“There will be better days”
Even during the tough times of COVID-19, Social Diversity for Children Foundation’s (SDC) Youth Team members continue to work hard to create a better future. The Person of the Month Award is designed to recognize contributors to SDC’s mission—through their meaningful impact and dedication. For the month of December, we are proud to announce the first joint Person of the Month award to Kate Seo and Calista Lu. These two have grown together during their time at SDC; starting out in the Youth Team, Calista and Kate now serve as co-Program Coordinators. Their commitment to SDC’s vision is quite unparalleled.
United by their shared interest in K-Pop in Grade 10 at North Surrey Secondary School, Kate and Calista immediately clicked. They joined SDC together and have been “joint at the hip” for most of their time with the organization. After graduating in 2020, Kate and Calista began schooling at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where they study in the faculty of sciences and the arts respectively. As a synchronized swimmer for 6 years throughout Elementary and High school, Kate’s favourite hobby is swimming. Calista has a passion for music, spending her time playing the flute, piccolo, guitar, and teaching piano as a part-time job. Despite their differing interests, Kate and Calista share a passion for equality and educating younger generations, aiming to “give people the tools to win the race even if they weren’t given a head start.”
Inspired by an older student at her school, Calista decided to join the SDC Youth Team at the end of her Grade 10 year. In fact, it was Calista who urged Kate to join, providing her with what Kate later described as “one of the greatest experiences of my life.” At the beginning of their SDC journeys, Kate began as the Executive Assistant to the CEO while Calista began as Executive Assistant to the Programs Coordinator; their diligence, enthusiasm, and dedication enabled them to become co-Chief of Staff the following year. After graduating high school and, consequently, the Youth Team, Calista and Kate now continue to contribute to SDC as co-program coordinators and outreach committee chair. During their time on the Youth Team, they helped children with disabilities by fundraising, raising awareness and planning events; as program coordinators, they now received the opportunity to truly witness the impact of their work. Although their tasks remain strenuous, the program participants’ bright smiles and sparkling eyes rendered their efforts worth it.
From working on the 2018 Winter Coffee House, planning SDC programs, hiring new Youth Team members, and working on the 2020 “Once Upon a Shine” Gala, Kate and Calista have not only developed a strong bond but learned a few things along the way. Kate discovered that anyone can make a difference and positively impact someone’s life, no matter the age. Calista’s own world perspective changed as she befriended youth all over the Lower Mainland, developing skills in both communication and leadership.
Calista and Kate’s tenacity have been proven through their long-standing dedication to SDC’s cause. From late night calls and 1am working sessions, these two never seem to stop working. We thank Calista and Kate for everything they have done and look forward to all the amazing things they will continue to do for SDC and the community.
