Asian Heritage Month 2026: Meet Clare Huang

At TD Securities, we are committed to creating positive changes, championing an inclusive workplace and amplifying the voices of the next generation of TD talent. In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, we spoke with Clare Huang, CTP, Client Solutions, Global Transaction Banking, TD Securities, who shares how traditional Chinese dance imparts discipline and focus in her everyday life.

What parts of your heritage or community have most shaped who you are today?

One part of my heritage that has most shaped who I am today is my Chinese background, especially my long-term dedication to Chinese classical dance.

I moved to Canada alone at the age of 17 and had to adapt to a completely new language and environment. It was a long challenging journey, and during that time, Chinese classical dance became my anchor. It helped me stay connected to my identity and gave me a sense of stability.

Chinese classical dance is an art form that embodies both softness and strength. While the movements appear graceful and restrained, they require a high level of control, discipline and inner power. As a woman, I resonate deeply with this balance. There is a quiet strength in being both gentle and resilient. That duality is something I have come to embrace myself. The training process is very demanding, and it often comes with pain. Progress often comes slowly, through long and repetitive practice, sometimes with only small visible improvements. This experience shaped my mindset – it taught me patience, resilience, and the value of persistence.

Today, whether in my professional work or in my volunteer efforts, I carry that perspective with me.

Can you share a tradition, story or value from your culture that you’d like others to understand better?

One interesting cultural value I would love others to better understand is the meaning of food in Chinese culture.

Historically, China went through long periods of instability and hardship, where food scarcity was a real and painful part of life. Because of that, food carries a deeper emotional weight. It is not just about nourishment, but also about security and care. That history has shaped how people relate to food even today.

Beyond that, in Chinese culture, food is also a way to express love and maintain relationships. It represents family reunion, connection, and emotional bonding.

That is why you might hear a Chinese person greet you by asking, " Have you eaten?" It may sound strange, but it is a very genuine way of expressing care. Instead of saying "how are you?" we often show concern by making sure you are well-fed and taken care of. If you have Chinese-heritage colleagues or friends who often bring you food or treats, it often means they care about you.

Who are some mentors, family members, or community leaders who have influenced you, and how?

One mentor who has influenced me deeply is Michelle Chann, Head of Client Solutions, GTB. Through her guidance, I learned that growth comes from being open to feedback and having the humility to continuously improve. She helped me reframe feedback as something constructive. It is not criticism to be feared, but an opportunity to learn, reflect, and strengthen how I present myself both personally and professionally. I have also been inspired by the way she leads through community building, including her involvement with the TD Securities Indigenous Peoples ERG and Women at TD. Seeing her consistently use her voice and time to support inclusion, representation, and meaningful engagement has encouraged me to be more intentional about the impact I create in the communities around me. Her leadership has shown me what it looks like to uplift others, create space for different perspectives and lead with care.

Have you encountered any misconceptions about your identity, and what do you wish people knew instead?

I believe misconceptions exist everywhere and at every level of society—they’re not limited to culture, gender, race, or identity. Over time, I’ve learned that misconceptions don’t define who we are unless we allow them to. Instead of letting other people’s assumptions shape my sense of self, I try to stay grounded in my own values and identity. I also believe growth comes from openness and dialogue. Sometimes misconceptions simply come from unfamiliarity, and meaningful conversations can build understanding and empathy. Rather than focusing on proving stereotypes wrong, I hope people take the time to see who they truly are and feel proud of that.

What does meaningful allyship and inclusion look like to you—in your workplace, school, or community?

Treating everyone with respect, dignity, and understanding, and creating spaces where people have an equitable opportunity to be heard, included, and supported

What’s one book, film, artist, or historical figure you recommend learning more about Asian heritage and experiences?

I believe one of the best ways to learn more about Asian heritage and experiences is simply to listen to Asian people sharing their own stories. Every person carries a unique perspective shaped by their culture, family history, language, immigration journey and personal experience. There is no single story that can fully represent the diversity of Asian communities. Sometimes the most impactful lessons do not come from famous historical figures, but from hearing someone talk about their childhood, traditions and the way they see the world.

Given that I am a dancer, I would especially recommend the dance drama Wing Chun. It beautifully blends Chinese martial arts, traditional culture, and storytelling through movement. The performance is not only visually stunning, but it also reflects themes of resilience, discipline, identity, and cultural inheritance. Even for people who may not be familiar with Chinese culture, it offers an artistic way to experience the spirit and philosophy behind Chinese heritage.