Philanthropist, Designer, Entrepreneur — SHAUN TAI – Shaun Tai (MA, BS, BA) is a Chinese-American philanthropist, designer, and social entrepreneur. He is Executive Director of award-winning nonprofit BRIDGEGOOD.

Shaun Tai

Philanthropist

Designer

Social Entrepreneur

Executive Director at BRIDGEGOOD

Shaun Tai, a five-time 40-Under-40 award recipient, has been empowering Black, Indigenous, and Designers of Color for over a decade. As a trailblazer in the tech industry, he's dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for underrepresented groups through his tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

Year Founded 2009
Location Oakland, CA
Students Reached 13.5K+
Areas of Impact Job Training, Workforce Development, UX/UI, Product Design

Partnerships Launched

Knowledge Shared

Job Training

Creating programs that improve the skills and knowledge of design students.

Workforce Development

Educating and training job seekers to meet the needs of future employers.

UX/UI

Delivering content in user-centric design research, prototyping, and wireframing.

Education Innovation

Working with schools to share industry news and latest product design trends.

Communities Impacted

Shaun Tai is a brilliant and inspiring leader who understands how to guide others into fulfilling their career potential.

Anna M.

UX Design Apprentice Graduate @ BRIDGEGOOD

TV & News Featured

Companies Founded

Z. Team Yossi | Culture & Automotive Group

Pushin' The Bay | Music & TV Production

ZTY Media | Digital Product Agency

Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center | Nonprofit

Legacy Achieved

Meet Shaun Tai, a digital literacy pioneer who has been making waves in the tech industry for nearly two decades. Equipped with a Master's degree in Architectural & Urban Design and a Bachelor's degree in Advertising from San Jose State University, Shaun has always been passionate about using technology to break down barriers and empower people from all walks of life. Before that, he graduated with honors from Cal State East Bay with a BA in Digital Arts, where he was named the 'Distinguished Young Alumnus' of the year 2014-15, the highest honor awarded by the university.

"Shaun Tai's story is an inspiration for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world. Whether you're passionate about tech, design, or just curious about the power of vision, get ready to be inspired by one of the most visionary leaders of our time."

Resume | Shaun Tai

WORK Experience

2016 - Present

Executive Director

BRIDGEGOOD

Providing equitable tech access, design (UX/UI) opportunities, and professional resources to job seekers.

820+ careers launched
50+ schools reached
9,400+ students educated

2009 - 2016

Co-Founder & CEO

Oakland Digital Arts and Literacy Center Inc

Bridging the digital literacy and opportunity divide among small businesses and local students.

72M artwork showcased
$5.6M services donated
2,500+ entrepreneurs supported

2009 - 2015

Executive Producer

Weigend Associates LLC

Full service digital media production for former Chief Scientist at Amazon.com, Dr. Andreas Weigend.

100+ videos produced
750 businesses subscribed
75,000+ views garnered

Explore Shaun Tai's professional career including work with the City & County of San Francisco and Facebook (Meta).

Education

2005-2007

San Jose State University

Master of Arts - MA

Interdisciplinary Studies (Architectural & Urban Design), Graduate School | 4.0 GPA

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2003 - 2005

San Jose State University

Bachelor of Science - BS

Journalism and Mass Communications | Magna Cum Laude, 3.8 GPA

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2000 - 2003

California State University, East Bay

Bachelor of Arts - BA

Graphic Design / Digital Arts (Department of Art) | Honors, 3.5 GPA

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Verified Qualifications

99+ Ratings

Entrepreneurship
Digital Media
Nonprofits
Strategy

ENDORSED Skills

Program Management
User Experience Design
Brand Development
Social Entrepreneurship

Available For

Keynote Engagements

90%
Advisory Opportunities

82%
Thought Leadership

85%
DEI / CSR Consultation

98%

Areas of Expertise

Design For Social Good
Diversity & Inclusion in Tech
Leading with Empathy
UX / UI / Product Design
New Partnership Development
Educational Innovation
Design Trends for Sustainability
Building Community Ecosystems
Media Creation for Social Impact

Success Realized

Shaun Tai is passionate about making his community vision come to life. I appreciate his relatability; Shaun showed he was just like me. I consider Shaun a mentor and friend.

Devon W.

Product Designer

Shaun Tai is that one person we all need around. He's motivating and inclusive; making sure that everyone is noticed and their opinions are heard.

Maritza M.

UX Design Apprentice Graduate @ BRIDGEGOOD

Never have I seen someone approach design with such intense passion until I met Shaun Tai. The fire of innovation that Shaun carries inside him is infectious to all around him.

Deron G.

UX Designer

Shaun Tai is a radiant and motivating leader who helps you grow and develop into the best version of yourself. Shaun has been (and is) such a strong light in our lives.