Today we’d like to introduce you to Czarina Boyce.
Hi Czarina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in the Philippines and then moved to Hong Kong when I was 23 got married and moved here in Portland ti be closer ti the grandparents if my two beautiful chikdren. In 2012, I decided to joined forces with other parents passionate about Chinese bilingual school and helped co-founded Hope Chinese Charter School, first public school in city of Beaverton that offers full immersion Chinese program. It was also around this time that I founded Littke Engineers that offers STEAM program for children ages 3-13?years old. Later on turn it to ac50-C3 non profit to help socio-economic challenged children to be future ready by offering Lego robotics program at low cost or sometimes free through scholarship. After Covid, I started working with different non profits. My passion in diversity and inclusivity fueled me to serve in the board such as Hope Chinese Charter School, chaired National Association off Women’s Business Owners, founding member of Advisory Council of Racial Equity for Washington County and currently Co-President of the US Air Force Academy Patents Club for OR and SW Washington..
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being immigrant, I faced different challenges such as navigating resources available. As I seek leadership position, I struggled to fight my position being a woman of color. And not being educated in the US proved to be challenging.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The first public Chinese immersion school in the Beaverton School District.
The vision for HOPE was initiated by parents who saw their children blossom in Saturday Chinese classes and wanted more. In 2010, those parents partnered with local educators and community leaders organizations and together, they successfully opened HOPE in the Fall of 2012 with 70 students in Kinder & 1st grade.
Today, HOPE is a K-8 program that has served over 800 students and counting. With a reputation for high academic performance in Math and English Language Arts and Chinese proficiency, HOPE has been named the #1 Best Charter Elementary School for eight years running on niche.com year after year.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Julie Rickman – first principal and served for 10 year.s.
Caroline Li, Matt Ho, they are founding Board Directors.
