Meet Michele Tung, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Ones to Watch Recipient

Michele Tung is the CEO and visionary behind homeD, a company transforming the affordable housing sector with high-performance, sustainable modular homes. With a background spanning three continents, Michele’s journey reflects her dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in construction. 

Born in the USA, deeply connected to her Chinese heritage, and having lived most of her life in Canada, Michele has a unique perspective on bridging cultures and industries. Her time in China in her mid-twenties further enriched her understanding, blending technical expertise with a strong focus on social and environmental impact. 

Under Michele’s leadership, homeD has pioneered the development of BoxPods — modular housing units designed for rapid assembly and sustainability. Her commitment to creating accessible, high-quality homes for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, sets her apart as a leader making a tangible difference. Michele’s entrepreneurial drive is fueled by a passion for building — whether homes, teams, or communities. Her collaboration with Lu’ma Native Housing on solutions for individuals facing housing instability exemplifies her commitment to social responsibility. Michele leads by example, emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and the belief that true success is measured by the positive impact on society and the environment.

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur when… I recognized the power of turning ideas into impactful solutions. The excitement of building something from nothing, paired with the responsibility to address urgent challenges, ignited my drive to pursue my vision with unwavering purpose and passion.

Entrepreneurship is made for me because… it channels my passion for innovation and my desire to create meaningful change. It empowers me to explore new frontiers, tackle complex challenges, and build solutions that have the potential to transform lives and uplift communities.

The impact I hope to make through my work is… to build a world where high-quality, sustainable housing is a right, not a privilege. By advancing innovation in modular construction, I aspire to address the global housing crisis and create resilient, inclusive communities that thrive in harmony with the environment.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey is… the power of resilience and adaptability. While challenges are inevitable, they are also the seeds of growth and innovation. By staying true to my vision and embracing new ideas, I’ve transformed obstacles into stepping stones toward greater achievements.

My proudest accomplishment is… founding a company that not only redefines innovation in affordable housing but also transforms lives. Witnessing our sustainable modular homes provide safe, dignified living spaces for diverse communities is the most tangible and rewarding outcome of our work, fuelling my passion to continue making a difference.

The best advice I’ve received as an entrepreneur was… “never give up, never surrender.” This mantra reminds me to persevere through challenges and to view every obstacle as an opportunity to grow, innovate, and push the limits of what’s possible.

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would use it to… explore the untapped potential in emerging ideas and technologies that can propel our mission forward. Whether it be connecting with visionaries, experimenting with new concepts, or contemplating bold strategies, this time would be my catalyst to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.

The future excites me because… it’s a canvas for innovation and transformative change. As technology and sustainability merge, the potential to reshape industries and uplift communities is boundless. I’m driven by the opportunity to pioneer solutions that will create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world, where everyone has the chance to flourish.

To learn more about homeD,visit them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. To keep up with Michelle, connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.