PCA Founder Dale You Named a 2026 Philadelphia Family Woman of Influence

We’re proud to share that Philadelphia Chinese Academy founder Dale You has been named a 2026 Philadelphia Family Woman of Influence!

The Women of Influence Awards recognize exceptional women who are making a meaningful difference in their communities, and Dale’s journey is one worth celebrating.

From arriving in Boston at age 10 without speaking English to building a career in international finance, Dale has experienced firsthand what it means to start over. Those experiences eventually inspired her to create Philadelphia Chinese Academy, a school where children can develop confidence, independence, and a connection to language and culture through Mandarin immersion and Montessori education.

But Dale’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Her commitment to mentoring educators, supporting immigrant women, and creating opportunities for teachers to grow is an essential part of what makes PCA special.

At the heart of her leadership is a philosophy familiar to PCA families: MORE RICE. Respect, Independence, Consistency, and Empathy guide our daily work, while Motivated, Organized, Resilient, and Empowered reflect what we hope every child carries into the world.

We invite you to read Dale’s full story in Philadelphia Family, including the challenges of building PCA, the people who helped make it possible, and her vision for what comes next.

[Read Dale’s full Women of Influence feature →]

Dale would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the incredible teachers and staff who have helped build PCA into the community it is today. Their dedication, patience, and belief in the school’s mission have made this journey possible. This recognition is as much a celebration of them as it is of her.

Dale is one of nine women being recognized with a 2026 Philadelphia Family Women of Influence Award. She will be celebrated alongside her fellow honorees at the Women of Influence Luncheon on Thursday, November 12, at the Fitler Club in Philadelphia.

Congratulations, Dale! We’re grateful for the community you’ve built and the opportunities you continue to create for our children, families, and educators.