Our Stories

Presentation of the Margaret Gee Spirit Award

On April 26, 2018, Cynthia Wong, Bay Area LISC's Executive Director, presented the Margaret Gee Spirit Award to Angela Louie Howard. Angela is the Founder and Executive Director of Lotus Bloom, an Oakland family resource center that supports multicultural, low-income families with access to high quality early childhood educational opportunities.

As Cynthia Wong reflected, “Angela is exactly the type of leader Margaret valued -- someone completely committed to the community with a laser focus on impact matched with a warmth that makes everyone and anyone feel welcome and included”. 

The award was presented at Lotus Bloom’s 10th Anniversary celebration. This lively event brought together a diverse group of community residents, including the children who benefit from their educational services.  Together with Margaret's mother, sister, and sons, Bay Area LISC staff remembered her fearless optimism, no-nonsense leadership, and generous smile and laugh.

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The annual Margaret Gee Spirit Award pays homage to former LISC Executive Director Margaret Gee and honors her legacy.  Every year on Margaret’s birthday Bay Area LISC recognizes one community leader that embodies her spirit and commitment to strong community values, and her efforts to empower residents.

Margaret's family, this year's award winner Angela Louie Howard, last year's recipient Cindy Wu from Chinatown Community Development Center (SF), and Bay Area LISC Staff at the Lotus Bloom 10th Anniversary Celebration.
Margaret's family, this year's award winner Angela Louie Howard, last year's recipient Cindy Wu from Chinatown Community Development Center (SF), and Bay Area LISC Staff at the Lotus Bloom 10th Anniversary Celebration.