Bios of Nominees for the Bronx Science PA Executive Board and School Leadership Team (SLT) Election on Oct 19, 2022
Nominations for One (1) to Three (3) PA Executive Board Member-at-Large Positions for Incoming Parents (One Year Term 2022-2023)
Member-at-Large – Jung Eun Ha
Jung Eun Ha came to NYC from Tokyo at age 18 to study. She grew up in Seoul studying art and music. She has a BFA from the School of Visual art in Sculpture and Painting, and an MFA from NYU in Painting and Printmaking. Mother of freshman Connor Chun and a daughter who is a college senior, Jung works as a fine artist in painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and abstract installation. She is also an interior designer, builder, floral designer, party planner and chef. As a 25-year member of the Junior League, she chaired programs for single moms, women’s life challenges, and children’s afterschool. When Jung’s daughter was at Convent of the Sacred Heart and Connor was at the Town School, she chaired efforts focused on feeding the hungry, the environment, Christmas and others. At the Brick Church, Jung has cooked and served food. New to BxSci, Jung’s passionate goal is to help kids balance schoolwork and a healthy lifestyle while reaching the heights of their educational goals. Jung would love to use her creativity to benefit BxSci. Jung’s husband Dr. Jay Chun graduated from BxSci in 1986 and hosts high school interns as a way to give back.
Member-at-Large – Heba Hazzaa
I am a mother of two (9th and 6th grade). We relocated to New York this summer. I am a corporate finance lawyer. My husband and I are first generation immigrants from Cairo, Egypt. I enjoy reading, making new connections, volunteering, exploring new places with my family and working out.
I am interested in the Member-at-Large position, because, like many parents, I want to take an active role in my daughter’s highschool experience. However, I am interested in the position because I have experience in building community. For example, along with a group of volunteers and parents, I organized community events for children with special needs and their families in Milwaukee. Another example is volunteering through a Jewish-Muslim group to fund-raise and help Afghan refugees in the Milwaukee area acclimate to their new life. Throughout those journeys, I have made many strong friendships and lasting memories and I look forward to making new friends at Bronx Science.
What do I bring:
– executive and planning skills;
– newbie perspective: I am new to NYC, new to U.S. public highschool, and new to PA roles; and
– passion,
all of which I hope to put in good use to serve the PA.
Member-at-Large – Xia Li
This is Xia Li, a mother of two NYC public school students. My daughter is a freshman at Bronx Science. My family lives in Bayside, Queens.
I am a first generation immigrant from China and highly value public school education, diversity, and parent involvement. I have actively volunteered for my kids’ school events, including bake sales, book sales, and international nights, over many years.
In 2021, amid the surge of anti-Asian hate, I was a leading parent who initiated an open letter (collected 5000 plus signatures within a week) to the then-NYCDOE Chancellor Meisha Porter and urged the NYCDOE to take immediate actions to establish and promote a curriculum that is inclusive of Asian-American history and culture. I also worked closely with my kids’ schools and CEC members and pushed for the change. I was happy to have contributed to the historic moment when Mayor Eric Adams announced in May 2022 that an AAPI curriculum would be introduced in NYC public schools.
I am also full-time faculty and a program deputy director at Brooklyn College.
I feel both honored and humbled to join the Bronx Science community. I hope to contribute to this great community with my experience and passion.
Member-at-Large – Helen Qiu
My name is Helen Qiu, and I am a mother of twin boys in the 9th grade at Bronx Science High School. I also have a daughter studying at Brown University.
I have experience in accounting and management. But most importantly, I am the strongest supporter of my children’s education and interests. In the past, I consistently volunteered at my sons’ elementary and middle school events— organizing trips, helping out at bake sales, and more. Throughout the years, I have become well-versed in the high school, college, and graduate school application processes.
By running for Member-at-Large, I hope to serve as a liaison between the students, parents, and school administration. Thank you for your consideration.
Member-at-Large – Ernie Sander
My name is Ernie Sander, and my daughter is a freshman at Bronx Science. From the moment we walked in the door at the Open House, it was clear to me that this school is a special place. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a school where the energy levels are so high and everyone is so passionate and engaged.
In the hybrid world we now inhabit, we’re going to need to get creative to make sure that all parents feel like they’re part of this dynamic community, whether they are sitting in the actual room as conversations are unfolding or sitting at home.
Most of my career has been in the media business. More recently I’ve been working with executives on their communication strategy. For more than half of my work life, I’ve been at startups. Those combined experiences have given me a good feel for how you can use content and emerging technology to create compelling experiences for listeners, viewers and readers and bring people together.
I’m eager to bring those skills to the PA and help out in any way I can.
Member-at-Large – Amy Xue
My name is Amy Xue, the parent of a 9th grader at Bronx Science. My older son just graduated from Bronx Science this summer. I hope to serve the Bronx Science community as a Member-at-Large of the PA Executive Board during the 2022-2023 school year.
I am passionate about helping to ensure Bronx Science provides an excellent education for all of our students. As a proud parent of a Bronx Science graduate who was well-served by our school system. I know what Bronx Science can deliver. I want to contribute my skills and time to help our school and kids.
I hold a MS in accounting and have over 20 years work experience in accounting and finance. I am currently working for the NYC government with a flexible working schedule. If elected, I will ensure that students come first, parents are easily informed and included, and educators are valued and supported.
Nominations for One Freshman Parent Position on School Leadership Team (2-year Term, 2022-2024)
Freshman Parent SLT Representative – Yanjun Wang
My name is Yanjun Wang. I live in the Bronx with my family, and I am a proud parent of two Bronx Science students – one freshman and one junior.
I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry from China, and a second Master’s degree in Computer Science from New York University. I’ve had a fulfilling career as a systems engineer for about two decades. I started my career at Morgan Stanley and worked there for over 16 years: first as an Information Technology professional, then got promoted to a Vice President, a team lead and a manager. Since last Fall, I’ve been a senior engineer at Google.
Through hard work and perseverance, I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined. During this journey I’ve also received generous help from others. I’ve always been passionate about education and enjoy learning with my kids. I want to run for the open position in the SLT team because I value this last opportunity to give back to their schools. I also want to show students there’s a wide array of technology careers and pathways, and how they can reach there. I believe my leadership and experiences would be an asset for the SLT team.
For more information on our PA Board and SLT Elections, click here.