Sue Chen
CEO, Nova Medical Products

Sue Chen founded Nova Medical Products in 1993 when she was just 23 years old. Today, Nova has grown to become an industry leader in Mobility and Bathroom Safety products providing greater independence and personal well being to people at all stages of life. Sue and Nova are changing the look and perception of medical equipment and improving the lives of millions of Americans reliant on assistive devices by incorporating style, fashion, and function to products such as designer canes and colorful walkers. Nova’s mission is strong and simple: take care of our people, take care of our customers, and take care of our community. Sue and her team at Nova are working to educate people about the hope and possibilities of life – regardless of physical challenges - and to empower their customers to live life fully. Through her trademark “Mobility Makeover”, Sue works with individual customers to help them assert their style and pursue an active lifestyle with the help of their mobility equipment.

Nova also helps people around the world by supporting local, national and international organizations including The Music Center Los Angeles, Center of Achievement for The Physically Disabled, Haiti Relief, Hurricane Katrina Relief, Project Care – Baja Mexico, Ilbosco Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, ALS Chapter of Chicago, Western Independent Living, and many more.

In 2008, Nova was recognized at the White House by USPAACC as a leader in Asian American business. In 2008 and 2009, Sue was a finalist for the Wells Fargo Asian American Leadership Award. In 2008, Sue was featured in Kaira Rouda’s book, “Real You Incorporated – 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.” In 2010, Sue was chosen by the Annenberg Foundation as a Community Champion for the Alchemy Leadership Seminar to educate and elevate the non-profit sector of Los Angeles and was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Asian Business League of Southern California. Sue is also the newest University Trustee on the California Lutheran University Board of Regents. Most recently, Nova was a finalist for the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and recipient of the Community Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Sue is an avid diver and passionately committed to saving our planet and oceans. She serves as President and Board Chair of Reef Check Foundation. Reef Check has teams in 93 countries that work to protect coral reefs by engaging teams of volunteer divers, including Sue, who work as “Citizen Scientists” to monitor the health of our oceans. Sue is also on the board of Shark Savers, an organization that educates about and helps save sharks.

Sue is an underwater photographer, accomplished diver, classical pianist, educational speaker, fashionista and happy Angelino who is most proud of her family, both in Los Angeles and in her native country of Taiwan. Sue is changing the world and doing it all in 4” heels!