About Katrina Chen
Katrina Chen (陳葦蓁) has 18 years of experience in politics, community services, and public engagements. She moved to Canada from Taiwan on her own and started her grassroots work in the community after her graduation from Simon Fraser University. She was elected to Burnaby’s Board of Education in British Columbia at the age of 30.
Katrina Chen (陳葦蓁) has 18 years of experience in politics, community services, and public engagements. She moved to Canada from Taiwan on her own and started her grassroots work in the community after her graduation from Simon Fraser University. She was elected to Burnaby’s Board of Education in British Columbia at the age of 30.
In 2017, Katrina was elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Burnaby-Lougheed and served as the Minister of State for Child Care. She successfully laid the foundation for a new social program committed to implementing a $10-a-Day child care system for all B.C. families. Katrina also negotiated the first Canada-wide early learning and child care agreement with the federal government, bringing billions in new funding. She was the first Taiwanese-born Canadian appointed to B.C. Cabinet and the youngest member of the Executive Council at the time. In 2019, She was recognized as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons (Oversea) in Taiwan.
Katrina is currently President of 安信 Community Savings Credit Union starting up the first Chinese Canadian and Chinese-language credit union initialtive in BC. Her first children's book, A Stronger Home, which raises awareness about family violence, is now available for pre-order through Orca Book Publishers.
Katrina is currently President of 安信 Community Savings Credit Union starting up the first Chinese Canadian and Chinese-language credit union initialtive in BC. Her first children's book, A Stronger Home, which raises awareness about family violence, is now available for pre-order through Orca Book Publishers.
Katrina actively volunteers for various community causes and has always been a vocal advocate for child care, public education, anti-racism, workers' rights, anti-gender-based violence, mental health and equity. Katrina has publicly shared her experience as a survivor of gender-based violence, and her public disclosure of trauma has garnered overwhelming support.
Katrina speaks fluent English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, with a basic understanding of Cantonese. She also enjoys singing, and playing the piano and guitar.
Katrina speaks fluent English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese, with a basic understanding of Cantonese. She also enjoys singing, and playing the piano and guitar.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Certified Coach | Facilitator | Speaker
Katrina Chen Coaching & Communication (2023 - Present)
Member | International Coaching Federation (2024 - Present)
President | 安信 Community Savings
Community Savings Credit Union (2024 - Present)
Author | A Stronger Home
Orca Book Publishers | Pre-order here (2025)
Member of the Children's Writers & Illustrators of British Columbia Society
Member of Legislative Assembly | BC Legislature
Member | Burnaby-Lougheed Constituency (2017 – 2024)
Minister of State for Child Care | BC Cabinet | Executive Council
Cabinet member (2017 – 2022)
Chair | Child Care Working Group
Member | Cabinet Committee on Social Initiatives
Member | Government Caucus Committee on Social Initiatives
Member | COVID Working Group
Member | Priorities and Accountability Committee
Trustee | Burnaby Board of Education | SD41
Board member (2014 – 2017)
Chair | Youth and Community Services Community; Education Committee
Member | Policy Committee; Building and Grounds Committee; Finance Committee
Liaison | Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission; Burnaby Principals’ and Vice Principals Association; District Parent Advisory Council; District Student Advisory Council
Commissioner | Burnaby Parks and Recreation Commission
Member (2014)
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant & Commissioner for Taking Affidavits for BC
Consultant (2010-2017)
Member's Assistant | House of Commons | BC Legislature
Constituency Assistant (2007-2017)
Organizer | ACORN
Community Organizer (2006-2007)
EDUCATION | RECOGNITIONS
Simon Fraser University
Bachelor of Arts | Political Science Major & History Minor (2006)
University of British Columbia Continuing Studies
Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies and Procedures (2010)
8th Element Professional Coach Training Program
International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Coach Education (2023 - 2024)
King Charles III's Coronation Medal
Recipient (2024)
Taiwan (ROC) | Oversea Compatriot Culture and Education Foundation
Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons (2019)
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Katrina has always been an active volunteer in her community, contributing to numerous non-profit organizations and major events. She currently serves on the boards of the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation. She is also a member of the Children’s Writers & Illustrators of British Columbia Society.
