Vanessa Shiu

As the Strategic Projects & Administration Manager, Vanessa leads HR initiatives and administrative functions to support the operational capacity of DMZ. She manages special projects and resources that contribute to DMZ’s strategic goals and priorities.

Vanessa joined DMZ in 2017 leading the operations team and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives as the Manager, Administration, Diversity & Inclusion. Prior to joining DMZ, she worked in social services and the non-profit sector, where she managed employment programs that supported newcomers and marginalized women with their workforce integration and career development. Additionally, Vanessa has led a public health pilot project to build awareness about Hepatitis B for newcomers.

With her hometown being Vancouver, Vanessa graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Gender Studies.

Get to know Vanessa Shiu

Coffee or tea?
Coffee is always the correct answer.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleporting - I can be anywhere at any time.

If you could learn how to do anything, what would it be?
To learn how to speak any language quickly.

What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?
The people. It's always inspiring to see the impact they are making in the world.

Have you ever gotten starstruck?
In the middle of a Vancouver street, John Cho and Karl Urban approached me and my friend asking for recommendations to grab a drink. Unfortunately, we were too slow (or starstruck?) to pinpoint who they were until after they left.