Lynette Lee
Hometown: Burnaby, BC
Occupation: Case Management in Public Sector
Lynette Lee grew up in British Columbia in a hardworking Korean immigrant family that instilled in her a deep belief in education, perseverance, and service to others. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Asian Language and Culture from the University of British Columbia, she built a career in case management at a Crown Corporation, where she has spent over seven years supporting individuals through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, navigating complex healthcare and rehabilitation systems with both analytical precision and genuine compassion. She is currently completing her MBA at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, where her focus on strategy and operations continues to shape her vision for meaningful community leadership.
Trilingual in English, Korean, and Japanese, Lynette serves as a Board Member of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders, representing emerging leaders in Vancouver, and sits on the City of Burnaby Community Safety Advisory Committee, a role that reflects her deep commitment to the community she calls home. Through her local Instagram platform Burnaby with Lynette, she has built a dedicated following by spotlighting the hidden gems, local businesses, and everyday people that make Burnaby one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in Canada.
Driven by a belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone regardless of language, income, or postal code, Lynette has made increasing accessibility for vulnerable populations, children, seniors, and newcomer families on the cornerstone of her platform. She is an active fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association as part of her MUC 2026 humanitarian project, and has participated in the Million Reasons Run in support of BC Children’s Hospital. For Lynette, Miss Universe Canada is not simply a competition, it is a national stage to amplify the voices of those who need to be heard most, and to show the next generation of Korean-Canadian and immigrant women that they belong on every stage they choose to step onto.
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What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am passionate about community engagement, healthcare advocacy, and connecting people to resources that improve their lives. Outside of work and study, I enjoy running, recently completed a fundraising run for BC Children’s Hospital, exploring local hidden gems through my community Instagram platform, traveling, and learning through conversation with people from different backgrounds. I believe the most meaningful growth happens when you show up fully for your community.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
- Flute
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
- Track and Field
- Distance Running
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
One person who has had a strong influence on me is Michelle Obama. I admire the way she combines intelligence, professionalism, and compassion while using her platform to create meaningful impact. What resonates with me most is her ability to remain authentic and grounded while navigating leadership and public responsibility. She represents the idea that you can be ambitious, articulate, and service-oriented at the same time, which is something I aspire to in both my personal and professional life.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been balancing a demanding professional career while pursuing my MBA and remaining actively involved in community initiatives. Through my case management work I have had the opportunity to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives, which has strengthened my empathy and resilience. Outside of work I have been actively fundraising for the Canadian Mental Health Association and BC Children’s Hospital, which reflects my commitment to healthcare accessibility beyond just my professional role.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I think what makes me genuinely unique is that I am a trilingual Korean-Canadian woman who has built a career in healthcare case management while earning an MBA and building a community platform from scratch. I serve on the City of Burnaby Community Safety Advisory Committee and the board of the Overseas Korean Traders and somehow I also ended up competing in Miss Universe Canada. I navigate a lot of worlds at once, and I have learned that being multidimensional is not a contradiction. It is actually my greatest strength.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My long-term ambition is to contribute to improving healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and newcomer families in urban communities. I am completing my MBA to build the strategic and operational skills that complement my frontline case management experience. My goal is to eventually lead initiatives that bridge healthcare systems and community needs, whether through organizational leadership, policy work, or public advocacy.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
I would love to work at the intersection of healthcare, public engagement, and strategic leadership, creating initiatives that improve accessibility, education, and support for communities. Ultimately, I hope to use my voice and professional experience to help create systems that are both more compassionate and more effective. I would love to lead a community health initiative that specifically addresses multilingual access to mental health services in high-density urban cities like Burnaby, where I have seen firsthand how many families fall through the cracks.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in British Columbia in a hardworking immigrant family environment that emphasized education, perseverance, and respect for others. My childhood taught me adaptability and resilience because I often learned how to navigate different cultures, perspectives, and expectations at the same time. Those experiences helped shape my appreciation for diversity, communication, and community. Growing up in Canada also gave me a deep appreciation for inclusivity and the importance of creating opportunities for others. Those roots are the reason community has always been at the centre of everything I do.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Most of my career has been in insurance and rehabilitation services, which sounds straightforward but actually requires a rare combination of analytical precision and deep human empathy. I have sat across from people on the worst days of their lives and helped them navigate complex systems that experience has shaped my perspective on leadership and service more than any course or credential ever could.
List any volunteering you have done.
I have supported fundraising for BC Children’s Hospital through the Million Reasons Run and am currently an active fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association as part of my MUC 2026 humanitarian project. I also serve as a member of the City of Burnaby Community Safety Advisory Committee, which focuses on collaborative approaches to public safety and community wellbeing.
What is your most unusual talent?
I have an unusual ability to move comfortably between very different worlds, from corporate boardrooms to community kitchens, from Korean cultural events to municipal advisory committees. People often tell me I make them feel at ease quickly, and I think it comes from genuinely being curious about every person’s story rather than just waiting for my turn to speak.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
One of the most interesting places I have visited is Japan. I was fascinated by how the country seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, from historic temples and cultural customs to advanced technology and modern city life. What stood out to me most was the strong sense of respect, discipline, and attention to detail present in everyday interactions.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In ten years, I hope to be in a leadership position where I can make a meaningful impact in areas related to healthcare accessibility, community engagement, and public advocacy. I hope to be known as someone who did not just talk about change but showed up consistently to build it in boardrooms, in community halls, and on whatever stages I am given.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
I believe growth happens when people are willing to step outside of their comfort zones and use their experiences to contribute positively to others. Miss Universe Canada represents more than a title to me, I see it as one more stage to show up on and I intend to make it count.