Daughter of a Chinese immigrant and a descendant of a Transcontinental Chinese Railroad worker, Karen Kwan understands the importance of welcoming immigrants and refugees to our communities. Kwan is proud to be the first Chinese-American in the Utah Legislature, but hopes she will be the first of many. She currently serves as the Minority Whip in the Utah House of Representatives and is running for her 4th term. 
Kwan has always been passionate about serving her community and has served selflessly through various community and civic engagement organizations. She worked as program assistant at the Asian Association of Utah and Adviser at the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs at the University of Utah. Before running for office, she sat on the Governor’s Asian-American Council. Kwan has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. Her policy priorities are language access, equity, seniors, and mental health for first responders. She has spent 30 years working with Utah’s Asian American Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian communities.