The fourth of Dr. James S.C. and Ruth Mulan Chu Chao’s daughters, and the first to be born in the United States, Christine is known among her sisters, colleagues and friends as “incredibly smart,” “meticulous,” “thoughtful,” “responsible,” “loyal,” “tenacious,” “supportive,” and “devoted to education.”

Her sisters also remember that, during childhood, it was Christine who came home from school one afternoon with a big smile on her face and resolutely announced: “I’m going to be lawyer!” This was not simply a passing musing but instead a goal she pursued diligently and persistently to its successful fruition.

Intellect and Legal Talent

Christine earned an undergraduate degree from Colgate University and a JD from Columbia University School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, she worked for the Wall Street law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf and lived abroad, initially in Hong Kong and subsequently in London, where she worked for FedEx as Managing Director, Legal. She was awarded the prestigious Five Star Award, FedEx’s highest honor which is awarded to only.05% of employees worldwide.

Upon repatriation to the United States, Christine worked for GE Corporation before joining Foremost Group as General Counsel.

Dedicated Philanthropist

In addition to her professional life is Christine’s life as a philanthropist, particularly in the education sector. Christine believes education is the key to changing the trajectory of people’s lives for the better. Education also teaches us to be able to listen carefully, critically analyze, problem solve, communicate effectively and defend one’s position with reasoned discourse, Moreover, education opens new vistas and fosters community.

Christine met her husband Jos Shaver when they were both undergraduate students at Colgate University, and they have two grown sons. Christine and Jos later established a scholarship in honor of Christine’s mother at Colgate. The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Scholarship at Colgate helps deserving students gain access to a quality education. Christine and Jos’ hope is that scholarship recipients will become tomorrow’s leaders who will contribute to, and change for the better, our world.

A Foundation of Values

Like her parents and sisters, Christine Chao’s life has been built on a foundation of respect for her parents and a dedication to living a generous and principled life where one is constantly learning. She believes family, education and giving back to society are the critical paths to living a happy and fulfilling life.

See More Biographies