Medical Scientist. Educator.
Advocate. Mother.
I’m Jia-Jing Lee (JJ Lee)—born in Malaysia, a proud Cambridge resident since 2009, and a medical scientist by training.
I’m also a dedicated mother, educator, and longtime community volunteer.
A Global Education Rooted in Equity
After earning my Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, I completed my postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. My educational journey has taken me across four continents and five countries—an unusual path that taught me resilience, adaptability, and deep empathy for students navigating unfamiliar systems and languages. These experiences shaped my unwavering commitment to educational equity and compassion.
Early and Ongoing Passion for Education
My passion for education began early. As a college student, I worked as a substitute teacher in Malaysia. During my doctoral training, I mentored undergraduate students in the lab. Later, I homeschooled my own children for seven years while leading community and international education initiatives. These experiences have given me a deep and broad, hands-on understanding of how students learn—and how to support educators in diverse and evolving learning environments.
Community Leadership & Nonprofit Work
Over the past decade, I stepped away from academia to raise my children and serve our community. I founded and led nonprofit initiatives focused on education, cultural exchange, human services, and mental well-being—managing projects both locally and globally that serve young children, youth, and adults. I’ve coordinated international volunteers and produced educational and multimedia content. I currently serve on the board of two nonprofits, including one that I founded and continue to lead, and I remain personally committed to supporting a wide range of community initiatives.
Problem-Solving, Systems Thinking & Team Building
With a background in Medicine Science and Nonprofit Leadership, I’m trained in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and cross-sector collaboration.
I’ve worked across disciplines—with scholars, nonprofit leaders, publishers, artists, programmers, and directly with children and families—often serving as a bridge to connect people, align goals, and build programs that respond to real needs.
Parent Experience & Commitment to Equity
As a mother, I’ve also experienced the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process firsthand within the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) and understand both the strengths and gaps in our public school system. I’ve come to deeply appreciate that every child has a need—academic, social-emotional, or life-skill—and that every child deserves support tailored to help them thrive. Needs should never be narrowly defined. Equity means recognizing and responding to the full range of student experiences.
I was a CPS parent over 11 years ago before homeschooling my children, and now I am a returning CPS parent—bringing both fresh insights and deep familiarity with our system.
A Multicultural, Multilingual Bridge Builder
Fluent in several languages and dialects, I bring a multicultural perspective that enriches my ability to connect with diverse communities and build bridges across cultures and experiences.
A Vision of Partnership and Respect
Having served as a caregiver, an educator, a nonprofit leader, and a lifelong learner trained in diverse systems, I bring a global, holistic, compassionate, and practical perspective.
I believe Cambridge Public Schools must function as one connected family—where partnership and clear communication support every student, every educator, every caregiver, every staff member, and every community member—all stakeholders.
Why I’m Running
With a deep love for education and a firm belief in equity, I’m ready to bring my skills and heart to the School Committee—so that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
I will work tirelessly to listen to students, families, educators, and staff, and to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where every voice matters.
My priorities include:
- Strengthening student support services
- Promoting equity in resources
- Improving communication across the school community
If elected, I will schedule regular meetups with caregivers, educators, staff, and community members at all schools to stay connected and responsive.
I am committed to serving without accepting a salary, focusing fully on advocating for the best interests of students and families.
Rooted in Cambridge
My husband and I are raising our two children here, and Cambridge is the place we proudly call home.
Recent News & Insights
Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association – Candate Night • Jia-Jing Lee
Making Education Work for Every Child: My Practical Plan
