Why Liang?Leadership for What’s Next

I know community colleges from the inside as both a student and a parent. Over several quarters, I have taken Foothill-De Anza courses in civic leadership, business, technology, and film. My sons also used community college classes to graduate from college early and save on tuition.

These experiences have shown me firsthand what makes community college remarkable—and the practical challenges students and families can encounter while balancing education, work, finances, and family responsibilities.

Before my Silicon Valley career, I spent three years as an assistant professor at Iowa State University, teaching undergraduate and graduate students.

Technology can expand access, but it should support—not replace—teachers, mentoring, discussion, collaboration, and human connection.

Through nearly ten years of service on the school board and city council, I have worked on public budgets, labor negotiations, facilities, contracts, policy, and government accountability.

On the Foothill-De Anza Board, I will listen carefully, ask tough questions, follow the money, insist on transparency, and focus on measurable results.

I bring experience from both technology education and industry—from teaching software and hardware as a university professor to spending 28 years working in Silicon Valley high tech.

Future-ready education is not simply about teaching more technology. Students also need critical thinking, communication, creativity, judgment, collaboration, and the ability to keep learning.

Protecting what works should not mean simply continuing what has always been done. Student needs are changing. Technology and AI are changing the workplace. More adults will need to return to college repeatedly to learn new skills.

Protect what works. Question what doesn't. Innovate for what students will need next.

For me, public service begins with showing up and listening. Institutions do not always hear from the people most affected by their decisions.

Foothill and De Anza should be community anchors—places for education, workforce development, lifelong learning, civic dialogue, culture, innovation, and belonging.