Young Alumni on the Leadership Council
Alums Richard and Eric Dong have just become the youngest members of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Leadership Council.
As excellent swimmers, debaters and pianists, both brothers began venturing into financial investments in 2010 and have since, not only endowed their middle and high school with philanthropic gifts, but also created an endowment for the International Leadership Foundation (IFL), which supports leadership training, global democracy and governance initiatives with an emphasis on Asian countries. They presented the Richard and Eric Dong Endowment Fund to 500 distinguished guests, including Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao and her father, Secretary Norman Minetta, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Ted Liu, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and State Senator Hwang. They are paving the way in helping address some of the world’s most pressing human rights issues.
Richard Dong expressed particular enthusiasm for this role, as he would like to bring democracy, human rights and American values to China. The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Leadership Council encompasses a group of dedicated supporters who understand the importance of a philanthropic investment or advocacy on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy. It is chaired by Ethel Kennedy and includes local and global leaders, entrepreneurs, activists and artists.
In addition to their philanthropic roles, Eric and Richard have taken on political leadership roles. During this past summer, they participated in an event hosted by Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Judy Chu. They also attended an event to support the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee hosted by Congressman Joe Kennedy III. Finally, they visited the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) and the Chinese Embassy. It has been a busy and productive summer for the Dong brothers, as they continue to inspire their peers and friends alike with their passion for ensuring human rights for all and for building key diplomatic ties, where necessary, in this global age.
“Let there be a world where peace is eminent, stronger relations with its citizens, governments that are accountable for the people, and basic rights available to all. This is what I believe in and that is why I am here to join the RFK Human Rights Leadership Council. Let us see tomorrow as another chance to better the world and a step closer to an earth RFK envisioned.“ –Richard Dong
“I am proud to join the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Leadership Council because I want to promote human rights and democracy throughout the world, especially in China for the 1.4 billion Chinese people who have been longing for these values for centuries.”– Eric Dong
(In addition to his philanthropy at San Marino High School, Richard also serves as a member of the US-China Committee of International Leadership Foundation.)
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