Catherine Gao is First Secretary and Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea and serves as CanCham Korea’s Embassy Liaison. She joined Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in 2019, where she first led the International Education Strategy within the International Education Division before becoming Senior Advisor in the Greater China Trade and Investment Division.

Prior to joining GAC, Catherine worked across several federal departments and central agencies in roles focused on international policy and engagement. Her assignments in New York, Brussels, and Shanghai have strengthened her global perspective and deepened her expertise in trade, investment, and international collaboration.

Catherine holds a Master of Science in Project Management from Université du Québec and a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management, specializing in International Affairs with a Minor in French, from Carleton University.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking, practicing Zumba, watching Korean dramas, and traveling with her family.