Our Team

RESO Founder; EXNW Creator & Executive Producer, EXNW Ball Co-Chair

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Has dedicated almost 30 years to advocating for and building ecosystems that expand opportunities for Canadian Asian and racialized artists in the screen industry. 

RESO Operations Manager; EXNW Summit Manager

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With over 15 years of experience in the medical and legal fields and a dedication for racial equity, Caitlin brings a wealth of administrative expertise to RESO. Beyond her professional roles, Caitlin has a deep passion for the arts, and is actively engaged in Vancouver's arts scene as an actor, improviser, and writer.

Administrative Coordinator

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Selisa Skala (she/they) brings together a decade of experience in hospitality and administration, and a passion for social change to her first year with RESO and EXNW.

Volunteer Manager

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Tony is a policy and governance professional who manages the volunteers for EXNW 2026. He is also an event lead with the non-profit Roots Collective and is passionate about celebrating Asian Pop Culture!

Print Production Manager

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Selena Shiu is the principal and pulse of Experience Curated – a boutique consultancy where structure fuels flow. She builds AI-powered systems and produces international events that create space for connection, helping visionary founders, creative teams, and purpose-driven communities grow with clarity, ease, and impact. She led Venue & Logistics Management for EXNW for three consecutive years (2023–2025).

For event management and production services, reach out to our very own Selena Shiu, Founder of Experience Curated.

AI Hack-A-Thon Manager & AV Coordinator 

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Mithila Karnik-Adarkar is a DEI and community strategist with 18+ years of cross-sector experience advancing equity in entertainment, creative tech, education and civic life. She's held positions with DigiBC, Vancouver Film School and CASSA bridging policy, culture and community.

AI Hack-A-Thon Coordinator & General Support

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Karl Chen (he/they) is the founder of RYSE Network, a community of racialized professionals that aims to uplift, empower, and educate each other while navigating through this complex world. Karl comes to EXNW with a passion for community building and advocacy.

Stage Director

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Nancy Luong (she/her) is the founder of Into the Wknd—a multi-faceted event planner and designer crafting elevated experiences rooted in thoughtful design, hospitality, and community. Guided by intentional storytelling and a refined eye for detail, she brings people together through events that spark connection and leave a lasting impression.

Stage Manager

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Ethan Whiton is a 3rd year student at the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, who’s passion in film and music excites him for this event

Marketing & Partnerships Manager

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Robbie Tee (she/her) brings over 10+ years of experience across the gaming and entertainment industries. Co-founding Unor Studio and currently a Talent Agent at Dulcedo Management, she brings both in-house and agency marketing backgrounds spanning global creator campaigns, celebrity & IP partnerships, and multi-market marketing programs across North America, Asia, MENA, and LATAM. She is passionate about building community and elevating Asian excellence through storytelling and meaningful experiences.

Partnerships Coordinator

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Joon Lee is a partnerships and business development leader passionate about connecting people, brands, and communities. He specializes in building strategic partnerships, growing ecosystems, and creating opportunities that drive meaningful cultural and business impact.

PR/Media - Purple Carpet

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Kei Baritugo is a narrative and movement builder. She is the founder of BoldLove, a purpose-driven PR agency. She has led successful global campaigns in arts, tech, and social impact. She is the Director of Global Marketing Communications at the Montreal AI Ethics Institute, a trusted authority in building civic competence and responsible AI. Locally, she held executive leadership roles at VIFF, Van Mural Fest, VAFF, and more.

Social Media Manager

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Communications professional who transforms ideas into impactful visuals and narratives, focusing on storytelling that blends creativity and strategy to engage diverse audiences.
Experience across non-profit, community, and public sectors

Social Media Lead

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Lianne Downey has served as the On-Site Social Media Lead for EXNW since its inception in 2023. In this role, she captures and shares the energy, stories, and key moments of the event in real time, helping connect attendees and extend the conference experience beyond the venue.

Social Media Coordinator

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Kae Lin Whiton is a rising second-year student at the University of Toronto and a member of EXNW's Marketing/Social Media Content Team. They create Reels, lead purple carpet interviews, and capture on-site coverage, helping bring the Summit's energy to audiences online.

Asia Pacific Content Coordinator

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Megan is a Western University Business and Film Studies student eager to merge both fields. Interning with the EXNW team, she contributes her videography expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset. She's a collaborative creator who enjoys connecting over creative projects, movies or a good board game.

RESO Communications & Photography Coordinator

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Akeena Legall is RESO's Comms and Engagement Lead.

Graphic Designer & Website Developer

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Karen Leung brings two decades of marketing and creative design experience to RESO and to help other not-for-profit and small businesses grow through visual communication, with past collaborations with brands from local tourism, arts and culture organizations to an international humanitarian agency.

EXNW Ball Producer and Showrunner

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Andy Chu is the creative and visionary force behind Arc2 Intertainment and FMA Entertainment, advanced production companies specializing in television, film, digital content, and live events. A globetrotter at heart, Andy has made Vancouver, Canada, his home, leveraging the city’s multicultural landscape to bridge cultures and connect audiences worldwide through his work as a producer and director.

Décor & Ball Stage Management

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A lifelong fashion designer and founder of Jolie Couture & Lifestyles, Jolie Chan-Yick has built her creative world from the runway to the event stage. With roots in couture fashion, she expanded her craft into full-scale event design and the development of signature fashion lines. Her passion for detail, storytelling, and refined aesthetics naturally evolved into producing immersive experiences. Jolie continues to weave style and heart into every occasion she touches, bringing a sense of wonder, elegance, and intentional design to EXNW and beyond.

RESO Founder; EXNW Creator & Executive Producer, EXNW Ball Co-Chair

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Has dedicated almost 30 years to advocating for and building ecosystems that expand opportunities for Canadian Asian and racialized artists in the screen industry. 

EXNW Ball Co-Chair

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Kandyse McClure is a South African-born Canadian actress and producer, known for her roles in Battlestar Galactica, Hemlock Grove, and currently Virgin River (Netflix), where she plays Kaia Bryant. She serves as Secretary of the New West Film Society supporting the organization’s year-round programming and its annual New West International Film Festival.

She is honored to return as Co-Chair of East by Northwest Summit this year, having presented the EXNW Global Connector Award to Grace Park at last year’s EXNW Ball.