Charles Liu
Student Journalist & Program Lead
Charles Liu is a Grade 10 student journalist and community reporter. He writes about youth initiatives, cultural programs, and community stories in Oakville. He is interested in journalism, communication, and using storytelling to highlight local voices.
When Shelly Wu first created Ignite Spirit Global Culture Association, she never expected to reach hundreds of community members. Shelly is the founder and board chair of Ignite Spirit Global Culture Association. She created the association in 2025 to promote cultural diversity and empower young people.
Wu said she first became interested in community work after seeing newcomers, youth, and community members looking for connection and support. “Everyone has something valuable to share,” Wu said, “and small acts of kindness can create positive changes.” However, building an organization was not always easy. One of the biggest challenges that Wu faced was building a team and creating programs that truly met the needs of the community. “A strong community cannot be built by one person. It requires teamwork, patience, and people who share the same vision,” said Wu. By listening to volunteers and participants, continuously improving the programs, and encouraging more people to get involved, Wu and her team were able to overcome these challenges together. “One of the most meaningful changes I have seen is that people are becoming more connected,” said Wu, “some newcomers who first joined our programs because they needed support later became volunteers who helped others. Young people who joined as participants discovered their confidence and started creating their own projects.”
The organization now offers multiple programs for youth and newcomers. “I enjoyed learning calligraphy while meeting new people,” said a participant of Ignite Spirit’s Dragon Calligraphy Program.
As the leader of a nonprofit organization, Wu said that building a community requires patience, understanding, and teamwork. She told ISG News, “Seeing people connect, learn, and grow together is one of the most meaningful parts of this journey.” She encouraged young people to start with small actions, “you do not need to wait until you have a lot of experience and resources,” she said.
According to Ignite Spirit’s records, over a hundred people have participated in Ignite Spirit’s cultural and youth-led programs. Shelly Wu continues to create and improve programs that better suit the needs of community members.
