### Biography of Mary Chen
#### 1. Early Life
Mary Chen was born on March 15, 1985, in Vancouver, Canada, to parents who were both educators. Growing up in a nurturing environment that emphasized the importance of learning and community involvement, Mary showed an early inclination towards science and public service. She attended Lord Byng Secondary School, where she excelled academically, particularly in biology and environmental science. Inspired by her biology teacher,
Susan-Miller, Mary developed a keen interest in ecological conservation.
#### 2. Career
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at the University of British Columbia in 2007, Mary pursued a Master's degree in the same field at the University of Toronto, which she completed in 2009. Her thesis on "Urban Sustainability Practices" garnered attention from several non-profit organizations.
Mary's professional career began at the Green Future Foundation, a non-profit organization in Toronto, where she worked as a Project Coordinator from 2010 to 2015. Her outstanding work in promoting urban sustainability projects earned her a promotion to Project Manager. In 2018, Mary transitioned to a more impactful role as the Director of Environmental Programs at the
Eco-Action-Group, an international NGO based in New York, where she leads initiatives on global sustainability and climate action.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Mary has been instrumental in spearheading several high-profile environmental projects. One of her most notable achievements was the development of the "Green Schools Program" in 2013, which was implemented in over 100 schools across Canada, aiming to educate students on sustainability practices. This program has since been adopted in various forms in other countries, showing Mary's impact on a global scale.
In 2017, she was recognized with the "Environmental Advocate of the Year" award by the Canadian Environmental Agency. Another significant achievement came in 2020, when under her leadership, the
Eco-Action-Group successfully lobbied for the inclusion of environmental policies in the United Nations' sustainable development agenda, a testament to her influence in the field of global environmental policy.
#### 4. Personal Life
Mary is married to
Daniel-Wong, a fellow environmental scientist she met during her Master's program. The couple has two children, Emily and Michael, and they reside in Brooklyn, New York. Mary is an avid hiker and photographer, often exploring the natural landscapes of upstate New York. She is also a board member of the
Brooklyn-Arts-Council, reflecting her commitment to supporting the arts and cultural development in her community. Mary's personal and professional life exemplifies her dedication to making a lasting impact on both local and global scales.
Through her work and life, Mary Chen continues to inspire many in the fields of environmental science and sustainable development, demonstrating the power of dedicated individuals in making a difference in the world.