A lifelong Toronto GTA resident, Mike Yen learned first-hand the benefits that strong and diverse cultures offer a city from the lessons passed from his great-grandfather who immigrated to Toronto, from China, in the early 1920′s. Growing up in Scarborough’s Malvern community he translated his appreciation for cultural diversity into a Bachelor of Arts from York University where he majored in History and Economics.
Since 2007, Mike has called Toronto’s Entertainment District home where he founded TEDRA (Toronto Entertainment District Resident’s Association). Mike has developed strong relationships within the community where he conducts a campaign to save the area’s heritage buildings and also to preserve the life & vibrancy of Toronto’s Entertainment District. Mike has deep concerns with regards to the lack of infrastructure & services to downtown Toronto condo dwellers.
As a federal officer, Mike spent 10 years working with businesses at Canada Revenue Agency where he also chaired his office social committee that planned and oversaw events for over 1000 employees. His extensive experience working with troubled businesses has given Mike an understanding of the issues/problems that hinder the growth/prosperity of our business community. Mike, as a strong supporter of small business, is particularly concerned with these contributors to the economy as they make up the very essence of our unique communities.
In 2010, Mike decided to enter politics where he placed 2nd in the Toronto municipal election in Ward 20 where he was endorsed by three mayoral candidates including Mayor Rob Ford for “his strong ethics and commitment to hard work on behalf of taxpayers”. In 2011, Mike was chosen to be a candidate in the Ontario provincial election where several members of parliament and senators assisted on his campaign. In both elections, Mike chose to locate his campaign offices in Toronto’s Chinatown where he brought attention to the neglect of this historic and culturally rich area and to encourage the Chinese community to have their voice heard by being more involved in our electoral processes. In 2014, Mike once again entered municipal politics where he ran for city council.
Previously serving as Director of Corporate Relations, Mike was appointed to the role of Government Relations Liaison in September 2015 and continues to mentor future leaders in the Asian community.
"Let's just say I know a guy...who knows another guy...who...knows another guy"
"The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work"
"The true value of networking doesn't come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce to others"