Yajing (Chi Chi) Wang, a student in the M.S. in Strategic Communication (SCOM) program is applying her expertise in global-level communication to bridge cultures through a new role as External Advisor for Institutional Affairs at the National Chamber of Tourism in Peru (CANATUR), a position she holds with great honor alongside her work as the founder of Sageus Strategies, a boutique consulting firm specializing in intercultural strategy, strategic influence, and sustainable impact.
At CANATUR, Wang aims to integrate ethical ecotourism with Peru’s natural and cultural heritage. Inspired by a “pay-it-forward” philosophy of putting one’s resources toward helping others, she seeks to protect Indigenous culture and the environment through well-researched strategies and ethical decision-making. By fostering sustainable development and stewardship, she hopes to create harmony between people and nature, serving as a bridge for meaningful cultural exchange.
“Qualities like empathy, fairness, and the desire to help one another reside within all of us,” said Wang. “I believe that each of us can discover who we truly are through service, which sparks a ripple effect and prompts others to pay it forward, ultimately fostering collective change in the world."
Wang attributes her position to the SCOM program, which has helped to refine her expertise and advance the causes she cares about most.
“The Global Communication, Ethical Decision Making, and Authentic Leadership courses equipped me with the framework and insight to translate my intentions into precise actions that drive real results, often by uncovering a third solution that reconciles conflicting priorities through value-driven, strategic thinking,” Wang said. “I am hoping to lead with clarity, compassion, and a transformative vision rooted in cultural understanding, long-term impact, and the ability to influence meaningful change.”
A defining life moment for Wang occurred at the age of 10, when she witnessed an elementary school classmate in Hangzhou, China, fall into a pond. Wang and a friend threw a jump rope to their classmate and then ran to alert nearby adults. Just as assistance arrived, the girl was able to pull herself to safety. The experience encouraged Wang to find further ways to help others help themselves.
After finishing high school, she decided to expand her horizons by studying abroad. Her undergraduate degree in commerce and visual arts from the University of British Columbia equipped her with a decade of professional experience in Canada. Upon returning to her hometown of Hangzhou, China, Wang observed that many women, including herself, faced considerable pressure from their families and peers to conform to traditional work expectations. This experience galvanized her work to empower women to forge their own paths.
Wang then sent a letter to the Beijing office of UN Women, beginning a correspondence with then-country manager Julie Broussard. Her pitch garnered support from three levels of government and over 50,000 people in the city, culminating in the first-ever UN Women Global Conference on Gender Equality and Corporate Social Responsibility.
This momentum propelled Wang into a whirlwind of experiences with the United Nations, including initiatives with HeForShe and an invitation to the UNEP Champion of the Earth gala, which celebrates exceptional environmental achievement.
Building on the global perspective she gained through her UN experiences, Wang soon found an opportunity to apply these insights in Peru.
In 2020, Wang assisted a Peruvian enterprise in refining its tea harvesting and preparation near Machu Picchu. In November 2024, Wang was invited to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Citizen Opening event in Lima, where she met several high-ranking officials from Peru, including President Dina Boluarte. During her discussions with the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, the Vice Minister of Tourism, and the President of CANATUR, Wang shared her vision for a global partnership centered on regenerative ecotourism and cultural exchange. This engagement laid the groundwork for a novel Canada-China-Peru partnership, which guides Wang’s work today.
About the Program
The business world’s around-the-clock communications challenges are demanding a new level of strategic thinking. Columbia University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication graduates emerge equipped with all the essential skills and tools for a successful career in a wide range of communication fields.
The part-time format is online and ideal for experienced full-time professionals based in or outside the New York metropolitan area. Learn more about the program here.
