The Bridgeway Foundation is a family-led nonprofit established in 2025 by Jen Castner, a Chinese immigrant who has lived in the United States for over 25 years. The foundation reflects her deep connection to both cultures and her desire to give back to the communities that have shaped her life, while building meaningful bridges between East and West.
Rooted in a deep appreciation for heritage, craftsmanship, and shared human experience, the foundation is dedicated to promoting and preserving intangible cultural traditions from China—bringing them to wider audiences in the United States through thoughtfully curated programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.
As a family foundation, Bridgeway is operated by Jen and her close family members, reflecting a personal commitment to service, cultural continuity, and long-term impact. This close-knit structure allows the foundation to stay grounded in its values while remaining agile in how it engages communities.
In an age increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, we believe that the value of human touch—of handmade art, traditional techniques, and cultural storytelling—has never been more important. These practices carry history, identity, and meaning that cannot be replicated or automated. By introducing younger generations to these art forms, we hope to inspire appreciation, curiosity, and a deeper connection to cultural roots.
Through our work, we aim not only to preserve traditions, but to make them relevant, accessible, and alive—creating spaces where culture is experienced, shared, and carried forward.
Jen Castner, President
Jen Castner is a Bay Area–based businesswoman and philanthropist with more than 25 years of ties to the San Francisco community. She brings a strong commitment to civic engagement and a passion for initiatives that promote meaningful community impact.
Through both her professional endeavors and volunteer work, Jen has demonstrated a dedication to service and collaboration. She looks forward to working alongside community leaders and stakeholders to advance projects that improve lives and foster long-term positive change.
Danlin Huang, Executive Director
Danlin Huang serves as the Executive Director of The Bridgeway Foundation, where she combines her lifelong passion for cultural preservation with years of leadership and strategic management experience.
Born and raised in Guizhou, China—a province renowned for its rich diversity of ethnic minority communities, Danlin grew up surrounded by these vibrant traditions and developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and significance of intangible cultural heritage. She also trained in traditional Chinese dance throughout her childhood, further strengthening her connection to China’s artistic traditions.
At the age of 16, Danlin moved to the United States, where she continued to foster cross-cultural understanding by performing Chinese folk dances at school and community events throughout high school. Her passion for cultural exchange continued at the University of California, Berkeley, where she was an active member of Project Pengyou for four years, eventually serving as President. She organized professional, educational, and community events that brought together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering a new generation of bridge-builders between the United States and China.
Danlin also interned with the Dui Hua Foundation, where she supported the organization’s mission of advancing dialogue, mutual understanding, and humanitarian engagement. This experience further strengthened her commitment to international understanding and public service.
Professionally, Danlin brings more than seven years of management consulting experience, advising organizations on strategy, digital transformation, and organizational effectiveness. Her background in leading complex initiatives, building partnerships, and managing cross-functional teams provides the operational expertise needed to grow The Bridgeway Foundation and expand its impact.
As Executive Director, Danlin is committed to preserving and celebrating China’s intangible cultural heritage by connecting people, organizations, and communities across borders. Drawing on her deep roots in China and her extensive network in both China and the United States, she works to build partnerships with artisans, museums, cultural institutions, local businesses, and community organizations to bring authentic cultural experiences to audiences in the United States. In addition, Danlin has built a substantial online community through her social media platforms and looks forward to leveraging that reach to amplify The Bridgeway Foundation’s mission, expand awareness of its programs, and inspire greater appreciation for traditional arts and cultural heritage among younger generations.
Richard Zhang, Treasurer
Richard Zhang serves as Treasurer of The Bridgeway Foundation, where he oversees the Foundation’s financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.
Born in China, Richard moved back and forth between China and the United States three times while growing up, giving him a unique perspective on both cultures and a deep appreciation for the importance of cross-cultural understanding. He later earned dual degrees in Economics and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley before building a career in strategy, finance, and operations across management consulting and the technology industry.
As Treasurer, Richard brings his expertise in financial planning, strategic growth, and organizational management to help The Bridgeway Foundation responsibly steward its resources, establish sustainable partnerships, and support the Foundation’s long-term vision of preserving and sharing China’s intangible cultural heritage with future generations.
Mark Hoffmann, Strategic Advisor
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Mark Hoffmann attended local public schools while helping with his family’s business and participating in church activities and the Boy Scouts. He later studied at Laney College and UC Berkeley, initially aspiring to become a high school teacher and football coach.
Mark ultimately found his calling in public service, joining the Oakland Fire Department in 1980. Over a distinguished 39-year career, he rose through the ranks to serve as Chief of the Department before retiring.
Throughout his life — beginning as a preteen and continuing into adulthood — Mark has been deeply involved in charitable and community-based organizations. Among his most meaningful experiences are volunteering in local schools, coaching youth sports, supporting the Oakland Chinatown chapter of the Salvation Army, and working with the Asian Youth Advisory Council in partnership with the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.
Mark looks forward to partnering with The Bridgeway Foundation to continue serving the community and supporting its mission.
Bridgeway Cultural Foundation 