Fifi Chen is an active community advocate, student leader, and co-founder of CreateAbility Camp, a nonprofit program that offers safe, inclusive, and impactful lessons for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program brings youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities together with professional Atlantic Canadian authors and illustrators, camp leaders, and volunteers. Through both in-person and online programming, participants have opportunities to explore their creativity, develop new skills, build confidence, and form meaningful friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment. Since its launch, CreateAbility Camp has welcomed more than 30 participants, and Fifi’s efforts have been recognized through multiple generous grants, including the $2,500 Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Grant and the $2,800 Race to Inclusive Canada Grant, and have been featured on CBC radio.
Fifi’s commitment to supporting young people extends beyond CreateAbility Camp. She also founded Memories That Matter at her local hospital, further expanding her efforts to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Fifi is also involved with Youth of Canada, Digitally Lit, Junior Achievement, student council, and several school clubs, where she promotes youth opportunities, education, and leadership.
Additionally, Fifi serves as the current Anglophone School West District student councillor, representing over 24,000 students. She is the secretary of the New Brunswick Provincial Student Representative Council and part of her high school’s student council.
Her leadership and accomplishments span education, science, the arts, and community service. Fifi has received multiple Duke of Edinburgh International Grants and the Vimy Pilgrimage Award, and was named a Canada-Wide Science Fair finalist. She has also earned recognition for her achievements in piano, violin, chess, gymnastics, and community leadership.
Fifi hopes to inspire young people to follow their dreams and give back to their community. She believes that all youth have the potential to create meaningful change.