SU Global Graduates Celebrate Commencement Weekend, May 23-24
Alumni Tao, Zhu, and Liu Reflect On Business, Innovation, and Public Health
(May 27, 2025) – Three SU Global MBA graduates, Shaoyong (Shawn) Tao (MBA ’24), Juanli Zhu (MBA ’23), and Yang Liu (MBA ’24), traveled from China to the U.S. to take part in the SU Global Hooding Ceremony and University Commencement exercises, May 23-May 24, marking the completion of their academic MBA journey and the continuation of their global impact.
The SU Global Hooding Ceremony was held in Stimpson Auditorium, Halpin-Harrison Hall, on May 23, and included Shenandoah leadership: Provost Karen Abraham, DPT/TDPT; Head of SU Global and Associate Dean of the School of Business Yvonne Chen, Ph.D.; Associate Professor Giles Jackson, Ph.D.; Professor J. Seth Chatfield, Ph.D., and several other School of Business faculty members. The SU Global MBA alumni also participated in Shenandoah University’s 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 24, at the Wilkins Athletics and Events Center.
For these graduates — leaders in semiconductor innovation, pharmaceutical sales, and global supply chain management — the experience was more than a milestone. It was a powerful affirmation of their growth as professionals, thinkers, and changemakers.
From Technician to CEO: Shawn Tao’s Strategic Transformation
Shaoyong (Shawn) Tao, founder and CEO of Red Power Microelectronics, began his career in the semiconductor industry in 2001. In 2019, he launched Red Power to produce power semiconductors for electric vehicles (EVs) and photovoltaic energy (PV) systems. The company now supplies major EV manufacturers such as BYD and Chery, both of which also hold equity stakes in the privately owned company.
“In the beginning, I did nearly every job in the company,” Tao said. From investor outreach and R&D to marketing and manufacturing, he laid the groundwork for Red Power’s early growth. Today, the company is expanding internationally, with clients in India and Europe, and is poised for future entry into emerging markets involving AI-driven transportation and robotics.
Realizing that technical knowledge alone wouldn’t take his company to the next level, Tao enrolled in Shenandoah’s Global MBA program.
“The MBA helped me organize my thinking and gain a broader strategic vision,” he said. “It’s a very practical degree.”
Now enrolled in the Global Doctorate of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership, Tao plans to prepare Red Power for a future public offering.
“We need mature leaders, empowered teams, and a clear strategic direction,” he said. “The MBA gave me practical tools. The doctoral program is transforming the way I lead.”
His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: “Empower your team. Focus on strategy. Let others deliver the results.”
Blending Business and Service: Juanli Zhu’s Public Health Mission
Juanli Zhu has more than 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical instrument sales. She now serves as a regional sales manager at Nestlé (China) Ltd. and leads the Special Medical Food Department. Previously, she worked for Abbott Laboratories and Novartis.
“I love my job because I’m providing health services to patients,” she said. “It’s meaningful work that I want to continue.”
Zhu enrolled in Shenandoah’s Global MBA to strengthen her leadership and business strategy skills.
“The program taught me to think strategically and see the bigger picture,” she said. “I also gained financial analysis skills that help me make smarter decisions, including for my investments.”
While she remains committed to her career in healthcare sales, Zhu’s long-term vision is expanding into public health advocacy.
“Public health is a growing concern — especially in China, where we face challenges like an aging population and a low birth rate,” she explained. “New markets are emerging in elder care, wellness, and sustainable health systems.”
Zhu also collaborates with international insurance companies, including MetLife and a U.K.-based provider, to offer clients high-end medical services and coverage solutions.
“Some clients don’t understand the value of insurance at first,” she said. “But after a claim, they truly appreciate what it provides. I see it as part of my mission to bring those resources to more people.”
She also leads by example through community outreach, offering free seminars and public health education.
“For me, work and life are connected. Giving back through education is part of my purpose.”
These MBA graduates exemplify SU Global’s mission to develop bold, principled leaders who are equipped to make a difference in a rapidly changing world.
To learn more about SU Global programs, including the Global MBA and Global Doctorate of Professional Studies In Organizational Leadership, visit su.edu/global.
