Meet the Team

Started by two childhood friends and skilled artists, Ray and Isabelle share a passion to mend, heal, and enthuse others through music and art.


  • Co- Founder

    Isabelle Wang is a freshman at the University of Southern California and spends her leisure engaging in a variety of hobbies: fine arts, golfing, snowboarding, and air rifle shooting. 

    In particular, Isabelle uses her passion for fine arts as an outlet to address prevalent social issues and unite our ever-divisive world. Her artistry highlights urgent issues like the Ukrainian refugee situation and the need for better Asian representation among youth. Isabelle uses her art as a universal medium to foster collective humanity and assert a vision of hope and unity in her community. 

  • Co-Founder

    A sophomore at the University of Southern California, Ray began performing and playing piano at the age of 5 and made his orchestral debut in Italy, where he performed with the Alicante Symphony.

    Since September 2016, Ray has been under the expert tutelage of Professor Sasha Starcevich in Seattle and frequently performs internationally across the United States, Asia, and Europe. Music has been an integral part of Ray’s growth and is a gift he has strived to share with others. When Ray is not competing abroad, he has spent time performing for local senior homes and charities including the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

  • President

    Amber Chi is a junior at Mulgrave and the newly appointed President of Thrive Refuge, a role in which she aims to foster community engagement and advocate for impactful change. Amber is a passionate artist with extensive experience in sculpting and modern art, utilizing her creative talents to explore complex themes and inspire thoughtful dialogue. Through her artistic endeavours, she has developed a unique perspective on leadership, combining innovation and empathy.

  • Instructor

    A Junior at Burnaby North Secondary School, Massimo Valiante is a driven individual excelling in both academics and competitive go-kart racing. His passion for speed has instilled in him discipline, perseverance, and an ability to navigate challenges with resilience.

    Beyond his personal pursuits, Massimo actively contributes to his community through his involvement with Thrive Refuge, where he shares and teaches his skills in coding and digital literacy to newcomer youth. His commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his dedication to fostering growth and opportunity for others, all while striving to create a more inclusive and connected world.

  • Volunteer

    Emily is currently a Grade 9 student at Stratford Hall, an internationally recognized IB World School where she’s beginning her journey through the rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum. At the Thrive Refuge Digital Art and Literacy Program, she works with newcomer youth in digital art, animation, and plaster sculpture workshops to nurture their creative voice and storytelling skills. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends.