Derek Chen

Derek Chen has extensive work experience in various roles and companies. In their most recent position as Project Director at the Chinese Community Center, they are responsible for recruiting potential SCSEP Participants and Host Agencies, determining eligibility for SCSEP applicants, and monitoring host agencies as required by SCSEP Policy. Derek also plans, coordinates, and directs SCSEP Quarterly Participant Meetings and Host Agency Supervisor Meetings. Derek develops and maintains working relationships with career centers and markets the SCSEP Program to the local Asian-American and Pacific Islander population. Additionally, they provide case management services for SCSEP participants, including counseling, referrals for other supportive services, and job development. Prior to this role, Derek worked as an Employment Coach at the same company, where they focused on resume editing.

Before joining the Chinese Community Center, Derek gained valuable experience as a Sales Executive at AIR CHINA LIMITED (NORTH AMERICA). In this role, they monitored sales performance, predicted traveler behavior trends, and identified potential sales opportunities. Derek also provided training to major travel manager companies and assisted premium customers with ground transportation and seat assignments. Derek handled ticketing support for travel agents and passengers as well. Derek also had a previous role as a Sales Assistant at the same company.

Earlier in their career, Derek worked as a Youth Development Counselor at the YMCA of Greater Houston. Derek assisted with planning and implementing lesson/activity curriculum and facilitated formal and informal play within the center and outdoors.

Derek Chen's work experience showcases their expertise in project management, recruitment, case management, sales analysis, and customer service.

Derek Chen obtained a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Houston-Downtown, where they studied from 2010 to 2014. In terms of additional certifications, they acquired various qualifications. In 2022, they obtained certifications in Analysis, Leadership, Partnerships, and Career Coaching from Skilling America. In 2021, they acquired a certification in Child Abuse Prevention from the YMCA of Greater Houston and a CPR/AED/First Aid certification from the American Heart Association. Additionally, in 2023, they obtained a VITA/TCE certification from the Internal Revenue Service.