Insoon Lee
Insoon Lee, President of Vancouver Korean Canadian Women’s Society
In 1974, Dr. Yoon-Jin Lee at Ewha Womans University told me, “Insoon! I went to Canada for a conference – the best country to grow up as a kid. I saw these children running around on green grass. It was such a dream country.” I later learned that the green grass she was referring to was a public park.
My husband and I applied for immigration at the Canadian embassy on the ninth floor of Korea Times in Seoul. On May 30, 1975, we departed from Kimpo Airport and arrived at the Toronto International Airport via Anchorage to continue our studies. My grandmother-in-law brought our three children to Canada six months later.
The South Korean government only allowed us to bring out $200 per person or $1,200 per family when we emigrated in 1975.
We began our life in Canada by enrolling in English class. At that time, the English school gave us $2000 a month for full time study. I remember the program disappeared the next year.
While studying, I looked for jobs and went through a number of interviews. In 1976, I finally received an offer from the Ontario Ministry of Health. It felt like receiving my university acceptance letter in the past. I felt overwhelmed.
A difficult time came as I sought to write an exam to register at the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, all the while working full-time. At last, my degree and professional experience in Korea were recognized, and I received an opportunity to write the exam. By 1977, I was registered with the accredited association, and had authorization to work anywhere in Canada. Through the membership, I felt much stability in my life.
Then in 1981, we moved to Vancouver due to my husband’s career. My husband moved ahead of us because the interest rate at that time was eighteen percent. The rest of the family moved in 1982 from Hamilton to British Columbia.
Here, I was able to still work full-time with the BC Bio Medical Lab. I am forever grateful that my education and experience in Korea were recognized in Canada, and that I have been able to work as a professional.
While working in this professional world, I always wondered what I can do for young women and seniors.
In November 3rd, 2010, I founded the Vancouver chapter of the Korean-Canadian Women’s Society (KOWIN) for the purpose of facilitating communication among professionals in different generations, and encouraging volunteering for the regional and national communities.
I believe this group has been successful in achieving great synergy between Korean women and local communities through our knowledge-sharing, group volunteer activities, and sustainability campaigns.
To this date, the fourth president of the Vancouver chapter has been active in mentoring the next generation of leaders.
While serving as the fifth national president of the KOWIN in 2012 and 2013, I represented six cities in Canada, and was able to look after the interests of marginalized overseas Korean women in various parts of the world.
The Vancouver Korean-Canadian Women’s Society was formally registered with the British Columbia on March 3rd, 2012.
Many women have been participating in our continuing studies program, employment support program, and medical information seminars that seek to bring women together, prevent domestic violence, support victims, and look after psychological and physical needs of seniors.
Especially, in order to help victims of domestic violence, we established a lifeline call centre. We have been operating it for a number of years now.
For the rest of my life, I want to contribute toward the cause of women’s personal development and community involvement. I am grateful for the people around me and conditions that allow me to contribute what I can back to the society.
Insoon Lee, President, Vancouver Korean-Canadian Women’s Society