karena
Chen
Karena Chan, an international student born and raised in Hong Kong, is currently studying the IB at Westbourne School in Cardiff, Wales. A passionate advocate for equality and diplomacy, she excels in leadership, debate, and global simulations, deepening her understanding of international relations and inspiring meaningful change in a divided world. She is the founder of the Ogma Project.
My Story
One pivotal lesson Karena learned growing up was the power of resilience and collaboration during her first team debate. Initially struggling to convey her points and build confidence, she discovered that advocating for herself also meant helping others find their voices. This realisation now fuels her commitment to language and cultural preservation, particularly through her initiative to rediscover local languages, ensuring that communities retain their identity and agency in a rapidly globalising world.
Spurred by her experience as a cultural minority within China, Karena founded and leads the Ogma Project, a youth-led advocacy group to nurture and protect threatened languages of minority and indigenous communities. She also founded and heads her school’s Equality Committee, implementing impactful inclusion policies. Her success in CUIMUN, which she pursued independently beyond school, and the ESU debates highlight her ability to navigate complex global issues with diplomacy and strategic thinking. An internship with Dentons provided her with a strong foundation in legal and diplomatic reasoning. Her dedication was recognised with the Progress Award, a distinction granted to only two students in her year group.
Karena aspires to study International Relations at LSE, drawn to its rigorous academic environment and emphasis on global engagement. She envisions a career in international organisations such as the United Nations or NGOs, advocating for human rights and sustainable development through policy innovation and diplomacy.