Leslie Tang Schilling, a very well-known community and business leader, was featured in the article, A Lifetime of Giving, published in the Winter 2007, Charles Schwab, "on investing" magazine.
Leslie is the founder of Union Square Investments Company, a commercial real estate investment and management firm. She is a Regent of the University of California and a trustee of Give2Asia, The Asia Foundation, and the Asian Art Museum. Leslie co-founded Toys for the Tenderloin and is a member of the Committee of 100.
In the article, Leslie describes why it is important for her to give back and how she involves her kids in community work.
I thought Leslie gave an interesting answer to the question: Does your international perspective and experience alter your definition of community? Here is what Leslie said:
"I think it does. Because I can operate in both worlds- Asia and the US - I don't feel obliged to just give in the Chinese world. Some people of Chinese descent give to Chinese-only projects. In a way, I can understand that, but I think that kind of focus is narrow. I see philanthropy as a worldwide endeavor."
Leslie and her family had a family foundation for years but then they made the move to use a Schwab Charitable Gift Account instead. She said that it was not worth the effort or cost to continue the private foundation. A donor-advised fund allowed her to continue the projects they wanted without the expense and record-keeping.
