Message from Natalie Kit leng Wong

“Through WeChat I leverage parent’s insights from our conversations to build data systems that can inform and improve our outreach efforts to the Chinese community.” Natalie Kit Ieng Wong, Photo of Natalie smiling to left lower corner.

So excited to share what we are doing to support the Chinese community!  

I am the Principal Data Equity Associate and serve Parent for Public Schools of San Francisco! 

As a former student of public schools, myself in Macau, and someone who also attended a public university in California, University of California, Davis. I can empathize with the experiences of many Chinese parents who are navigating the education system in San Francisco.   

I feel grateful for the opportunity to use my language skills to help the Chinese community in San Francisco, and I take pride in being able to make a difference in the lives of parents and children. As someone who is both Chinese and has been in the US for a long time, I understand the unique challenges that Chinese parents may face when navigating the US public school system. I provide culturally responsive practices that are sensitive to the cultural nuances and expectations of Chinese families. It is my hope that by bridging the gap between Chinese parents and the school system, I can empower them to be more engaged in their children's education and help them achieve success in their academic pursuits.  

My work as a representative for Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco includes outreach to Chinese parent's chat groups in WeChat which has involved answering a variety of questions from parents, ranging from enrollment and school transfer to summer camp recommendations and school bus services.  

One of the most touching experiences for me was when I received a message from a parent whose child had been accepted into a school they didn’t even apply for. I could feel the sadness and disappointment from the parent and child, but I was able to offer reassurance and guidance. By providing emotional support and practical advice, I helped the parent and child navigate the unexpected situation and find a way forward.   

How does that connect to data? As the Principal Data Equity Associate, I strive to ensure that all families, regardless of their background or language, have access to equitable and high-quality education.  

 As someone who has been able to provide valuable assistance to Chinese parents in San Francisco through WeChat I leverage parent’s insights from our conversations to build data systems that can inform and improve our outreach efforts to the Chinese community. This would allow us to develop more targeted and culturally responsive practices based on the common questions and concerns raised by parents.  

Ultimately, my dream is to bridge the gap between the Chinese community and the public school system to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students and families.  

To this end, I am currently conducting a survey on WeChat to better understand the needs and concerns of Chinese parents in San Francisco, and we are offering a $15 gift card raffle for 30 participants. The deadline for completing the survey is April 16, 2023, at 11:59 PM. Here is the survey (https://forms.office.com/r/2f7p7mdSKG), please share your thoughts with us! 

I believe that the insights we gather from this survey will help us to develop more effective ways to support these parents and their children and make a positive impact in the Chinese community! 

Natalie Kit Ieng Wong 

Principal Digital Equity Associate