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 and soul into helping his clients. After gaining experience at a variety of workplaces, from Hollywood to Silicon Valley, they were inspired to return to the Head Start and CAP community and continue Lihong's mission. They officially joined the leadership team in 2024.
Our family is grateful for the opportunity to assist those working to break the cycle of poverty. GoEngage is our pride and joy.
