As the founders of the Waterloo Women’s Impact Network (WWIN), we wanted more. We wanted to see more women in leadership positions. We wanted more inclusivity in our fields. We wanted change. And we knew that together, we have the power to make a difference. In May 2020, we founded WWIN to do just that.
But as our community grew, we realized how important it was to have a symbol we could wear proudly that would connect us to the cause bringing so many people together.
That’s where Henkaa comes in, a lifestyle brand that means “change” and whose founder and CEO embodied much of what WWIN is all about.
Joanna Duong Chang graduated from UWaterloo with a Bachelor’s in Math in 2004. From there, she quickly found success in real estate, winning the Coldwell Banker Sterling Award four times in as little as six years. But it was with the launch of Henkaa in 2010 that Joanna found her path as an entrepreneur and business leader.
Henkaa began with what Joanna jokingly called “the Frankenstein dress”—a convertible, multifunctional dress that she designed herself. When she debuted it at a wedding, guests took notice and Joanna knew she was onto something.
It wasn’t long before Joanna launched Toronto-based Henkaa, growing the company and scaling her product line. Boasting multiple dress styles and accessories, Henkaa is dedicated to creating body-positive clothing that helps women feel their best.
Sadly, Joanna passed away in July of 2019. In recognition of her legacy as an entrepreneur, community builder and philanthropist, we’ve made Joanna an honourary WWIN member.
We also turned to the design team at Henkaa to commission exclusive scarves and pocket squares for our members.
Stan Chang, Joanna’s husband and Henkaa’s General Manager, commented on the company’s collaboration with WWIN: “Being a woman in business and a proud UWaterloo Math alumna, Jo would be honoured to be involved with such an inspirational initiative. With women still underrepresented in STEM, these scarves are an important symbol that supports the success of women in these fields.”
We’re proud to share these exclusive pieces with WWIN members. WWIN’s signature scarves and pocket squares are a flag for change that our growing community can rally behind, designed by a company created by one of our own.
WWIN Member, Jane Kinney (BMath '82)
Ghazal Geshnizjani, Chair, Women in Mathematics (WiM)
Received your scarf or pocket square? Send us a picture to MathWWIN@uwaterloo.ca
