David Lei

David Lei worked in San Francisco’s Chinatown as a social worker for at-risk youth before starting his business in 1981, where he specialized in exporting consumer products to Mexico. In 2003, Lei sold his business, retiring to indulge his passions for community building, youth education, and the arts. He is an active participant with several nonprofit organizations including the Chinese Performing Arts Foundation, the Asian Art Museum, the Chinese American Community Fund, Chung Ngai Dance Troupe, Academy of Chinese Performing Arts, World Arts West – San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the Bancroft Library, and the Center for Asian American Media. Lei is a tried and true San Franciscan: he grew up attending San Francisco public schools, graduated from UC Berkeley, and raised a family here.