Ginny Lee’s journey began as the youngest of eight children born to immigrant parents, relying on food stamps and free lunches while growing up in Boston. Her early experiences taught her the value of education, which she credits with shaping the leader she is today. “I am living proof of how a quality education can truly make a difference in people’s lives,” she explains. That’s why, when the opportunity arose to serve as president and COO of online learning hub Khan Academy in 2016, Ginny quickly embraced it. She helped steer the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding its rapid adaptation and widespread adoption as virtual learning soared. “Ginny played a pivotal role in scaling the organization and expanding its mission to bring high-quality education to students both online and in classrooms — an incredibly admirable contribution,” explains Kim Chan, ’92, MBA ’97.
Prior to joining Khan Academy, Ginny was a CEO-in-residence at Alpine Investors, a growth-oriented private equity firm, and spent 17 years at Intuit, where she rose to senior vice president and general manager. At every stage, she was guided by advice from legendary GSB professor Jim Collins, who counseled her to choose companies whose values aligned with her own. Today, Ginny serves on three corporate boards of directors, including that of mission-driven fintech company Oportun, and on Marshall University’s board of governors. In all of these capacities, Kim notes, Ginny is “a powerful representative for both the Asian and women’s communities in leadership, breaking barriers, and setting a strong example.”
Ginny also gives back to Stanford GSB, where she facilitates a course on interpersonal dynamics and serves as an executive leadership advisor in the Career Management Center. She continues to inspire students and alumni alike with her philosophy of leadership grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and the importance of a strong vision. “I’m incredibly proud of Ginny for her dedication to driving positive change, both in the corporate world and within the GSB community,” says Kim.
