CompassPoint Mentorship was founded in 2012 to give young people more than just academic support — a pathway to leadership, real-world experience, and community impact.
What began as small summer programs has grown into a year-round mentorship model where students lead projects, conduct research, and partner with organizations like NASA, Google, and local governments.
Who We Are
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Our mission is to help children convert ideas into world-changing actions through education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
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CompassPoint Mentorship envisions a world where every young person has the knowledge, skills, and social network to care for themselves and their communities when they enter adulthood.
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Innovation | Service | Impact | Learning
Leadership
Catherine Liu
Founder, Executive Director, Board ChairCatherine Liu brings over 20 years of experience in high-tech program management and education program development. She holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Renmin University.
Her career includes leadership roles at companies such as Cisco, where she developed STEM education initiatives and community programs. She has also contributed to nonprofit work through organizations like Upwardly Global, leading volunteer efforts and expanding community impact.
As founder of CompassPoint Mentorship, Catherine leads the organization’s mission to equip youth with the skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to become confident leaders and changemakers.
Yiju Chen
Yiju Chen is Co-Founder and COO of Global Asian Media Entertainment, with over 20 years of leadership across media, technology, and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as CEO of Seven Stars Entertainment, leading international operations and growth.
She has served on the board of CompassPoint Mentorship since 2020 and is committed to empowering youth to lead and succeed. Yiju holds an MBA and a BS in International Business from San Francisco State University.
Board Member
Rebecca Lin
Rebecca Lin is a leader in the medical device industry and was named one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Medical Devices in 2023. She has held roles at Johnson & Johnson, CR Bard, and TheraNova.
She also teaches at UCSF and UC Berkeley and supports entrepreneurship as Vice President of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs.
Board Member
Board MemberWilliam Yan
William brings deep expertise in data science, systems engineering, and analytics. He holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and has extensive experience in predictive modeling and technology-driven problem solving.
His background in research and industry supports CompassPoint Mentorship’s focus on preparing students for data-driven and technology-focused careers.
Jack Song
Jack Song is a senior leader in Data and AI with over two decades of experience. He currently serves as an Engineering Director at Uber and has previously held leadership roles at Airbnb and Mastercard.
His expertise in large-scale data systems and emerging technologies strengthens the organization’s innovation and technical mentorship pathways.
Board MemberDr. Zhijun He
Dr. Zhijun He is a technology leader with extensive experience in software engineering and advanced computing. He currently serves as a Director of Software Engineering at Google and has previously worked at Nvidia.
He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and brings deep technical insight that supports the organization’s STEM-focused initiatives.
Board MemberPartners
CompassPoint Mentorship collaborates with organizations across education, technology, and community development to provide students with real-world experience and opportunities.
Our partners support mentorship, hands-on learning, and community impact initiatives that prepare youth for future success.
Supports data science education and global collaboration opportunities, including hackathons and research initiatives.
Women in Data Science Worldwide
Partners in community engagement and youth development, supporting local programs and outreach.
AnT Swim School
Provides exposure to creative technology, innovation, and industry insights, helping students explore careers in design and digital media.
Adobe