BIO: Queenie Choo

Born in Hong Kong, Queenie immigrated to Canada in 1980 after completing her nursing studies in the UK. Since making Canada her home, Queenie has held many senior leadership positions in various large-scale organizations.

Known for her passion for diversity and inclusion, Queenie was appointed as CEO to commission the first culturally based seniors care home in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2010, she became the Executive Director at Alberta Health Services, responsible for redesigning the home and community health system.

In 2012 Queenie moved to BC after being appointed as CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S, one of the largest non-profit social service organizations in the province. Queenie has a unique ability to blend a rigorous and results-oriented approach with a genuine sensitivity to people. At S.U.C.C.E.S.S., she leads committed teams to develop and provide innovative programs in the areas of employment and language training, business development, newcomer settlement, family and youth counselling, as well as culturally appropriate seniors care and affordable housing.

Under Queenie’s leadership, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is an active advocate for multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her experience, Queenie has been appointed to many related committees and councils. These include the Canadian Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force Pacific Advisory Council on Diversity; the RCMP Commanding Officer’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Board; the OMNI Pacific Advisory Council; the provincial Minister’s Advisory Forum on Poverty Reduction; and the Premier’s Chinese-Canadian Community Advisory Committee.

Queenie was a nominee for the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Excellence in Nursing Administration Award and the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award. In 2016, she was recognized by BCBusiness as one of BC’s 35 most influential women. In 2018, Queenie was appointed by the Minister of National Defence as an Honorary Naval Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy.