FOUNDER, LENA EVANS
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Lena Evans oversees grantmaking and the strategic promotion of organizations aligned with Jade Phoenix’s charitable mission. Drawing from her Vietnamese birth name, Phueng Ngoc—translated as Jade Phoenix—she adopted the moniker as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and service. For decades, her philanthropic work has focused on advancing equity, opportunity, and community well-being.
Civic Leadership and Global Advocacy
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and democratic values, Ms. Evans has served in national leadership roles for multiple presidential campaigns and as a leading voice within the Asian American community. Internationally, she has held ambassadorial and fundraising roles with global organizations, bridging philanthropy, diplomacy, and public service.
Arts, Culture and Education
Deeply committed to the arts and cultural education, Ms. Evans has served on the boards of leading arts institutions and international societies devoted to preserving musical, culinary, and cultural traditions. Her work reflects a belief that beauty, education, and shared rituals strengthen communities across generations.
Entrepreneurship and Strategic Leadership
Alongside her philanthropic work, Ms. Evans is a seasoned entrepreneur with a career spanning entertainment, technology, fashion, public relations, and gaming. Known for her expertise in capital fundraising and strategic growth, she brings disciplined leadership and creative vision to every organization she supports.
Core Mission and Heart
Internationally, Ms. Evans has played prominent philanthropic and diplomatic roles. As Chair of the USA for the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, a fundraising initiative of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International, she hosted the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s first joint visit to the United States. She has also served as an Ambassador for the Invictus Games Orlando, the Clinton Foundation, and the San Diego Film Festival, and as a prominent USA fundraiser for Sentebale, the charitable organization founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. She serves as a spokesperson for AARP, and an Ambassador for the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement.
Public Service, Democracy, and Diplomacy
A passionate advocate for equity and civic engagement, Ms. Evans has dedicated significant time and leadership to social justice initiatives, including women’s rights, immigrant advocacy, and democratic participation. She has served on national finance committees for multiple presidential campaigns, including Clinton for President, Obama for President, Biden for President, as National Co-Chair of the AAPI Finance Council, and Harris for President. She is recognized as a leading voice within the Asian American community and has participated as an AAPI Power 100 delegate.
Stewardship, Refinement, and Creativity
Ms. Evans maintains membership in distinguished organizations, including the Royal Society of St. George, the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Aspen Institute Fellows, the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or U.S. Embassy, and Priory of the Christian Shield. Her titles include Bailli Chaîne des Rôtisseurs; Chevalière Sabreuse; and Chevaleresse, Priory of the Christian Shield.
Extensive board service reflecting a lifelong commitment to arts, culture, health, and youth development includes the San Diego Symphony, San Diego City Ballet, Kids for Peace, March of Dimes, ArtReach, and Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she chaired Celebration of Champions for nine years. Advisory and steering roles include Invictus Games San Diego, San Diego Rescue Mission, San Diego Master Chorale, Pacific Lyric Association Opera, and The Old Globe Theatre Guilders.
Social Service
Ms. Evans’s commitment to social service has been recognized with honors, including the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award, the United Nations Humanitarian Award, and the Salvation Army Woman of Dedication Honoree designation.
She has also been the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year, recognized as an Outstanding Philanthropist for National Philanthropy Day, and honored with the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Award, the San Diego Magazine Woman of the Year Award, and the Longines Women Who Make a Difference Award.
Earlier distinctions include San Diego’s Best Philanthropist/Volunteer, Women Who Move the City, and the KXy 96.5 Hometown Heroes Award.