Martin Li
Biographie
Richmond has been my home for over 20 years. I grew up here, attended Ferris Elementary and Richmond Secondary, and was fortunate to have teachers, neighbours, and community members who encouraged me and helped shape the person I am today.
After graduating from Richmond Secondary, I earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and later completed a Human Resources Management Certificate at Simon Fraser University. I’m grateful for the education I received and the people who helped me along the way.
For many years, I worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor with the City of Richmond. Teaching children to swim was one of the most meaningful parts of my work. I remember helping nervous young swimmers take their first steps into the water, encouraging them when something seemed difficult, and sharing in their excitement when they finally accomplished something they once thought they couldn’t do.
I also had many conversations with parents, listening to their concerns, answering their questions, and sharing updates about their children’s progress. Those experiences taught me that every child learns differently and that patience, encouragement, and trust can make a real difference.
Today, my professional background is in human resources, with experience in local government and post-secondary education. My work has given me an appreciation for the people who keep organizations running, the importance of supporting employees, and the responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect others.
Community service is also an important part of my life. I serve on the Board of Directors of Pathways Clubhouse and volunteer with the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset. Through these experiences, I’ve learned a great deal from people whose lives and perspectives are different from my own. They’ve reminded me that listening and treating people with dignity are essential to serving a community.
I’m running for Richmond School Trustee because public education has been an important part of my own life, and I care about the experiences of students and families in our community.
I believe children should feel safe and welcomed at school, have opportunities to discover their strengths, and receive support when they face challenges. I also believe teachers and school staff deserve to be heard and respected for the work they do, and that parents should have meaningful opportunities to share their experiences and concerns.
Our schools face difficult decisions about resources, facilities, and changing student needs. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I believe those decisions require careful listening, thoughtful questions, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
When I look back on my years as a Richmond student and swim instructor, what stays with me most is the difference people can make in one another’s lives. A teacher who takes a little extra time, an instructor who offers encouragement, or a parent who speaks up for their child can leave a lasting impression.
Richmond has given me an education, lifelong friendships, opportunities, and a place to call home. I’m grateful to the people who helped me grow, and I hope to continue giving back through community service.
Raison de la candidature
I believe every child deserves to walk into school feeling safe, welcomed, and knowing that someone believes in them.
For some children, school is a place where they discover their talents, build friendships, and develop confidence. For others, it can be a place where they face challenges, struggle to fit in, or need someone to take a little extra time to understand them. Every child’s experience is different, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
That’s one of the reasons I’m running for Richmond School Trustee.
I care about the everyday experiences of students, families, teachers, and school staff. Behind every decision made by a school board are real people whose lives are affected. Whether it’s classroom resources, school facilities, student support, or the working conditions of educators, these decisions deserve care, thoughtful consideration, and accountability.
I also recognize how much our teachers and school staff give to their students. They do more than deliver lessons. They encourage children through difficult moments, recognize their strengths, and help them believe in themselves. I believe their experiences and concerns deserve to be heard when decisions are made about our schools.
Parents also want what is best for their children. They deserve opportunities to ask questions, share concerns, and feel that their voices matter, even when people may not always agree.
I know there are no simple answers to every challenge facing public education. Resources are limited, needs are changing, and difficult decisions sometimes have to be made. I believe those decisions should be guided by careful listening, reliable information, transparency, and responsible use of public resources.
I’m not running because I believe I know everything. I’m running because I care enough to listen, to learn, to ask questions, and to take the responsibility seriously.
At the heart of it all is something simple: our children have only one opportunity to experience their school years. Those years matter, not just for what they learn in the classroom, but for the confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging they carry into adulthood.
I want our public schools to be places where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and look toward the future with confidence.