a program in the Faculty of Mathematics wherein women are underrepresented. Selection is based on academic excellence (minimum 75% cumulative average) and a demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship as evidenced by extracurricular activities such as the completion of a business project, participation in entrepreneurial competitions, etc. Preference will be given to candidates who best demonstrate the impact this award will have on their ability to pursue excellence both in the classroom and in their entrepreneurial endeavours. Interested students should submit an online application by November 1. This fund is made possible by a donation from the memorial foundation established by Stanley Chang (BMath `00) and his family, in memory of his late wife, Joanna Duong Chang (BMath `04). Joanna was the founder of the highly successful fashion company Henkaa, which produces convertible apparel and accessories for women. Joanna is remembered for her exceptional generosity, tremendous business acumen, and as the 2016 Young Alumni Achievement Award Winner in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Eligibility/Selection criteria
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full-time women undergraduate student
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minimum 75% cumulative average
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demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship as evidenced by extracurricular activities
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demonstrate the impact this award will have on the ability to pursue excellence both in the classroom and in entrepreneurial endeavours