“Being a principal is the most creative job you can have,” said Principal Cherie Ho.
In her acceptance speech, she graciously accepted her award in a soft and gentle voice that only principals have, “I do this because I love to learn. I love to read and learn about people every single day.”
Ho was one of three honorees at the “Empowerment of Asian American Women” annual gala for the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA). The organization is a national nonprofit, civil rights advocacy and educational organization dedicated to championing the aspirations and advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Americans of Chinese and Asian descent. The OCA San Mateo Chapter, established in 1987, is one of four chapters in the Bay Area and one of seven in California.
The other two 2011 honorees are San Mateo Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Lee and business owner and community member Florence Hongo.
Ho, born and raised in San Mateo, said she was just one of a handful of Asian Americans growing up along the Peninsula. Now, she is one of many that contribute to the incredible diversity in San Mateo County.
Ho became the principal of Redwood Shores Elementary School at its inception, and previously served as the principal at and Nesbitt School. She is also the Director of Wellness, where she heads a team of healthcare workers in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.
