Helen Ying Cao, CFA, Program Director
Program Director | Financial Expert | Champion for Immigrant Well-Being
Helen Ying Cao is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of leadership experience across finance, technology, and nonprofit governance. As Program Director at the Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), Helen oversees the design, planning, and execution of impactful programs aimed at empowering immigrant communities. She strategically manages government funding applications and implements sustainable operational structures for the CNIW Foundation. Her mentorship of student researchers fosters academic growth while driving meaningful contributions to public health projects.
Helen's extensive background includes leadership roles in risk management, derivatives trading, and financial systems development. She has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led large teams, and delivered complex financial and technological solutions for organizations like RBC Capital Markets and CIBC World Markets. Her technical expertise spans electronic trading systems, regulatory compliance, and advanced analytics.
A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan (M.Sc. in Computer Science), Helen is also an advocate for community development, actively supporting new immigrants in Canada through mentorship and tailored programs. Fluent in multiple languages, she combines her financial acumen with a passion for creating equitable opportunities for all.