Chai, Ling (1966–)

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Chai, Ling (1966–)

Chinese dissident, human-rights activist and entrepreneur. Born 1966 in China; dau. of military doctors; graduated from Beijing University with a degree in child psychology, 1987; Princeton University, MA; Harvard University, MBA; m. Feng Congde (another leader of the protests, div.); m. Robert A. Maginn Jr.

As a graduate student in child psychology, was elected chief commander of the student protesters in Tiananmen Square, because of her leadership skills and electrifying speeches (1989); called the "Goddess of Democracy," initiated and led the hunger strike during the protests; fled the square on June 4, just before the tanks rolled in; one of the most wanted women in China, hid out for 10 months before escaping to Hong Kong in a nailed-shut crate; came to US by way of France (1990); became an internet entrepreneur in Boston.