Born and raised in Taiwan, Anne Shih immigrated to the U.S. with her husband in 1979. She joined the Bowers Museum’s Board of Governors in 1996 and has been instrumental in its success. She is by far the museum’s #1 fundraiser and through her efforts, the Bowers has organized and traveled eight major Chinese exhibitions to the U.S., including the legendary Terra Cotta Warriors from Xian. She initiated a one-year Junior Ambassador program at Bowers for high school students to learn public speaking, touring techniques and details of the exhibitions, with the students volunteering as docents at the Shanghai Museum at its conclusion. Under her guidance, Bowers membership has grown from 3,000 to 8,000 members, and she has raised millions to support the museum’s exhibition and education programs through the museum’s annual gala. Anne’s exceptional leadership was recognized by her colleagues in 2010 when she was unanimously elected Chairwoman of its Board of Governors. She was awarded the 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for her exemplary community service.
“I am passionate about Chinese art and culture, and I love Bowers Museum. I thrive on friendships, fundraising and adventure travel. I like to push the envelope!” Anne Shih