B O A R D  O F  D I R E C T O R S

Jack Smith, CEO
Chairman of the Board
​
​Jack has been a visionary leader and a philanthropic entrepreneur as a Hotmail founder and CEO of Tech companies in Silicon Valley.  He has participated as a motivational keynote speaker and has inspired students, professionals, and executives by sharing his experiences and insights.  He is also the owner of Saratoga Mt. Winery.
​

Camille Jung, JD
Executive Director/President

​Camille has been a school teacher, college prep center director, law school vice president, and education columnist for over 20 years.  She has also worked in several non-profit and corporate sectors as a director and advisor.  Camille believes that every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her potential.

Eric Jorgensen, Attorney 
Secretary

​Eric is currently a Senior Vice President and Trustee of Opera San Jose. He is an active member of MIT alumni and a well-respected attorney who has experiences with corporate and non-profit sectors.  He has mentored students who wish to pursue career in the legal field.  He enjoys spending time with his grandson in college.

A  D  V  I  S  O  R  S

Madison Nguyen, VP
Advisor

Madison Nguyen, former San Jose Vice Mayor, was named Executive Director of Hunger at Home in 2016 and currently sits on the board.  She is also recently named Vice President of SVO (Silicon Valley Organization).  She obtained her undergraduate from the University of California Santa Cruz and graduate degree from the University of Chicago. She published her first book, “Vietnam to America: My Journey of Dreams” in 2012.  Madison ran for, and won, a seat on the Franklin-McKinley Board of Education in 2002 while she taught sociology at De Anza College. In 2005, Madison was elected to the San Jose City Council and served until 2014 including four years as Vice Mayor. Madison Nguyen, her husband and her daughter, reside in San Jose.

Sanjiv Das, phD
Advisor

Sanjiv Das is a Professor of Finance at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business and enjoys interacting with students whenever possible.  He previously held faculty appointments as an associate professor at Harvard Business  School and UC Berkeley.  Prior to being an academic, he worked in the Asia-Pacific region as a Vice-President at Citibank.  He has published over eighty articles in academic journals, and has won many awards for research and teaching.  He currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the FDIC Center for Financial Research. ​

Scott Daly, OD, FAAO
Advisor

Dr. Scott Daly is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry.  He has been very active in the community and within his profession.  He is a past President of the Monterey Bay Optometric Society and the California Optometric Association.  He also served as the City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission Chair in 2010 working on the vision of the city through 2025.  His many optometric leadership roles include chairing the Children's Vision Task Force, to pursue his personal goal of expanded public awareness and education about the importance of thorough, professional eye exams for infants and children to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop to their full potential.  In his free time he enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Jay Lee, Attorney
Advisor
​
With engineering background and a legal degree he pursued in US, he's currently working at Yulchon Law Firm, one of the biggest law firms in Korea.  Previously he practiced the law at Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwell & McCarthy Law Firm, Kim & Chang Law Firm, and at Oracle as the In-House Counsel.  He travels back and forth between Korea and US quite often helping Corporate sectors with IP Compliance and licensing as an international attorney that represents his company and as the President of the Asia Pacific Association.  He performs as a classical musician up on the stage when he wants to get his mind off from the legal matters and has passionately inspired students to reach their full potential by volunteering and mentoring at events and seminars.

Stephen K. Liu, M.D.
Advisor
​
As an interventional radiologist, he has helped many patients with deep vein thrombolysis, transjugular liver biopsy, uterine fibroid embolization, varicose vein treatment, and vascular intervention for almost 3 decades.  He is affiliated with the Memorial Medical Center Modesto, Central Valley Medical Group, and the Sutter Medical Network although he mostly practices at his own clinic in Modesto.  He is one of the biggest supporters of the Athenian School where his twins attend and he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons.

OUR TEAM

MICHELE ZARCO

Employment Counselor/Educator

"I enjoy volunteering for many reasons but mostly because of the positive energy I get from the participants and volunteers.  It is great to see many students chip in to make differences in the community."

PAUL JUNG

PwC Consulting 

"I feel fortunate to work with such a passionate group of people  whenever I volunteer and  I am grateful to Connect2Better for giving me opportunities like that,"

SOONSIM PARK

KEMS TV News Anchor

"I feel good about myself and get positive energy when I am surrounded by many passionate people. And that's the vibe I get through Connect2Better."

ERIC JUNG

USC Keck School of Medicine

"Connect2Better is a great nonprofit organization that has shown me that helping out is important for the community. It is meaningful to be a part of it and I learn more every day  as a volunteer."

DAVID BOOKOUT

Pragmatist

"Change is a powerful constant.  Every teen's possibility of now entering college radically changed.  Connect2Better's commitment to real learning in the process of educational development is why I support them.  You should, too!"

JET TOM

Piedmont Hills High School

​"Serving the community through Connect2Better has taught me that even the littlest things can help change the future.  Working as a volunteer has bettered my realization of community problems so that I can express the best side of myself and help those in need."

GERALDINE ANG, MBA

Marketing 
​

"I am grateful I am able to contribute by helping to open a door of opportunities - one child at a time. Thank you, Connect2Better for this privilege to pay it forward"

EDWARD SUH, MBA

CFO GlobalAroma Coffee
​Toastmasters Area Director

"I am grateful to Connect2Better for the opportunity to work with these wonderful students. It is so rewarding to see their smiles and confidence building through public speaking workshop."

EDDIE JUNG

Skyline High School

"It feels good to do something meaningful together with others and for others.  I meet good people while  volunteering and am thankful to Connect2Better for that." 

NEELAM CHAKRABARTY

Founder/CEO, Oroola

"I volunteer to remind myself of all the blessings that I am bestowed with and not to take them for granted. I know I have the capacity to make the world a better place, one tiny dent at a time. Thanks Connect2better for the opportunities."

KEVIN PARK

Stanford / Google / ITstart-up

"I love the opportunity to work with young students. I'm hoping to give these students the tools they need to succeed in today's world."

JIWOO SONG

Mitty High School

"I learn a lot and improve my leadership skills through Connect2Better, Saratoga Youth Commission, and Agents of Change that I got connected through Connect2Better by participating and volunteering."

SUNYOUNG PARK

Monta Vista High School

"I am excited to see  there are so many great things that high school students like me can do to make our community  better  even though it may be  just the tiniest dent that no one notices.   Thanks to Connect2Better to make me realize that again."

REBECCA EAGLESON

University Professor

"I have been an educator for many years in US and overseas.  I would like to see more students think globally and seek for opportunities to study and work abroad that will give them the life learning experiences that are priceless."

NATHAN NGO

Fremont High School

"I actually learn more every time I volunteer with Connect2Better whether it's assisting in the class or chaperoning younger kids shopping for school supplies at events."

INSOOK WOO

Parent Liaison Advisor​

"I am grateful that I get to work with students and parents through Connect2Better as I learn more every time I volunteer with them at events."

MARY SEO

Real Estate Consultant

​"Leadership is not about becoming a leader but being supportive and respectful to others in need.  I experience that again through Connect2Better."

MADISON SEO

St. Francis High School

​"I actually feel better about myself every time I volunteer.  I appreciate more of the things that I used to take for granted."

MICHELLE SEO

Boston University

"I am glad that I can actually help college bound high school students reach their full potential by sharing my experiences and insights as a college student."

CHRISTINA KIM

Education, MS

"I am grateful to be a part of this meaningful journey for the students with limited resources with volunteers at Connect2Better."

ALEX KIM, MD

UCSF Hospital

"I feel that our community can't survive without the help of volunteers and I am appreciative of the fact that I can be part of it through Connect2Better."

CHERYL NGO

Fremont High School 

"It is an eye opener and I learn more when I volunteer with community.  I am excited to see those younger students in need get what they want and smile like they got the whole world." 

SEUNGHWAN HONG

School Teacher, Hester

"As a Special Ed teacher and a mainstream educator, I am grateful to see the students in many different circumstances strive to do better or to be the best with help of communities like Connect2Better." 

YEJIN SONG

Harker School

"I am fortunate that I get to follow and be part of it wherever my brother goes to volunteer whether it's with Saratoga Youth Commission, Agents of Change, or Connect2Better."  

DANIEL BAEK

Leigh High School

"I participate at programs like public speaking to improve my leadership skills and it definitely helped me.  Now I try to be proactive about utilizing those skills when I volunteer."

JUNSUNG PARK

Northwestern University

"I am glad that I can also be someone's mentor now by sharing experiences and life in campus through Connect2Better. Working as a campaign photographer of Congressman Ro Khanna and volunteering at various community events broaden my perspective on volunteer activities and leadership."

JONG YOON

Stanford/Facebook/CEO, 51foundation

"Seeing students strive and thrive in education and corporate sectors with help of many professionals and communities is a joy and I am grateful that I can be part of the journey connecting them to those two sectors so that the students reach their full potential more efficiently through Connect2Better."

KATE WONG

UC San Diego

"As the Community Service Chair and a member of Engineering Honors Society at UC San Diego, I have participated in various community events and learned that we, student volunteers can change our community little by little.  Now I hope to make bigger impacts to those students and communities who need guidance and resources by collaborating with Connect2Better as an ambassador whether it's to volunteer at events or mentor the students who can benefit from my time and effort."

ALEX LIU
The Athenian School

"I learn better and feel more accomplished when I participate as a member of meaningful groups whether it is my choir group or community volunteer and leadership group like Connect2Better."

HEE YUN CHUNG
Monta Vista High

"As a student of Connect2Better Leadership Program and a member of Agents of Change that I got connected through Connect2Better, I am learning a whole different aspect of community volunteer work and leadership that is priceless."  

SUSHMITHA SHIVA, MBA
Marketing-Branding & Promotion

"It's an honor to be a part of Connect2Better team as it's perfect platform that constantly reminds students leadership is not about gaining title or designation but is all about creating an impact, influence and inspiration.  I feel grateful to be a part of this organization."

PHILEMON CHO
​Monta Vista High

"I've been to a few different places I hardly go to and met diverse group of people including other participants and volunteers from all over as I volunteer as one of the students of Connect2Better leadership program.  I was skeptical at the beginning but I am loving the life time experiences I get through Connect2Better and now I enjoy volunteering as much as those leadership program classes or seminars that Connect2Better offers."

KHOA PHAM

Cogswell College

"There's almost no better feeling than helping out others within your community.  Connect2Better has given me a wonderful opportunity and I've gained new skills that will be critical to my future."

PETER WOOD
Stanford/Educator/Leadership Trainer/Golf Insturctor

"As an educator and trainer, I have seen many students who had potential but had no guidance or resources. I am glad that I can do something about it now as a dedicated team of Connect2Better."

IDELL HUNTER, JD
Former County Staff/Event Coordinator

"I volunteer because I want to see all students succeed and reach their full potential.  It is important the next generation know they are supported by people who want to expose them to the many opportunities available to them now and in the future.  I feel Connect2Better is designed to mentor students so they can achieve their full potential."

CECILIA RAMIREZ
UC Santa Barbara

"Finding ways to close the opportunity gaps that many young students face today is critically important in creating strong, diverse leaders of tomorrow.  Connect2Better's constant strive to help students of all backgrounds thrive is why I love and feel fortunate to work with them."

MADELINE MIRAGLIA
Stanford/School Teacher

"I enjoy watching young people grow and develop the skills they need to living meaningful and successful lives.  I developed a passion for education while leading teen dating violence prevention workshops and have spent the last twenty years in public education as a social studies and leadership teacher in a High School."

​GOEUN HAN

Cupertino High

"I am grateful to be able to work with other volunteers at Connect2Better for our community and for those who are in need.  I see many dedicated people who sacrifice their time and effort expecting nothing in return.  I learn every day and become humble whenever I volunteer with those kind-hearted people."

CONSTIN LIU
The Athenian School

"I want to be able to do something for other students like me but with less resources and guidance so that they can get equal opportunities in education and connected to the passionate people who can give them positive influences  through organizations like Connect2Better."

SOOBIN SON
Intel Director

"I volunteer with my children at an education nonprofit organizations like Connect2Better and a philanthropic organization  to remind myself not to take things for granted and to give back to the community and those in need."

JESSICA HUERTA
Tech Museum

"It is important to me to give back to the  community to ensure the growth and leadership of future generations.  I am thankful that Connect2Better allows me help on my free time."

SAMANTHA SCHEIB
School of the Art Institute of Chicago

"Volunteering is a chance to go out into the community and make a difference.  When you put positive energy out into the community, it always comes back to you."

Our Work