2023 Richmond Hill Honouree
Jaclyn Zhang has devoted her career to entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth since settling in Canada in 2002, creating job opportunities for local residents, advocating for newcomers, and emphasizing the importance of education for the next generation. As president of Futurevic Global Sourcing Inc., she has built her company into a leader in promoting and connecting Made in Canada products, services, culture, and education cooperation globally. Currently, she is the director of the Richmond Hill Board of Trade.
Over the years, Jaclyn has supported her community through volunteering, caring for her neighbours, and giving without expecting anything in return. She believes that it is vital to treat others in a friendly manner and help and support the community where she can, and that this in itself can improve the health and wellbeing of all. When one is kind-hearted everyone benefits.
As an immigrant who has lived in Canada over twenty years, Jaclyn knows the hardships of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment. She knows that a healthy community can help newcomers better integrate into the local society and realize their individual potential, which is why she has continued to volunteer and give back for many years. And it has truly enriched and enhanced her own overall sense of purpose and identity.
In 2020, Jaclyn was delighted to learn that Richmond Hill’s Mackenzie Health built Canada's first smart hospital in York Region. After seeing firsthand how the physicians and frontline heroes worked relentlessly throughout the pandemic to keep patients and staff safe, Jaclyn made a financial donation to Mackenzie Health in 2022. She hopes her support will provide more patients and families in the community increased access to the ultimate in healthcare close to home. Ongoing, Jaclyn will continue to lead Futurevic to actively build a new international medical cooperation centre and dedicate herself to the promotion of Canadian and international medical education cooperation.
Jaclyn recognizes that although the past few years have been challenging times for many businesses and the economy, there are often opportunities in crises. As such, she has adjusted her company's development strategy, and in the next few years her focus will be on finding international cooperation and investment opportunities for York Region based on the industrial advantages and characteristics, so as to contribute to local economic development, increase employment, and attract high-level talents for York Region.
In 2021, Jaclyn won the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine. With a loving heart, two hardworking hands, and a dream, she achieved this key milestone. This and the Portraits of Giving 2023 recognition are incredibly special and unexpected rewards for her years of hard work.