Who is she?
Wendy Leung is the volunteer executive director of Foodsharing Ottawa. The organization collects surplus food from local businesses and distributes it to people in need.
What is her background?
Leung’s background combines biochemistry, regulatory affairs and public health, with experience in business development and digital services. “I love connecting the dots across various fields and using what I’ve learned to fuel my passion for food systems and community building,” Leung told Capital Current.
Leung is also a senior strategic adviser for the Canadian Digital Service, a federal agency that focuses on making it easier for government departments to access digital tools and services.
What is she known for in Ottawa?
When a Manitoba farmer had a large surplus of potatoes to give away this past July, for example, Foodsharing Ottawa helped distribute 16,000 pounds of spuds to families in Ottawa, providing the equivalent of about 60,000 meals.
The organization also runs education programs around the city for those who want to make a difference. During Foodsharing Ottawa’s cooking nights, for example, participants can learn how to use leftover ingredients to prepare full meals.
As the executive director, Leung has a hand in managing every aspect of these projects. “Volunteer engagement, communications, operations, fundraising and education, you name it!” she says.
What do people say about her?
Leung was recently named the recipient of the Community Impact 2024 Award for the Businesswoman of the Year Awards. The BYAs recognize “the business achievements, professional expertise and leadership of outstanding women in the National Capital Region.”
Reactions to her nomination underscored her strong impact on local communities. “You are very deserving of this accolade, Wendy Leung! Communities are built on the backs of people like you,” said Stephanie Young, Director of Development for Ashbury College, in a Linkedin post.
What’s a fun fact about her?
One of Leung’s many passions is DIY projects — personal and for work. For instance, during the pandemic, Leung designed the first Foodsharing Ottawa T-shirts for staff to wear, and said she “couldn’t be prouder because we are still wearing them!”
“My creative ideas come from doodling on a post-it note; there is something really special about the spontaneity of it that sparks inspiration,” Leung told Capital Current.
