Gilbert is the son of immigrants to California from China and Hong Kong. Born, raised and educated in Santa Clara Valley, which has been nicknamed Silicon Valley, he watched the valley grow from agricultural beginnings to high tech companies like Apple, Google and Facebook.
He got his first degree in associate of arts in business management from West Valley Community College and then graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and also went to Harvard University to attend the Kennedy School of Government, earning a Certificate of Senior Executives in State and Local Government. As a Community College graduate, I believe strongly in the importance role of community colleges in preparing our students for Silicon Valley’s future.
As a business owner with a background in business management and financial real estate, it has been an honor to contribute my knowledge for nine years as a two-term mayor and councilmember in Cupertino.
Our community take great pride in both Foothill and De Anza Colleges which are among the best in California and the nation. If elected to the college board, I will focus on educational excellence, access, fiscal responsibility, innovation and technology.
As a parent, former mayor, and education advocate, I am well-prepared for the responsibilities of a college board member. My experience includes serving as member of the De Anza Commission (three years), advisory board member of the Cupertino Educational Foundation (three years), former President of the West Valley School Site Council (two years), and former board member of the Asian American Parent Association (four years).
I am humbled to be be endorsed by State Superintendent of Pubic Instruction Tom Torlakson, Senator Jerry Hill, Assemblymember Rich Gordon, Assemblymember Evan Low, Sheriff Laurie Smith, County Assessor Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County Board of Education Vice President, Michael Chang, Fremont Union High School Trustee Hung Wei, Palo Mayor Pat Burt, Cupertino Mayor Barry Chang, Saratoga Mayor Manny Cappello, Saratoga Councilmember Rishi Kumar, and Sunnyvale Councilmember Tara Martin-Mialius. I respectfully ask for your vote.