CJ Zhao

Impact Strategist

Operations Team: CJ Zhao

Over the past decade, CJ has served in leadership roles across nonprofit and public service organizations in Central Texas.

As Founding Vice President of the Austin Chinese American Network (ACAN), the largest Chinese community organization in Central Texas, she helped build the organization through membership development, outreach to the broader Austin community, and volunteer and service initiatives that encouraged giving back and cross-cultural connection.

CJ also served as President of the Austin Chapter of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), leading efforts to promote civic participation, youth leadership, and voter engagement within the Asian American community.

She served on the Travis County Child Protective Services Board, supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system and strengthening community awareness and collaboration. She was also appointed to the City of Austin Bond Oversight Commission, providing citizen oversight of voter-approved bond programs and promoting transparency and accountability.

CJ remains actively engaged in civic life through campaign volunteering, grassroots outreach, peaceful demonstrations, and personal contributions, building relationships with elected officials and community leaders across Central Texas.

Professionally, CJ spent more than 25 years in housing finance leadership, specializing in analytics, strategy, and risk management. She now applies that experience, along with technology and artificial intelligence, to strengthen nonprofit strategy, communications, impact measurement, and organizational capacity.