Re-elect

Sue Chan

for Ohlone陳李素英

Keep Ohlone #1

From My Desk to You

Dear Friends,

Serving as your Trustee for the past eight years has been a true honor. By putting students first, we have expanded enrollment, achieved record transfer rates, and built tailored certificate programs in high-demand fields like biotech, healthcare, and cybersecurity that have led to securing a job upon completion.

But true success means supporting the whole person. Advocating locally and statewide as President of the California Community College Trustees Board that oversees over 2.2 million students, my mission has been to ensure no student has to choose between basic human needs and their education.

I am running to Keep Ohlone #1 by providing affordable housing, food security, mental health support, and academic excellence for every learner. I love serving our community and ask for your vote to continue this vital work. My heart is deeply invested in our community and in every student who walks through our doors. I would be honored to continue this journey with you, working hand-in-hand to Keep Ohlone #1

And honestly? I truly love being your Ohlone Trustee!

Sue Chan with community leaders at Ohlone College

Sue Chan with supporters at a community event

Sue Chan with colleagues at a community event

Background & Service

Experience Matters

Suzanne "Sue" Lee Chan

The daughter of immigrants from China's Hoisan region, Suzanne "Sue" Lee Chan was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. Growing up in a community with little to no ethnic diversity, she developed a lifelong work ethic growing up in her family's Chinese laundry and restaurant—a foundation that continues to guide her personal and professional life.

Education & Scientific Career

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology – University of Illinois
Master of Science in Immunology (with Honors) – California State University, Los Angeles
Clinical bacteriologist and researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Adjunct Professor of Microbiology at Ohlone College, Chabot College, San Jose State College, and Cal State College East Bay

Public Service & Leadership

A dedicated community leader, Sue began her public service career with an appointment to the Fremont Planning Commission in 2005. In 2008, she was elected to the Fremont City Council, and served two terms as Vice Mayor of Fremont—the fourth-largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, where Asian Americans represent over 50% of the population.

At the state and national levels, Sue served as President of both the League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and the National League of Cities Asian Pacific American Municipal Officers Association. She co-founded the Asian Pacific Islander Leadership course at California State University, East Bay to mentor and cultivate future AANHPI leaders.

Community Service & Recognition

Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation
Twice Co-Chair of Annual Top Hat
South Bay Chinese Service Club Scholarship Committee
Citizens for Better Community — Citizen of the Year
Fremont 50th Anniversary Celebration (Vice Chair)
Congressional Gold Medal Initiative for Chinese American WWII Veterans (recognizing veterans who served with distinction during the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act)
Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County — 2026 Trailblazer
Assessor Phong La 2026 Community Hero — Educator and Lifetime Achievement

Ohlone Community College Service

Elected 2018 as the top vote getter with 41.9% in a field of 4 candidates
Re-elected uncontested 2022
2 Terms as Board Chair
Ohlone College Foundation Member
Annual Trustee Suzanne Lee and Dr. Steven Chan Creator Scholarship
Founding Benefactor of the Suzanne Lee and Steven Chan Learning Hub

Statewide Community College League of CA (CCLC) Service

California Community College Trustee Board
President, May 2025 – May 2026
Chair of League Board of Directors
President, Asian American Pacific Islander Trustees and Administrators Caucus (AAPITA)
Co-Chair, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Steering Committee
Adjunct Professor – Ohlone, Chabot-Las Positas, CSUEB, San Jose State

Presentations, Educational Sessions & Lectures

Anti-DEIA/SCOTUS Affirmative Action Impacts Racial Equity
Blowing up the Asian Model Minority Myth
Caring for Our Own: Addressing Mental Health Challenges for AAPI Women in Higher Education and Beyond
Information About Legally Compliant DEIA Policies and Implementation Strategies That Work
Implementing Legally Compliant & DEI-Related Language in Board Policies
ACHRO Recommendations and Update on Hiring Process
Strategies to Diversify Certificated Hires that Work!
Open Public Meeting Requirements Under the Brown Act and California Education Code
Virtual Meeting Best Practices
Leading with Inclusion: Advancing Belonging Through Student Leadership

Platform

Priorities

My Commitment to these Priorities has been the Key to Keep Ohlone #1.

Career Preparation & Student Success

Nurturing every student’s potential by pairing hands-on, modern career skills with dedicated mentorship, empowering them to earn meaningful degrees, secure rewarding careers, and build the bright futures they and their families deserve.

Equity & Access

Ensuring our doors and arms are wide open to everyone. We are dedicated to wrapping our low-income, underrepresented, students of color, LGBTQ+, and veteran students in genuine care, essential resources, and holistic support so no one walks their educational journey alone.

Fiscal Stability & Innovation

Serving as thoughtful, forward-looking stewards of our community’s investment—cultivating creative partnerships and responsible funding to safeguard the vital programs and services our students count on every single day.

Community support

Endorsements

Elected officials, educators, and community leaders across the Tri-Cities standing with Sue Chan.

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