Tzu Chi Joins CSW
March 2024
Since its accreditation to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 2010, Tzu Chi has been a longstanding participant and advocate at the annual Commission on the Status of Women(CSW).
Drawing upon its roots as a woman-founded Buddhist humanitarian aid organization, Tzu Chi has long championed service and empowerment above all. These gender-sensitive methods embodied by both our staff and volunteers around the world show just how we might begin to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals and gender equality.
This year’s CSW is focused on achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.
Tzu Chi will be hosting panels, events and dialogues, bringing together people from all backgrounds to reflect on how we can create a more equitable future for the most vulnerable, poverty stricken communities in a gender-sensitive way.
Latest Videos of Tzu Chi Participating in CSW
Upcoming Events
Some of the events require RSVP.
Our Delegates
Debra Boudreaux is the CEO of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a.k.a Tzu Chi USA. As a senior volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Debra has more than 30 years of experience working on major projects related to charity, medical care, education, and humanitarian aid. Debra was previously the CEO of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation. She leads Buddhist and Catholic interfaith dialogues and also serves as the co-chair of the Multi-faith Advisory Council with the UN Interagency Task force for Religion and Sustainable Development.
Ying Goh has been volunteering with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation for the past 15 years. Currently, she holds the position of humanitarian relief project specialist with a passion for making a positive impact on communities in need. She is also actively engaged in the exploration and identification of new opportunities to advance Tzu Chi’s humanitarian relief mission both domestically and internationally.
Sarah Yu-Chia Chu focuses on helping people in need where disaster and emergency occur as senior project specialist in the Global Partnership and Youth Department (GPYD) of Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation. Working closely with executives of CEO office and the Board of Directors, she and her team response to four interconnected challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic and the human rights it has imperiled; climate change; conflict and humanitarian crises; and faith community backsliding.
Jean Lu recently joined the Tzu Chi Grant Development team and Global Partnership and Youth Development team as an enthusiastic and engaged volunteer! She recently retired from Vanguard where she served in various investment related senior roles for 20 years. She was also a founding member and co-lead for Vanguard’s Asian employee resource group. Jean earned her B.A. in Economics and B.A. in Communication from Stanford University, as well as a Master in Public Policy degree from Harvard Kennedy School. She believes that by embracing uniqueness and harnessing difference – whether race or something else – we can compose the prelude to a societal masterpiece.
Joy Chang is a passionate and driven graduate from New York University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. She desires to specialize in Clinical Psychology, with a keen focus on understanding and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges. Dedicated to making a significant impact in the mental health field, she also aims to blend her academic knowledge with her personal experiences to provide meaningful support to children and adolescents facing such challenges. Her goal is not only to contribute to the broader understanding of these conditions but also to foster positive outcomes for those directly affected.
Steve Chiu serves as Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Representative to the United Nations. In alignment with Tzu Chi’s work in disaster relief, climate action, education for global citizenship, sustainable development and gender equality, Steve works to build relationships, share best practices and develop programs with other organizations to make tangible impacts on the ground, with the mission of alleviating the suffering of those in need. With over 23 years of experience in community based development and local interfaith partnership, Steve seeks to connect the importance of grassroots action to policies that are being developed on the international level.
Andrew Her exemplifies the intersection of spiritual devotion and humanitarian service. Currently pursuing graduate studies in Buddhist Inter- religious Engagement and Chaplaincy at New York Union Theological Seminary, his academic journey aligns with his role as a coordinator for the Wellness Care Program in the Tzu Chi Northeast Region. Formerly a frontline reporter at DAAI TV Station, Andrew brings sensitivity to catastrophic events, emphasizing stories of resilience and hope. His diverse background includes coordinating charitable efforts at the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation and co-authoring a book on charity volunteers. Andrew Her’s commitment to spiritual growth and service is evident in his multifaceted career, bridging Buddhism, charity, wellness, and communication to foster inter-religious dialogue and provide compassionate care.
Branda Ng is a highly skilled and compassionate member of the Global Partnership and Youth Development Department in the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, where she has made a significant impact since joining in 2013. Her exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to the foundation’s mission have led to her appointment as a board member of the Philippine Tzu Chi Medical Foundation in 2018.
Branda’s diligent approach and excellent organizational skills have enabled her to coordinate successful international humanitarian missions and United Nations events for the foundation. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives and has worked collaboratively with UNICEF, CADIS, Médecins du Monde, Missionaries of Charity, and other Catholic-related organizations to create a better world.
Susan Su has been an active member of Tzu Chi in New York since April of 1991. Trained originally in nursing, she pledged to contribute her skills to the community when Tzu Chi was established, and her dedication remains steadfast to this day. Over the past thirty years, she has assumed diverse roles, serving as a leader in the four major missions and functional groups. This year, after ten years of cultivating leaders, she has gracefully transitioned to the role of a public representative, focusing on community engagement and fostering strong connections within the community. Susan also serves as the contact point for Tzu Chi visitors to New York.
As a Tzu Chi volunteer, Susan embodies courage, collaboration, and a profound willingness to learn and adapt to new knowledge and societal changes. With deep reverence for the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, she aspires to be a Tzu Chi practitioner dedicated to both blessings and wisdom, striving for the cultivation of both.
Natalie Wright leads the international affairs work at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy connecting the City’s 10-year food policy plan to global food policy and advocacy efforts. She also supports the nutrition education portfolio to advance plant-forward education in NYC public schools and promote plant-forward diets in the discourse surrounding chronic disease prevention. After completing her Environmental Affairs internship at UN DESA, Natalie now creates sustainable development education content for the UN SDSN. She serves as a Tzu Chi Youth Representative to the UN advocating for youth perspectives and food system transformation. With a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Education Policy, Natalie specializes in localizing global goals and elevating local initiatives onto the global stage. Beyond her work, you can find her running, climbing, and practicing yoga.
Hueyyi Lee is an active volunteer with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Throughout her time with WAGGGS, Hueyyi has demonstrated a strong commitment to the organization’s mission and has acted diligently in her role as a member of the Core Mission Team under the Leadership Practice and Planning Team for the International Youth Leadership Program (Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation). She has also facilitated at several international events, requiring her to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
Since 2016, she has been working on the youth empowerment agenda at the national level. Most recently, Hueyyi returned from the UN High-Level Political Forum, and she supported side events for the New York Climate Week and attended the 78th UN General Assembly, especially the SDG Action Weekend.
陳佳寜 (Heather Chen) is an 18-year-old youth advocate, artist, and changemaker dedicated to uplifting and educating vulnerable communities. Through her passions for film and television, dance, and food politics, she strives to raise awareness about issues including food accessibility. Heather currently serves as a Student Representative in the Irvine Unified School District, where she amplifies student voices and advocates for policy changes. She aims to pursue a career in the politics and entertainment industry, where she can leverage the power of policy and media to drive social change. As president of her school’s Key Club chapter, member of the Division 4 Central board, and lead anchor and screenwriter for her school’s broadcast, Heather demonstrates leadership and dedication in service, advocacy, and the arts. She has worked closely with her local organizations, the City of Irvine, and Girl Scouts on service projects and volunteer initiatives. With a commitment to equity and justice, Heather strives to inspire unheard voices and promote compassion for all through the arts and advocacy, determined to continue learning and enacting positive change.
Dino Foi is the last son of a typical Mozambican family of 10, where 6 were girls and 4 boys. Perhaps because of this Dino saw from the beginning the disadvantages of being a woman: for instance in his family the boys were given the chance to choose their faith while the girls were automatically Muslims, as their parents. He is currently the representative of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation Mozambique, where a part of overseeing the four missions of Tzu Chi, namely Charity, Education, Medical and Humanistic Culture, also is involved in empowering women in the community.Leading a team of 8,000 volunteers where more than 90% are women, Dino is in charge of reconstruction of 23 schools and 3,000 houses that were destroyed by Cyclone Idai. A double doctorate degree, Dino is pursuing Harvard Business School Senior Executive Program – Africa.
Alex Tan is an Associate Professor at Tzu Chi University (TCU). His research interests include buildings ventilation, thermal comfort analysis as well as environmental education and sustainable practices, with several years of teaching experience in sustainable development and environmental protection. He has co-authored several scientific publications and serves as a reviewer in a number of journals. Incorporating awareness and attitude into pro-environmental behavior, he has taken up a vegetarian diet for many years as well as participates as an active volunteer of Tzu Chi Foundation in areas of charity care, disaster relief, youth development and environmental movements. Tzu Chi Foundation is a global NGO founded in 1966 by dharma Master Cheng Yen and 30 female housewives, caring for the poor and needy in over 133 countries/regions.
Tai Lin Tsai, also known as Denise Tsai, serves as a Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer in Mozambique, where along with her husband, she works with disadvantaged communities, mainly women.
She embraces communities as her own families, following her mentor, Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teachings, inspired love between women, bringing confidence back for women, special the single mothers, promoting local culture but nourish with moral concepts, vocational training, transforming their life by self-confidence building, faith, transforming many communities women life ( in the bad condition) into positive towards future, and empowering them to transform others. Through the project of building 3166 houses, working with communities to make the village better , transforming their lives not only building the houses, but sharing how to manage their life, offering scholarships, encouraging girls to go back to school.
Nina Wu is a 17 year old youth delegate based in Southern California, USA and is working to utilize grassroot initiatives to elevate the lives of those in need around the globe. Her work with service-based organizations specializes in African empowerment through educational expansion, food allocation, and musical expression. Most notably, Nina serves as the founder of Readary, an international charity elevating youth in rural areas with educational resources.
Joy Yang, with a journalism background, refined her storytelling skills through internships at institutions like the Financial Times. Pursuing a master’s degree in Communication and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, she’s driven to create inclusive learning environments. By merging journalism, education, and technology, Joy aims to enact positive change. Passionate about gender equity, she advocates for diversity and equal representation in both education and media. She is also interested in exploring innovative educational tools to educate younger kids about gender equity.
Rita Lin became a member of Tzu Chi in 2008. In 2014, she earned certification as a Tzu Chi commissioner. She currently serves as the volunteer team leader for Tzu Chi’s Greater New York chapter.
Since joining Tzu Chi as a volunteer, she has been involved in various roles including 7 years as a financial volunteer and a leading volunteer for nursing home visits,caring activities, and coordination of adult community education and 4 years as a volunteer training coordinator and leader of the Tzu Chi Humanities School Counseling Department. Rita exemplifies great compassion by assisting low-income individuals in applying for food vouchers (SNAP).
Debra Boudreaux is the CEO of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation USA. As a senior volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Debra has more than 30 years of experience working on major projects related to charity, medical care, education, and humanitarian aid. Debra was previously the CEO of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation. She leads Buddhist and Catholic interfaith dialogues and also serves as the co-chair of the Multi-faith Advisory Council with the UN Interagency Task force for Religion and Sustainable Development.
Joy Chang is a passionate and driven graduate from New York University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. She desires to specialize in Clinical Psychology, with a keen focus on understanding and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges. Dedicated to making a significant impact in the mental health field, she also aims to blend her academic knowledge with her personal experiences to provide meaningful support to children and adolescents facing such challenges. Her goal is not only to contribute to the broader understanding of these conditions but also to foster positive outcomes for those directly affected.
陳佳寜 (Heather Chen) is an 18-year-old youth advocate, artist, and changemaker dedicated to uplifting and educating vulnerable communities. Through her passions for film and television, dance, and food politics, she strives to raise awareness about issues including food accessibility. Heather currently serves as a Student Representative in the Irvine Unified School District, where she amplifies student voices and advocates for policy changes. She aims to pursue a career in the politics and entertainment industry, where she can leverage the power of policy and media to drive social change. As president of her school’s Key Club chapter, member of the Division 4 Central board, and lead anchor and screenwriter for her school’s broadcast, Heather demonstrates leadership and dedication in service, advocacy, and the arts. She has worked closely with her local organizations, the City of Irvine, and Girl Scouts on service projects and volunteer initiatives. With a commitment to equity and justice, Heather strives to inspire unheard voices and promote compassion for all through the arts and advocacy, determined to continue learning and enacting positive change.
Debra Boudreaux is the CEO of Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation USA. As a senior volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Debra has more than 30 years of experience working on major projects related to charity, medical care, education, and humanitarian aid. Debra was previously the CEO of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation. She leads Buddhist and Catholic interfaith dialogues and also serves as the co-chair of the Multi-faith Advisory Council with the UN Interagency Task force for Religion and Sustainable Development.
Joy Chang is a passionate and driven graduate from New York University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. She desires to specialize in Clinical Psychology, with a keen focus on understanding and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges. Dedicated to making a significant impact in the mental health field, she also aims to blend her academic knowledge with her personal experiences to provide meaningful support to children and adolescents facing such challenges. Her goal is not only to contribute to the broader understanding of these conditions but also to foster positive outcomes for those directly affected.
陳佳寜 (Heather Chen) is an 18-year-old youth advocate, artist, and changemaker dedicated to uplifting and educating vulnerable communities. Through her passions for film and television, dance, and food politics, she strives to raise awareness about issues including food accessibility. Heather currently serves as a Student Representative in the Irvine Unified School District, where she amplifies student voices and advocates for policy changes. She aims to pursue a career in the politics and entertainment industry, where she can leverage the power of policy and media to drive social change. As president of her school’s Key Club chapter, member of the Division 4 Central board, and lead anchor and screenwriter for her school’s broadcast, Heather demonstrates leadership and dedication in service, advocacy, and the arts. She has worked closely with her local organizations, the City of Irvine, and Girl Scouts on service projects and volunteer initiatives. With a commitment to equity and justice, Heather strives to inspire unheard voices and promote compassion for all through the arts and advocacy, determined to continue learning and enacting positive change.