About Virtuous Sea

about

Virtuous Sea Corp is a California-registered nonprofit organization, incorporated in January 2022 (Document #4832499). Our mission is to support Chinese international students in the United States through community, education, and research.

We believe every Chinese student who comes to America deserves honest information, a welcoming community, and real resources — to help them make the best decisions for their education, career, and life.

milestones

Organization History Timeline

2022

2024

2025

2026

VSC incorporated in California. Launched community campfire events in partnership with Campfire Harmony, helping Chinese students experience American culture. Over 50 events held to date.

Signed exclusive China regional agency with Advantage School International (ASI). Partnered with Global Harmony Academy to offer Chinese students accredited U.S. high school diplomas and ASU online college courses.

Expanded into university partnerships. Signed five-year MOU with Avila University Arizona (AUA) 15150 West Park Place, Goodyear, AZ 85395 (signed by VP Dr. Andrew Vogel). Began supporting U.S. universities in expanding China recruitment.

Launched 2026 Employment White Paper research project. Conducting student surveys to help Chinese international students understand the U.S. job market and make informed decisions about their futures.

Ya Gao

President

Chinese-American philanthropist and international education advocate based in Bellevue, Washington. Born in Shanghai and educated across China and Canada, Ms. Gao brings a deeply global perspective shaped by multicultural experience. After achieving success as an early-stage investor, she devoted herself to philanthropy and founded Virtuous Sea with the mission of empowering mobility and advancing educational equity. She has led multiple cross-border inclusive education initiatives and remains committed to removing systemic barriers while building a global talent collaboration network.

Lucas Liu

Founder & Director

Chinese-American entrepreneur and financial strategist with experience spanning U.S. military service, finance, and international education. A former member of the U.S. Navy Special Forces, Mr. Zhao later held senior management roles in large-scale U.S. investment and real estate projects and became a certified high-net-worth wealth and inheritance planner with AXA France. He has managed over USD 50 million in cross-border assets and founded China's first Ten-Year Integrated International Education Program. At Virtuous Sea, he leads financial strategy, operations, and global partnerships.

Dr. Barbara Zá Franks, Ed.D.

Chief Research Officer

Dr. Barbara Zá Franks is an international educator with over 17 years of experience across the Caribbean, China, Africa, and the United States. She spent 11 years in China in senior academic leadership roles including Chief Academic Officer and Regional Dean. She holds an Ed.D. in Leadership. At VSC, she leads the 2026 Employment White Paper research project.

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