Vanessa Leung joined CACF as Co-Executive Director in April 2017, co-leading the organization’s work in policy advocacy, leadership development, and coalition building. Since their tenure, the co-executive directors increased CACF’s organizational budget nearly 300%, led the advocacy on the passage of data disaggregation law, and coordinated collective community advocacy for historic City and State investments in Asian American community based organizations.
In addition, Vanessa is dedicated to improving public education through her career, advocating on behalf of Asian American Pacific Islander students and English Language Learners in New York City public schools. She was appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio to the Panel for Educational Policy and served 8 years as Chair of the PEP from January 2014 to December 2021. She authored Hidden in Plain View, CACF’s report detailing Asian American students’ needs, and worked alongside other advocates on the creation of Chancellor’s Regulation A-663, mandating comprehensive interpretation and translation services, as well as the Dignity in All Schools Act which reduces bias-based harassment in schools.
Vanessa spearheaded CACF’s high school youth leadership project, the Asian American Student Advocacy Project (ASAP) that trains a diverse group of high school students to advocate for the needs of students.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College.