Clara Fong

About Clara

Clara Fong is a writer and researcher dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting youth civic engagement.

A Canadian American raised across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States, Clara’s personal connection to the Asia-Pacific region has deeply shaped her professional journey. Witnessing the 2015 student-led pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong ignited her interest in how digital connectivity can mobilize young people and expand political participation.

Clara’s work in civil society organizations centers on democratic reform and increasing access to credible online information. At the Brennan Center for Justice, she crafted policy solutions to improve the US Census and advocated for fair redistricting. She is currently a writer and editor at the Council on Foreign Relations, where she produces digital content explainers on Asia affairs and climate change.

In 2024, she served as the US delegate for diversity and inclusion to the G20 Youth Summit in Brazil. Ahead of the summit, she conducted listening tours and synthesized American youth perspectives, which included expanding access to digital media literacy. She negotiated these priorities into the final communiqué presented to G20 world leaders. Clara aspires to a career in US–Asia public diplomacy, applying lessons from grassroots movements that use digital tools to broaden civic engagement.

Clara enjoys a mix of hobbies, including Muay Thai, Mahjong, and baking, and volunteers with organizations that celebrate cultural heritage and create community for Asian Americans.

She earned her MA in international relations and BA in public policy and psychology from the University of Chicago.