Meet Van Le

Van Le is a lifelong community advocate, refugee, and East Side Union High School District Trustee, currently serving her 4th term (16 years) with over 40 years of public service overall. She has dedicated her life to uplifting immigrant and refugee families, promoting equity in education, ensuring safety, and maintaining fiscal responsibility for all students. During her time on the Board, she helped save the district $1 million annually, allowing the hiring of more teachers and staff, and expanded programs that support student leadership and opportunities.

As the founder of the Children’s Moon Festival (since 1992), Van has brought cultural celebrations to students and the community while also raising funds for McKinney-Vento programs supporting homeless students. She swam from Alcatraz to raise funds for Asian battered women, having learned to swim only two years prior as an amateur, demonstrating her courage in supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Van continues to lead with integrity, compassion, determination, and dedication, with a deep commitment to creating opportunity, safety, and equity for every resident and student in District 7.