Elaine Peng
Executive Director & Founder
Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities
Elaine Peng(彭一玲) immigrated to the United States from Guangzhou twenty years ago, guided by the Confucian principle: “Honor your own elders, and extend that honor to the elders of others; care for your own young, and extend that care to the young of others.” She has since devoted her life to public service as her mission.
Twelve years ago, she founded the Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities (MHACC), which has safeguarded countless families. For her exceptional contributions, she has received numerous honors, including commendations from the California Governor Gavin Newsom and former United States President Joe Biden. She has also represented the community at the White House’s AA and NHPI Mental Health Convening. MHACC was also named California’s 2017 Nonprofit Organization of the Year. A tireless advocate for civil rights, she served as a plaintiff in litigation against the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of Justice, successfully protecting the WeChat access rights of 20 million American users.
As President of MHACC, Ms. Peng has organized over one thousand support groups and workshops, established a year-round 1-800 Warmline serving more than 11,000 people annually, and launched mobile applications that provide 24/7 free mental health support, ensuring care is accessible anytime, anywhere. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she mobilized cross-border resources to protect healthcare workers and vulnerable populations in both Hubei and the United States, while also launching initiatives such as “Love Meals” and the “$1 Senior Rides” program, benefiting over 4,000 seniors.
In addition, she has served on multiple local and state government advisory committees, as well as the boards of several nonprofit organizations, dedicating her knowledge and compassion to community service. She has been an outspoken leader in policy reform, championing California’s CARE Court (Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Court) and legislation to improve wages for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers. Beyond advocacy, she has organized safety patrols and anti-Asian hate rallies, led the Oakland Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade, and hosted large-scale cultural fairs for Qixi (Chinese Valentine’s Day) and the Winter Solstice to celebrate Chinese heritage and stimulate the local economy. She also founded the National Mental Health Singing Contest in Oakland Chinatown, and successfully convened the 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in the U.S. Congress, uniting Chinese Americans nationwide and highlighting the shared destiny of the community.
As a candidate for Charity Queen, Elaine Peng is dedicated to channeling her passion and professional expertise in public service to advance the mission of Family Bridges, pledging to bring together greater resources and compassion to uplift vulnerable populations and spread warmth and hope throughout the community.
