About Cleverex Systems
Meet the family behind GoEngage
GoEngage is developed by Cleverex Systems, a Head Start and CAP family business since 1997.
Born into poverty, Lihong Ma (Founder & President) surmounted an incredibly difficult rural upbringing: famine, local gangs, both parents uneducated and working multiple jobs. As the oldest of four children, he felt desperate. He dreamed of studying hard, going to school, and breaking the cycle of poverty for his family.
Lihong became the first child in his village to attend college—Peking University, the Harvard of the East. After working as a Project Director for several years, he received a scholarship to travel to the United States to pursue a Masters at George Washington University.
It was the American Dream. After completing his degree, Lihong began working as the lead programmer for the National PIR.
In the 1990s, Lihong and his wife Wendy Liu (Admin) started building affordable software for Head Start and CAP. It became their lifelong passion, and in 1997, they founded Cleverex Systems, Inc.
Their children, Michael Ma (CEO/CTO) and Angela Ma (COO), grew up watching their father pour his heart working with Head Start and CAP agencies. After gaining experience at a variety of workplaces, from Hollywood to Silicon Valley, they were inspired to return and continue Lihong's mission.
In 2024, they officially joined the leadership team.
Our family is grateful for the opportunity to assist those working to break the cycle of poverty. GoEngage is our pride and joy.
Other projects
A few of the other Head Start and CAP tools we have built since the 1990s…
1 contract with the U.S. Department of Education
Quality Assurance (QA) ToolKit, QA Data Doctor, QA Calculator, 1998-2000
1 contract with the State of Maryland
Subcabinet for Children, Youth & Families Information System (SCYFIS), 2003-2012
6 contracts with the Office of Head Start
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC), 2004-2021
Head Start Family information System (HSFIS), 1997-2004
Transportation Pathfinder, 2003-2010
Grant Application Budgeting Instruments (GABI), 2003-2004
Program Review Instruments for Systems Monitoring (PRISM), 2003-2004
Head Start Fiscal Assistant, 2002-2004
1 contract with the Family League of Baltimore City
Service Management And Research Tracking (S*M*A*R*T), 2003-2012
1 contract with the Western Governor's Association
Health Passport Project (HPP), 1999-2003