Leading from the Ground Up: Ann Chen on Community, Innovation, and Digital Access
This interview explores Ann Chen’s journey as a settlement language training instructor and team lead at KEYS in Kingston, Ontario, and her evolution as an innovator in technology‑enhanced language learning. She describes KEYS as a community‑based, integrated service hub where employment, settlement, and language programs reinforce one another, with language serving as the foundation for social connection, work, and community participation.
Generative AI was used to help organize and edit the original interview transcript. It helped break long answers into shorter sections, add clarifying questions, and improve readability, while keeping the interviewee’s words, meaning, and perspective intact.
Introduction
The Chinese Restaurant Workers Project: Origins of a Practice
From Grassroots Innovation to Avenue Leadership
Leadership, Identity, and Change from the Ground Up
Community of Practice and Local Innovation
Closing Reflection
KEYS helps job seekers of all ages and abilities, looking for a job or exploring career options; entrepreneurs with services designed to make it easier to pursue their business goals; employers by supporting their staffing, training, and retention needs; or newcomers to Canada requiring English training and settlement help.
