Ann Yang, BSc, University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
Ann is currently a student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) pursuing a Master of Public Health. Following her own personalized pathway of Inclusion and Diversity in Health Systems, her strong passion for health and well-being guides her through an expansive professional journey.
This passion of hers led her to work closely with some of Vancouver’s developmentally disabled population from 2022-2023. Although her official title was Admin Assistant – Assistive Technology (AT), her role within the nonprofit pan-Vancouver organization, Developmental Disability Association (DDA), has a wide breadth. From producing informative, accessible materials to researching new assistive technologies; from designing inclusive events to launching a digital AT library application. Her role spans across a myriad of areas to ensure the success of the AT department’s multi-functionality within the three-person team and empowering children, adults, and elderlies living with developmental disabilities.
Even now, she commits to extracurriculars that leverage her, her colleagues, and the established industry knowledge and skills to advance the next generation of professionals. She is an avid Professional Development Subcommittee member of the UBC Faculty of Land and Food System (LFS)’s Young Alumni Council (YAC), working to facilitate networking and mobilizing insights from the alumni professionals to empower current students and young alumni through events and webinars. In her free time, she mentors current LFS students through the LFS Mentorship Program.
Ann first came into contact with Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) in 2021. During her contracted work as a Training Program Assistant, she became captivated by the commitments that KBHN has made toward Canadian children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Seeking further involvement, she became involved with the KBHN Policy Advisory Research Training (PART) Committee. Even after the end of her work contract, she continues to make significant contributions to the PART Committee’s activities as the Communication Lead, as well as a member of the Webinar, Infographics, and Conference Subcommittees.
In recognition of her services, she received the KBHN Travel Award and the KBHN Implementation Skills Development Award in 2023, and now the KBHN Outstanding Trainee Member Award in 2024. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the field of neurodevelopmental disability and research trainee development along with her incredible PART Committee teammates and under the strong guidance of the KBHN Training Program Manager, Hajer Chalghoumi.
