The Story of TJ Delegencia
TJ Delegencia (he/him) identifies as a queer, disabled, neurodiverse, second-generation Chinese-Filipino Canadian. His unique background and personal journey have shaped his life’s mission: advancing inclusive spaces where people are seen, heard, and have equitable access to opportunities. This work goes beyond professional practice; it’s about making room for others and for the parts of ourselves we once felt we had to hide. Rooted in stories, connection, and growth, this mission drives his commitment. TJ is currently the manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Capilano University.
TJ was born into a family of Filipino ancestry with Chinese roots on his father’s side. His upbringing involved frequent moves between Canada and the Philippines. He was raised in a household where Chinese culture was a strong influence; however, due to his mother’s non-Chinese heritage, he experienced distance from many cultural customs. Even though his parents were fluent in English, they didn’t use it with each other. Yet, it was the only language they taught him and his sister, reinforcing a sense of cultural disconnection. He says, “I’ve always felt in between two cultures.”
The story behind TJ’s surname, Delegencia, reveals a significant chapter in his family history linked to systemic exclusion. Chinese immigrants faced significant legal and social barriers during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act. In the Philippines, under earlier Spanish colonial rule, many Chinese migrants assumed Hispanic or Filipino-sounding surnames as a survival tactic to avoid discrimination and integrate more easily into society. TJ’s family name became a symbol of resilience amid migration, cultural erasure, and transformation. His grandfather’s story of being kidnapped as a child, adopted, and changing his last name, adds layers to TJ’s understanding of identity and belonging.
TJ’s life experiences profoundly shaped his worldview. He came out at age 14, lives with generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD, and survived a brain tumour in 2019. “All of that has influenced how I think about support, inclusion, and what it means to show up fully,” TJ says. For TJ, DEI work became a personal mission, a journey of “coming home” to himself. Learning about his family’s past and the broader impacts of colonization and exclusion helped him connect the dots between personal experience and systemic barriers. For him, it’s not just about policy or strategy, but about people, stories, and creating space to be seen.
“Leadership isn’t just about being given space, but about giving yourself permission to take it.”
TJ credits his uncle, Jess Delegencia, who he calls Bechak, also a queer DEI professional, for inspiring him early on. “Seeing someone in my own family live openly and do this kind of work made me feel seen in a way few others could,” TJ explains. Other mentors from his previous workplaces, Frances Yip (CFO, Vancity) and Lizna Husnani-Puchta (Director, Inclusion, IGM Financial) also played pivotal roles. Frances shifted how he sees leadership by showing that leaders can look like him, break glass ceilings and stay true to themselves. His former manager, Lizna amplified his voice, gave him space grow and laid the foundation for his DEI journey, setting him up for success. Another major influence was the late Alden Habacon, the first DEI professional TJ spoke with when exploring the field. Alden generously shared his time and advice without hesitation. His recent passing was deeply felt, and TJ says, “I’ll never forget how his kindness and impact continue to inspire me and many others in this work.”
TJ’s experience as a queer Asian person often felt like an identity clash growing up. “I was raised to be quiet, respectful, and not make noise—values deeply rooted in my culture,” he reflects, “but silence never came naturally to me.” Being told to “tone it down” made him feel like a stranger in his own culture. In professional settings, microaggressions and assumptions about his identity were common, and at times he even felt embarrassed about his heritage. Hearing other Asians share similar stories, however, brought validation and strength in speaking up.
Professionally, TJ is still unpacking what it means to advocate for himself in ways not traditionally taught in his culture. “I had to learn that taking up space wasn’t rude—it was necessary,” he says. This ongoing personal growth fuels his commitment to DEI: helping others find their voice at the intersection of culture and identity.
Growing up between countries gave TJ a nuanced view of privilege and systemic barriers. While he benefited from English fluency and the absence of an accent, he also faced educational hurdles. Missing a single credit after returning from the Philippines delayed my post-secondary entry, TJ recalls. But his love for writing and literature became crucial tools for self-advocacy.
From frontline roles to DEI, TJ’s career was made possible by workplaces that supported education alongside employment. “Access and timing were everything. I was lucky to be in workplaces that valued professional development,” he shares. Witnessing his parents restart their careers in Canada after running a family business abroad taught him the immense sacrifices immigrants make, and the quiet, often unspoken, pressure to assimilate.
TJ encourages young professionals to embrace their authenticity. Early on, he felt pressured to hide or soften parts of himself to succeed, but learned that true power lies in being seen fully. He encourages finding mentors who share parts of your experience and see the whole person, beyond professional potential. “The right mentor doesn’t just help your career—they help you feel less alone.”
Understanding positionality and recognizing how background and identity shape experience and opportunity, is essential. “When we understand who we are, we can better see where we face barriers and where we hold privilege,” TJ says. “What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay.,” he emphasizes. “Intersectionality isn’t just theory—it’s a guide for leadership, collaboration, and communication.”
Finally, TJ reminds us: “Leadership isn’t just about being given space, but about giving yourself permission to take it.” Still learning to embrace that space himself, his journey is reminder that lived experience can challenge and reshape systems that have historically excluded many. With compassion, discomfort, and honesty, TJ continues to work toward reimagining systems that weren’t built for everyone, making room for others to show up as they are.
Explore More: Beyond the Borders Series
This video captures the spirit of “Moving Beyond Borders,” a powerful celebration of Asian Canadian voices, resilience, and community through storytelling, dialogue, and culture.
