WORLD VIEWS

Alumni began their international journeys at Innis

LISA FRANCIS-JENNINGS (BA ’82 Innis)

Innis, and its spirit of community and exploration, shaped the very fabric of my career. I learned to be an active listener at Innis. That skill is the red thread that links all my work. Over the years, I’ve worked in France, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, as well as Canada and the US. My interventions have been characterized by sensitive inquiry and collaboration, allowing me to help clients engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and to successfully accomplish high-risk change initiatives.

Today, I use this same approach in my work, from running my firm, StratAffect SA, to writing about and productizing business ideas for clients, to being the leadership development partner for Odgers Berndtson in Luxembourg.

Being a consultant focused on the human side of large-scale technology implementations (Enterprise Resource Planning) and green-fields start-ups for most of my career, is what brought me to Europe. I’m now a Luxembourgish citizen. I’ve made my home here because I discovered the same community, openness, and future-focused outlook that I so enjoyed during my years at Innis.

QUYEN HA (HBA ’02 Innis)

I work in communications for global food and drink brands, and I host online Italian cooking classes from the heart of the Italian food valley—Modena, Italy.

I am originally from Canada, but my heritage is Vietnamese. I studied political science and history at U of T. Early on I took a strong interest in my history classes and participated in the summer-abroad exchange program in Hong Kong. Before arriving in Modena, my interest in international business and culture brought me to London, Dublin, and Paris, where I worked for global beverage companies.

After years of working in public relations for food and drink brands, I decided to retrace my family roots in Vietnam, and meeting my grandfather for the first time inspired me to follow my culinary dreams. I put aside my laptop for chef whites, and went to study patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu.

Now you’ll find me in beautiful Italy learning about all things Italian—from parmesan cheese to wine to balsamic vinegar. There is never a dull moment.

MATTHEW LAU (HBSc ’06 Innis)

I am a partner at an international law firm in Hong Kong, where I make a living by saying “no” to people on most things they try to do—similar to raising children, or working at a dean of students’ office, I think.

After Innis, I went to Columbia Law School because I wanted to be in New York City. I stayed there to work for a prestigious firm. It was like the TV show Suits, except a lot more work and none of anything else in the show. After a few years, an opportunity opened up in Hong Kong, where my family is, and here I am!

I had a wonderful time in NYC. But eventually, family became a more important consideration. Fortunately, Hong Kong is similar to Toronto and NYC in many ways, which makes the transition easier. I am also amazed by the number of Innis alumni that I come across around the world—yes, even here in Hong Kong!

RINI RASHID (HBA ’10 Innis)

I recently served as a Brexit and trade policy officer in London at the Canadian High Commission. I provided analysis and guidance to the Canadian government on the UK’s new trade policy agenda, answering the question, “What does it mean for Canada and Canadian businesses?”

Amidst the pandemic, the role took on a new dimension with concerns about nations employing protectionist policies for therapeutics, and vaccine production and supply. My work was often finding the real story and identifying the issues that could inform Canadian policy.

I conducted research abroad and pursued summer exchange programs while I was a peace and conflict studies student at U of T—supported in part by funding from Innis. So, the College has been a part of my international journey from the beginning. After Innis, I focused on international law and trade law at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, working in the public service after graduation.

London has given me an exciting opportunity to take a more global view and follow my heart as my partner also accepted a position there. I’ll soon be returning to legal practice, joining a global law firm in its London office, advising on trade law and related matters.

JACKY SIN (HBA ’06 Innis)

Greetings from Hong Kong! I’m a corporate associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a law firm headquartered in New York. Although I received my degree in international relations, I never really sought to work and live in Asia and ended up here by chance.

After graduating from Innis, I completed a law degree from the University of British Columbia. After a few years in Toronto, I was sent on secondment to London, England. While there, I visited museums all over Europe—places which I had only read about in my history texts. That was when I picked up an earnest wish to work and live abroad.

During a temporary posting in Hong Kong, I decided to stay and explore Asia. I’d like to think that my time at Innis prompted my curiosity and impulse to travel. This curiosity has certainty helped me engage with clients around the world and navigate cultural and commercial nuances. More importantly, it has driven a desire to be part of wherever I am, rather than simply being a tourist.