Episode 3: Authenticity Informs Policy with Nikki Chen

What a treat it was to sit down with the always-inspiring Nikki Chen, the first Equity and Inclusion Business Partner for the City of Vancouver. We cover a broad range of topics in our conversation, but particularly explore how a mission-driven initiative directed by local government can win the hearts and minds of the community and what that process looks like through the lens of leadership.

Nikki’s Bio

As the Equity & Inclusion Business Partner her focus is supporting Vancouver Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments within their Equity & Inclusion journey, but she can also be seen participating in Equity & Inclusion initiatives within the community of Vancouver.   Prior to her role at the City of Vancouver, Nikki led a community-wide effort overseeing investment in and expansion of the Domestic Violence (DV) Shelter at YWCA Clark County. Nikki is originally from San Jose, CA and spent 19 years working in healthcare leadership. Prior to moving to Vancouver she was a Health Equity & Research Program Manager for Stanford Healthcare in Palo Alto, CA. 

In collaboration with her partner Klarissa Hightower,  Nikki created Sprinkle Vancouver!, a wellness group for the BIPOC community in Vancouver that seeks to intentionally create a soft place away from capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and ableism. Together Sprinkle! members build friendships to strengthen themselves and in turn empower their community.​

 In her free time, Nikki enjoys having game nights with family and friends. Her lifelong dream is to own a small farm in Puerto Villa, Costa Rica when she retires.

Nikki believes that showing up as your authentic self in every interaction is your gift to society and she likes to end interactions with the words “Thank you for being you!”