Siu Leung, the head of the tech team, leads the development of Bright Start’s mobile app. With his expertise in computer science and leadership in managing a team of talented developers and freelancers, Mr. Leung ensures that the technical vision of Professor Surdam is executed with precision. Under his leadership, the tech team is focused on delivering a product that will redefine personalized education.

Siu graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, laying a strong foundation for his impressive career in the tech industry. With multiple Microsoft certifications under his belt, Siu has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Siu has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. He is an avid fan of Japanese anime and cuisine, and his love for Japan extends to an annual vacation to the country, where he immerses himself in the rich cultural heritage and vibrant experiences it offers.

Yea Seul (Ashley) Kim is a Lead Designer with a strong background in branding and user-centered experiences. Yea Seul is a graduate in Graphic Design from ArtCenter College of Design, specializing in UI/UX. She specializes in creating intuitive, visually compelling, and highly functional digital experiences that enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

With experience leading branding and identity projects, Yea Seul has designed logos, color systems, and UI/UX for both web and mobile platforms. Her keen attention to detail and patience ensure seamless user experiences while maintaining a consistent brand identity. She thrives in fast-paced environments, embracing an open-minded approach and actively incorporating feedback to refine and elevate her designs.

A diligent and collaborative team player, Yea Seul works closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex design challenges and implement innovative solutions. Her trustworthiness and adaptability make her a reliable and valuable asset to any project. With a strong work ethic, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to delivering high-quality designs, she continuously strives to create impactful digital experiences.

Dr. Elizabeth Álvarez is a bilingual educator with over 15 years of instructional leadership experience, dedicated to fostering growth and achievement among staff, students, and the community. With a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, she has effectively developed strategic plans, built strong relationships, and implemented initiatives promoting social-emotional learning and a sense of belonging. Her expertise extends to the superintendent role, where she has successfully consolidated schools, enhanced family engagement, championed the development of STEAM labs, and mentored aspiring superintendents, enriching their journey towards executive leadership in education.

Dr. Álvarez is one of the founders of the Latino Leadership Pipeline, which coaches and supports Latino leaders aiming to become future education leaders, and she is the past president of the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

Her previous role was serving as Network 8 Chief of Schools in Chicago Public Schools, supporting more than 15 schools (predominantly Latino), where she significantly improved school performance from the 30th to the 70th percentile in achievement. Dr. Álvarez has received numerous awards for her impactful work and is currently the superintendent of Forest Park District 91. She stands out as the first female, Latina, and person of color to lead the district, showcasing her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in education

Luis R. Valentino, Ed.D., is a seasoned educational leader with vast experience in K-12 and higher education. His career began as a bilingual classroom teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District, sparking a passion for addressing education disparities. He has been a teacher, site and district administrator, and Superintendent.

As Superintendent at the Coachella Valley Unified School District, he has dedicated his career to advancing equity and facilitating transformative change. Luis served as Superintendent in the Albuquerque Public Schools, where he initiated the District Strategic Plan, and later as Chief Academic Officer at Portland Public Schools, where he focused on addressing the academic gap among African-American and Latino students. His work in Portland included the implementation of a districtwide PK-3 initiative and the development of a Comprehensive Distance Learning Initiative.

In addition to his leadership roles, Luis has impacted education through consulting and as an itinerant lecturer at UCLA and USC. His innovative ventures include launching the Valgar Institute, where he publishes the Educational Leader newsletter, and the iTunes podcast series, "District Leader: Transforming Education." 

Luis's commitment to marginalized students and communities extends beyond his professional life. He is married to Libby and has two children. He enjoys sports and is an avid snowboarder.

David embarked on his finance journey with an internship in the Finance Department for the Orange County Government. After graduating from Cal State University Fullerton with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Corporate Finance, he began his professional career as a Junior Accountant at SES Insurance Brokerage Services, eventually rising to Senior Accountant. Seeking a more finance-focused role, David transitioned to Allianz Asset Management in 2018 as an Analyst in their Finance Department, later joining their subsidiary, PIMCO, in Newport Beach, California, where he gained extensive knowledge in asset management and global finance operations.

Feeling a desire to make a more profound impact, he shifted his career to financial services at One Pacific Financial Strategies, quickly establishing himself within his community and network. In 2022, his dedication led to a promotion to Associate Partner, where he continues to play a pivotal role in the firm's growth, particularly in the Anaheim Hills area.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing outdoor activities such as travel, SCUBA diving, camping, hiking, and attending concerts.

Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere retired as Superintendent with the Farmersville Unified School District in Tulare County. Previously she served as Assistant Superintendent with the Inglewood Unified School District. She was in the field of Education for thirty-eight years serving as a teacher, Staff Development Specialist, Program Coordinator, Vice-Principal, Principal of a Multi-Track Year-Round Program and as Administrative Director to one of the largest Early Childhood Education Programs in the State of California. She received her M.Ed. from the University of La Verne and her Bachelor of Art Degree from Cal Poly Pomona.

Currently, she is the Co-Executive Director for the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators. She is also serving as Executive Leadership coach with ACSA and the Pomona Unified School District. She sits on the ACSA Region 12 Board of Retired Educational Managers as well as Director of Sponsorship for ACSA Region XV.  She has served as Correspondence Secretary to the board of the David and Margaret Youth and Family Services, a non-profit organization. She is Past President of the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, (CALSA), served as Member At Large for the ACSA State Board, was a member of ACSA’s Elementary Curriculum Council representing Early Education, served as the Vice-Chair for the YMCA Pomona Chapter, and was Executive Member to the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, a non-profit organization working for the betterment of Cal WORK participants and Early Education.

With over a decade of dedicated experience in the education industry, Ken boasts a proven track record of success. For the past 10 years, he has been a pivotal team member at Bright Start International Education, collaborating closely with the company president to devise strategies and solutions aimed at advancing their business in China. Ken's contributions have been instrumental in enabling numerous education companies to effectively cater to the diverse needs of students, resulting in outstanding academic outcomes across China.

Additionally, Ken has excelled in the field of sales during his tenure at AT&T, achieving the remarkable feat of ranking in the top 1% for national acquisition sales performance for two consecutive years among 4,000 employees. His extensive background and consistent achievements have left a significant impact, particularly in aiding education organizations in their global expansion endeavors.

Siu Leung, the head of the tech team, leads the development of Bright Start’s mobile app. With his expertise in computer science and leadership in managing a team of talented developers and freelancers, Mr. Leung ensures that the technical vision of Professor Surdam is executed with precision. Under his leadership, the tech team is focused on delivering a product that will redefine personalized education.

Siu graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, laying a strong foundation for his impressive career in the tech industry. With multiple Microsoft certifications under his belt, Siu has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Siu has a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. He is an avid fan of Japanese anime and cuisine, and his love for Japan extends to an annual vacation to the country, where he immerses himself in the rich cultural heritage and vibrant experiences it offers.