Community,
Not Corporate
At Dragon Gate Academy, our board is the driving force behind a transformative vision to create San Francisco’s leading charter school—a place where academic excellence, cultural inclusivity, and community empowerment converge to redefine education. This dynamic team unites a remarkable diversity of expertise, drawing from fields as varied as education, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and grassroots advocacy. Bound by an unwavering passion for equity and opportunity, our board members are propelling this initiative forward with a shared commitment to building an institution that serves every student and family with distinction.
Reflecting the rich mosaic of San Francisco, our board brings together lived experiences and professional achievements that span local and global impact. Their collective backgrounds encompass decades of leadership in scaling organizations, advocating for systemic change, fostering cultural pride, and harnessing innovation to solve complex challenges. As parents, educators, business leaders, and community champions, they understand the urgent need for a school that not only educates but inspires, preparing students for a rapidly evolving world while celebrating the city’s vibrant heritage.
With a bold startup mindset, our board is moving swiftly to turn vision into reality, prioritizing the needs of children today rather than years down the line. Their expertise in navigating policy, driving economic and social progress, and leveraging cutting-edge strategies ensures Dragon Gate Academy will deliver a world-class education rooted in inclusion and excellence. This team’s relentless dedication and diverse perspectives are crafting a legacy—an institution that will empower generations, uplift communities, and set a new standard for what public education can achieve in San Francisco.
Dr. Margaret K. Lee
Dr. Margaret K. Lee brings an extraordinary 38 years of educational expertise and leadership to our board, with a distinguished career spanning K-12 and adult education in the San Francisco Bay Area. Having served at the San Francisco Unified School District, City College of San Francisco, and University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Lee is a seasoned educator, administrator, and consultant whose impact on education is profound and far-reaching.
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Dr. Lee holds advanced degrees and credentials from the University of San Francisco, and San Francisco State University Her qualifications include Administrative Services, Children Center Supervision, Chinese Bilingual Teaching, and Adult Professional Services Teaching, reflecting her versatility and commitment to inclusive education.
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A pillar of community service, Dr. Lee has held leadership roles in numerous nonprofit organizations, including The Association of Chinese Teachers, Chinese American Bilingual Education Alliance, Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth, Lions International, Global Initiative of Health and Wellness, and the Ocean-Park Health Center Mental Health Advisory Board. Her dedication to advocacy and wellness has strengthened communities across the region.
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Recognized for her service and leadership, Dr. Lee has received prestigious awards from The Association of Chinese Teachers(TACT), Lions International, Toastmasters International, and commendations from the San Francisco Mayor’s Office and California State Senators.
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Dr. Lee’s vision, experience, and passion for education and community upliftment make her an invaluable asset to our board, guiding our school toward a future of excellence and equity.
Susan Fong Wong
Susan Fong Wong’s life is a testament to the transformative power of public education and the relentless pursuit of equity and excellence for all students. Raised in Houston, Texas, Susan attended Houston Public Schools during an era of segregation, experiencing firsthand the inequities that shaped her lifelong commitment to ensuring every child has access to outstanding, free public education. Her belief in public schools as engines of opportunity drives her dynamic contributions to our board.
A seasoned finance executive, Susan honed her strategic leadership at McKesson, GE Capital, and 7-Eleven Corporation, bringing sharp financial acumen to our mission. She earned her BA from Rice University and MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, equipping her with the skills to navigate complex challenges with precision and vision. Yet, it is her tireless volunteerism and advocacy that truly set her apart.
With over 30 years as a parent leader in San Francisco’s public schools, Susan has been a cornerstone of change. She served on the PTA or School Site Council at her three children’s schools—Alice Fong Yu, KIPP S.F. Bay Academy, Lowell, Washington, and Balboa—championing resources and opportunities for students. Susan’s hands-on commitment extended to tutoring reading and math at Cobb, Roosevelt, and Washington schools, and teaching phonics through the San Francisco Public Library. For a decade, she fought on the front lines to restore 8th-grade Algebra in SFUSD, a battle she waged as a frequent, passionate speaker at San Francisco Board of Education meetings.
Susan’s leadership reverberates through her roles on the parent leader council for the S.F. Parents Coalition and Innovate Public Schools, where she advocates for systemic improvements. She serves on the boards of the Chinese American Democratic Club and the Anza Vista Neighborhood Club, amplifying community voices. A former Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, Susan’s dedication to youth development is unwavering.
Susan Fong Wong’s blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and relentless advocacy makes her an inspiring force on our board, driving our vision to create a school that delivers equitable, world-class education for every student.
Albert Chow
Albert Chow embodies the heart and hustle of San Francisco’s westside, a native son born and raised in Chinatown whose deep roots and bold vision make him a vital force on our board. A product of the San Francisco Unified School District, Albert attended the school now named Yick Wo Elementary, John Hancock Elementary, AP Giannini, and Lincoln High, where his early experiences shaped his unwavering belief in the power of public education to uplift communities. Today, as a passionate advocate and leader, he channels that conviction into creating equitable opportunities for all students.
As a local business owner and President of the People of Parkside Sunset (formerly the Taraval Merchants Association), Albert has an intimate understanding of the economic and social dynamics of San Francisco’s westside. His leadership strengthens community ties and drives economic vitality, but it’s his activism that sets him apart. Albert is a relentless advocate who takes to the streets, holding elected officials accountable and amplifying the voices of westside residents and the Chinese community. His fearless dedication to public service has positioned him as a respected leader and a potential candidate for District 4 Supervisor.
A devoted father of two boys—one in SFUSD’s Mandarin Immersion program and the other in Mandarin Immersion daycare—Albert is deeply invested in educational excellence that honors cultural heritage and prepares students for a global future. His advocacy ensures that policies and programs reflect the needs of diverse families, making education a cornerstone of community empowerment.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, a legacy of grassroots leadership, and a fierce commitment to inclusivity, Albert Chow is an inspiring catalyst for our school’s mission. His vision and energy will help us build a beacon of education, equity, and cultural pride for San Francisco’s children.
Brian Grech
Brian Grech brings a rare blend of global perspective, innovative thinking, and deep community commitment to our board, rooted in his identity as a Northern California native. A Harvard graduate and former White House staffer, Brian’s career spans high-impact roles in finance and technology at Bank of America, PayPal, and cutting-edge AI startups focused on transforming the finance industry. His strategic acumen and forward-thinking approach position him to drive our school’s mission with precision and vision.
As a father of three boys—two enrolled in SFUSD’s Mandarin Immersion programs and the youngest in a Mandarin Immersion daycare—Brian is deeply invested in fostering educational excellence and cultural inclusivity. His personal connection to bilingual education fuels his passion for creating learning environments that celebrate diversity while equipping students for a global future. Drawing from his experience navigating complex, fast-evolving sectors, Brian brings innovative solutions to ensure our school delivers world-class education that prepares students to thrive.
Brian’s unique ability to bridge high-level strategy with grassroots advocacy makes him an invaluable leader. His dedication to educational equity, paired with his technological and analytical expertise, will help shape our school into a beacon of opportunity, inclusivity, and excellence for San Francisco’s children.
Brian Hollinger
Brian Hollinger is the leading force behind Dragon Gate Academy, a leader whose entrepreneurial dynamism and deep commitment to education are propelling our charter school toward becoming San Francisco’s first new charter school aproval in over 10 years. As a father of three boys—two enrolled in SFUSD’s Mandarin Immersion programs and the youngest in a Mandarin Immersion daycare—Brian is passionately dedicated to creating educational opportunities that blend cultural richness with academic excellence, ensuring every child is prepared for a global future.
With 20 years of experience scaling early-stage startups, Brian has a proven track record of transforming bold ideas into thriving enterprises. From pre-product launches to multimillion-dollar businesses with successful exits, his startup mindset drives Dragon Gate Academy’s ambitious timeline. Brian moves with urgency to build a world-class team and accelerate the charter approval process, prioritizing the needs of children today, not a decade from now.
For the past six years, Brian has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence, currently leveraging AI to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability outcomes at large-scale manufacturing and industrial facilities. His expertise in cutting-edge technology and innovation informs his approach to education, envisioning a school where data-driven strategies and creative solutions empower students and educators alike.