Congratulations to Vancouver Community College's (VCC) most recent Outstanding Alumni Award winners! These are the latest in a long line of VCC alumni and others who have made significant contributions to their industries and our community. Each recipient stands out with unique stories of success, inspiration, and dedication.
Founder, The Collective Beauty Studio
Loni Yee graduated from VCC as a hairstylist in 2005, then went on to open her own salon, The Collective Beauty Studio, in Steveston Village. Here, Loni specializes in modern approaches to cut, colour, and styling. She also facilitates donation of ponytails to Wigs for Kids BC. Last month, Loni’s salon undertook a massive fundraising initiative and raised $80,000 for this charity! Loni also employs several VCC grads in her salon.
Iron Chef/Executive Chef, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Alex Chen has achieved a stunning level of notoriety in a very short amount of time. He boasts more than a decade of experience at some of the most acclaimed hotels across North America, and has been the driving force behind Vancouver’s celebrated Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. Alex regularly hires and mentors VCC graduates as he views their success as his success. Alex also has a true affinity for high-pressure culinary competitions as a competitor, as a mentor, and as a judge. He is likely best known for his win on Iron Chef Canada in 2018, and we’ll see him shortly on Food Network Canada’s upcoming “Wall of Chefs.”
Pastry artist, WorldSkills Kazan 2019 competitor
Clarissa “Claire” Roque placed 5th in the Pâtisserie and Confectionery category at the WorldSkills Kazan 2019 competition hosted in Russia this past summer. Claire consistently demonstrates grace and maturity under pressure, and thrives in highly competitive environments. Even at 19, Claire is no stranger to pushing the creative limits of her craft with impeccable taste and extraordinary focus.
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Check out the 2019 Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony and Flourish Gala photo gallery on Flickr.
Do you know a VCC alum or community member who deserves recognition? Learn about our awards nomination process through the VCC Foundation.
