Open to opportunities

Karl Chen

@karlchen

Message

Founder and project manager driving inclusive, scalable programs for marginalized communities.

Canada

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles where I can lead inclusive, community-centered programs, manage cross-functional teams, and drive measurable impact through accessibility and mentorship.

I am a founder and project manager with a track record of building and executing scalable programs that uplift marginalized and underserved communities.

I lead cross-functional teams of developers, designers, and content creators to deliver interactive digital experiences and large-scale events, managing projects valued up to $2 million and multiple concurrent initiatives.

I founded and grew a global professional Asian network of 65,000 members, launched community support initiatives during COVID-19, and created an Accessible Events Checklist adopted as a standard at BCIT.

I bring strategic thinking informed by decolonization and intersectionality, strong stakeholder management, and a commitment to measurable impact through mentorship, accessibility, and community-driven programming.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder & Project Lead

Current

Ryse - Professional Asian Network

Nov 2018 - Present (7 years 2 months)

Founded and scaled a global network of 65,000 members offering mentorship, resume support, and programming; led a 20-person team and organized volunteer initiatives including COVID-19 relief with 100+ volunteers.

Community Building Leadership Program Development Volunteer coordination Content Strategy Event Hosting Mentorship Programs

Project Manager

ngx Interactive

Apr 2023 - Nov 2024 (1 year 7 months)

Directed cross-functional teams to deliver interactive digital experiences for museums and cultural institutions, managing up to five concurrent projects and delivering projects valued up to $2M on time and to client expectations.

Project Management Cross Functional Team Management Budgeting Stakeholder Management Digital Experience

Events Marketing Specialist

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Jun 2019 - Oct 2021 (2 years 4 months)

Planned and executed virtual and in-person events including graduations and campaigns, developed an Accessible Events Checklist adopted as a BCIT standard, and used survey data to improve stakeholder experiences.

Event Planning Marketing Accessibility Standards Stakeholder Management Survey Analysis Virtual Events Campaign Management

Events Manager & Marketing Coordinator

Run For H2O

Jan 2017 - Jun 2019 (2 years 5 months)

Managed logistics, vendor relations, and permits for an annual charity run that raised $300,000 and drew 500+ attendees.

Event Management Fundraising Vendor Management Logistics Permitting Marketing Donor Relations

Volunteer Coordinator

Vancouver Out On Screen Film & Video Society

Jun 2017 - Aug 2018 (1 year 2 months)

Coordinated scheduling for 500 volunteers totaling 4,000+ hours for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival and conducted interviews and competency assessments to ensure appropriate placements.

Volunteer coordination Scheduling Recruitment Interviewing