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Meet our Director team

2025 - 2026 Director Team

Vanessa Abukabir

Vanessa is currently in her gap year and is honoured to serve as the Program Management Director for Project Hastings. She is passionate about supporting marginalized communities and is committed to raising awareness and driving meaningful action. In her free time, she enjoys reading, learning new skills, and volunteering in the community. Whether it’s assisting kids with math, advocating for equality, or supporting patients at the hospital.

Director, Project Management

vanessaabukabir@projecthastings.org

Alina, currently a Grade 11 student at Magee Secondary, is a hardworking and compassionate individual driven to support marginalized groups and alleviate the stigmas they faced. She is thrilled to be part of Project Hastings and honored to serve as the Project Management Director. Outside of her work with Project Hastings, she can be found volunteering, exploring different study spots, and spending time with loved ones. Alina strives to give her best in everything she takes on and is committed to helping Project Hastings grow its reach and cultivate impactful youth-led initiatives.

alinachao@projecthastings.org

Director, Project Management

Alina Chao

Currently a grade 11 student at Magee Secondary School, Brandon is honoured to serve as the Fundraising Director for Project Hastings. He is deeply committed to alleviating food disparity and supporting marginalized communities within Project Hastings and the communities it operates in. Outside of Project Hastings, he can be found volunteering, playing sports, and studying at UBC. Whether it’s community initiatives, staying active through athletics, or continually learning and growing both academically and personally, Brandon always strives to do the best he can.

brandonyu@projecthastings.org

Director, Fundraising Management

Brandon Yu

Ben Lo

Director, Social Media Management

benlo@projecthastings.org

Ben is a Grade 11 student at Lord Byng Secondary School who is passionate about giving back to his community. He is especially committed to supporting the Downtown Eastside (DTES) through meaningful service and action. Through his involvement in Project Hastings, Ben hopes to strengthen his community and contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Marcus Zhang

Director, Grant Management

marcuszhang@projecthastings.org

Marcus is currently a grade 10 student at Magee Secondary School. He is driven and dedicated to providing necessities to the most vulnerable individuals within the Downtown Eastside, and rallying meaningful and positive action towards the DTES. Outside of his work at Project Hastings, he can be either found listening to music or playing soccer.