Karrolyn Van Helden is Vice-Consul and Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai. Since joining Global Affairs Canada in 2009 as a Foreign Service Officer, currently she is responsible for a team of Trade Commissioners serving Canadian businesses in cleantech, infrastructure, forestry, and mining. Thematically she is responsible for Women in Business, Responsible Business Conduct and Indigenous Rights. With a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and a brief stint running her own business, she is passionate about nurturing women leaders achieve their potential. 

Why did you wait before, and why are you not waiting anymore?

With Canada’s emphasis on supporting women and its entrepreneurs, when Rachel and Ali shared their vision, I wanted to capitalize on this opportunity in order to help grow entrepreneurs.