Born on January 12, 1965, in San Francisco, California, Dana Chang was the youngest of three children in a close-knit Chinese-American family. Her parents, Wei and Mei Chang, were immigrants who arrived in the United States in the early 1950s, seeking better opportunities for their family. They instilled in Dana the values of hard work, education, and the importance of giving back to the community.
Dana’s early years were marked by a love for learning and a deep curiosity about the world. She attended Lowell High School, where she excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities, including the debate team and the school newspaper. Her passion for storytelling and her innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life were evident even then.
After graduating from high school, Dana went on to attend Stanford University, where she majored in English Literature. Her time at Stanford was transformative; it was here that she discovered her love for writing and her desire to use her voice to advocate for social justice. Dana was actively involved in campus organizations that promoted diversity and inclusion, and she became known for her thoughtful essays on issues such as immigration, gender equality, and racial justice.
A Career Dedicated to Service
Upon graduating from Stanford in 1987, Dana embarked on a career in journalism, driven by her belief in the power of the written word to effect change. She began as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, covering a wide range of topics, from local politics to human interest stories. Dana’s work was characterized by her deep empathy for the people she wrote about and her commitment to uncovering the truth.
In the early 1990s, Dana took a brief hiatus from journalism to pursue a master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard University. This experience further solidified her dedication to social causes, and upon her return to San Francisco, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector. Over the next two decades, Dana held leadership roles at several prominent organizations, including the Asian Law Caucus and the San Francisco Foundation, where she worked tirelessly to address issues such as housing inequality, educational access, and immigrant rights.
Dana’s colleagues and peers often remarked on her unique ability to bridge the gap between different communities. Whether she was advocating for underrepresented groups, mentoring young professionals, or collaborating with policymakers, Dana’s approach was always marked by a deep respect for others and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Family and Personal Life
While Dana’s professional accomplishments were many, she was equally devoted to her family. In 1993, she married Jonathan Lee, a civil rights attorney whom she met during her time at Harvard. The couple’s partnership was one of mutual respect, shared values, and a deep love for each other. Together, they raised two children, Emily and David, who were the pride and joy of Dana’s life.
As a mother, Dana was nurturing and supportive, always encouraging her children to follow their passions and stand up for what they believed in. She instilled in them the same values her parents had taught her: the importance of education, the power of compassion, and the need to give back to the community. Dana’s home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where friends and family were always welcome.
Despite her many professional responsibilities, Dana made it a priority to be present for her children, whether it was attending school events, coaching soccer games, or simply spending quality time together as a family. Her love and dedication to her family were unwavering, and she took great pride in watching Emily and David grow into kind, thoughtful, and accomplished individuals.
A Lasting Legacy
Dana Chang’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family and community. She was a mentor to countless young professionals, particularly women of color, who sought her guidance as they navigated their own careers in public service and social justice. Dana was known for her generosity with her time and wisdom, always willing to lend a listening ear or offer advice based on her own experiences.
One of Dana’s most significant contributions was her work in advancing racial equity and social justice within the nonprofit sector. As a leader, she was deeply committed to creating inclusive environments where diverse voices were not only heard but valued. Dana’s efforts to address systemic inequalities helped pave the way for future generations of leaders, and her work continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dana was an active volunteer in her community. She served on the boards of several local organizations, including the San Francisco Food Bank and the Chinatown Community Development Center. Dana was also a passionate advocate for the arts, believing in their power to bring people together and create meaningful change. She was a regular patron of the San Francisco Ballet and the Asian Art Museum, and she often used her platform to support emerging artists and cultural initiatives.
A Life Well Lived
Dana’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, but her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched. She will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but for the grace, humility, and compassion with which she lived her life.
Dana faced her illness with the same strength and resilience that characterized her entire life. Diagnosed with cancer in 2022, she approached her treatment with determination and optimism, never losing sight of the things that mattered most to her. Even in the face of adversity, Dana remained a source of strength and inspiration to those around her.
In her final months, Dana spent much of her time surrounded by family and close friends, reflecting on the many blessings in her life. She expressed gratitude for the love and support she received throughout her illness and took comfort in knowing that she had lived a life of purpose and meaning.
Remembering Dana Chang
Dana Chang is survived by her husband, Jonathan Lee, her children, Emily and David, her siblings, Michael and Linda, and a large extended family who will miss her dearly. A memorial service celebrating Dana’s life will be held on September 2, 2024, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, followed by a private burial.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dana’s memory to the San Francisco Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund, an initiative that Dana helped to establish during her tenure at the organization. This fund will continue Dana’s work in advancing social justice and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
Dana’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical professionals at UCSF Medical Center who provided Dana with compassionate care throughout her illness, as well as to the many friends and colleagues who offered their love and support during this difficult time.
A Final Farewell
As we say goodbye to Dana Chang, we celebrate a life well-lived and honor the incredible impact she had on the world. Her kindness, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who will come to know her through the legacy she leaves behind.
Dana’s life was a testament to the idea that one person can make a difference, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.