Questions & Answers

As someone who has experienced education from multiple perspectives—learner, educator, parent, administrator, and advocate—I believe every voice matters. I’ve seen where the system struggles and where it shines. I want to bring practical solutions, a fresh global perspective, and a deep sense of service to help all students succeed. Given the urgency of the challenges we face, our children can’t wait for perfect conditions—they need committed leadership now.

I hold a Ph.D. in Medicine Science from the Karolinska Institute and completed postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. I’ve lived and studied across four continents, gaining insight into what helps schools thrive. For seven years, I’ve homeschooled my children, led nonprofits, and organized free educational programs. As a parent who has navigated the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process within the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), I understand firsthand both the importance of individualized support and the areas where our current system can—and must—be improved. This diverse background helps me connect with and serve all stakeholders in our school community.

Every student deserves a supportive, inclusive, and academically strong learning environment—where life skills are nurtured, and learning is filled with joy. I bring a well-rounded perspective to education and believe deeply that every role—students, families, educators, school and district staff, the school committee, and community members—is equally important. This spirit of shared commitment isn’t just a belief; it’s a culture I’ve practiced for years through nonprofit and community work.

I see schools as one big family where every role matters. I often use the metaphor of our education system as a ferry—with every stakeholder playing a vital role in safely and joyfully bringing our students to their destination: academic success, well-being, and future readiness.

If any role is missing, the mission is at risk. My global background and nonprofit leadership equip me to ask the right questions, identify root issues, and build partnerships that lead to real change.

Equity, excellence, transparency, kindness, compassion, and wisdom. Every decision I make will be guided by what’s best for students and their families—while also supporting educators and ensuring the system is practical and sustainable.

Having lived and studied in Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Sweden, and the U.S., I value diversity and adaptability. I’ve served as a caregiver, educator, learner, and leader—giving me deep insight into the needs of students, families, educators, staff, and the broader community. My experience enables me to identify challenges, bridge differences, and create practical, inclusive solutions.

Cambridge is wonderfully diverse—and every family and individual deserves to feel welcomed, heard, and supported. I’m committed to accessible communication and culturally responsive engagement. I will advocate for multilingual outreach, tailored resources, and partnerships that help every child and caregiver fully participate in our school community.

I will regularly visit every school in the district, rotating through each site to stay connected and informed. I’ll also hold weekly office hours—open to students, families, educators, and staff—whether in person, online, or in community spaces. These informal sessions will be open, inclusive, and solution-oriented—because service starts with listening.

I’ve already done this through my nonprofit work—creating spaces for honest, two-way dialogue and building trust across differences—and I’m ready to extend this culture of connection and care to Cambridge Public Schools. If there are formats or spaces that would make it easier for you to share your thoughts, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

I’ve spent years working behind the scenes and understand where the system stalls. I was a CPS parent 12 years ago, then homeschooled, and now I’m back as a CPS parent again. With experience across roles and systems, it’s time to bring fresh, practical, community-centered leadership to the table.

I am fluent in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Cantonese. I understand the importance of supporting our district’s multilingual families.