San Wong

San Wong has spent most of her life as a first-generation immigrant. Born in West Malaysia,

San’s family migrated to Singapore right before she started elementary school. In 1984, she

came to the United States for college. San has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the

University of Nebraska at Omaha, a Master’s degree in Industrial & Organizational

Psychology and an MBA from Kansas State University.


An administrator at Des Moines Area Community College for 14 years prior to her

appointment by Governor Terry Branstad as the Director of the Iowa Department of

Human Rights, her work is focused on helping Iowans thrive in ways that are important to

them and cultivates a sense of belonging - meaningful employment that supports their

families, growth of skill and talent through education, and being an integral part of Iowa’s

culture and community. 


San is passionate about organizations and initiatives that foster self-sufficiency. As a charter public school that provides families with an alternative to the traditional public school system

without additional financial burden, Horizon Science Academy’s mission aligns with San’s

dedication to creating access to help the most vulnerable thrive.