Steven Ma (API Commissioner)
Steven Ma is a Taiwanese-born American businessman who served as secretary of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the first International Education Liaison for California Department of Education and many other State appointed position.
Life and career
Steven Ma was born in Taiwan and immigrated with his family to Oakland, California, at age 11. His family moved a few years later to Lockeford, California, where they raised zinfandel grapes on a small vineyard. Ma attended University of California Berkeley and has a B.S. in math and physics. After college he taught math at Castlemont High School, and tutored math, which led him to believe in the need for additional extra educational resources for students. In 2002 he started ThinkTank Learning to fill the gap by providing test prep services.In early 2020, ThinkTank Learning ceased operations due to the global pandemic, and in April 2020, it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Ma has been a leader in Asian American issues in the bay area through his work with the Hep B Free Coalition, the Chinese American Voter Education Committee, the Asian American Education Media Foundation and the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. In 2012 he was appointed by ASM Speaker John Perez to the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs. Ma has been interviewed by media outlets including Bloomberg Businessweek, Bloomberg TV, and CBS This Morning. In 2017, Ma was appointed as a member of UC Regents Selection Advisory Committee, and then as the first Director of the International Education Liaison, California Department of Education.
Leadership in API community
In 2012, Ma was appointed to the California Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander American Affairs where he currently serves as secretary. The APIA advises the governor of California, the California Legislature and State agencies, departments and commissions on issues relating to the social and economic development, the rights and interests of Asian Pacific Islander American communities. Steven Currently serves as the Secretary of the commission.Prior to this appointment, Ma served as chairman of the Education Committee of the International Leadership Foundation, which seeks to develop young leaders in the United States, Asia, and other Pacific-rim countries in the fields of public service, entrepreneurship and the international arena.