From Engineering Dreams to Changing Young Lives

Some careers are carefully planned, while others are shaped by unexpected moments that redefine purpose. Chancellor Engr. Dr. Li Schonberg’s journey belongs to the second category. Her story is not only about academic excellence or professional success. It is about discovering how knowledge, resilience, and compassion can come together to transform the lives of countless children and families.

Born and raised in Bacolod City in the Philippines, she grew up surrounded by storytelling. Her father managed a radio station, while her mother performed in radio dramas. Those early years taught her the importance of communication, empathy, and connecting with people through meaningful stories. Although her childhood was deeply connected to media, life had entirely different plans waiting for her.

Today, she is recognized as an engineer, educator, autism advocate, entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor, and founder of institutions that continue to reshape special education in the UAE. Her journey proves that true success is measured not only by achievements but by the number of lives positively impacted along the way.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Dr. Li Schonberg did not begin her career in engineering. Like many professionals searching for their purpose, she first worked in marketing and public relations, developing communication skills and learning how organizations connect with people.

Yet curiosity kept pushing her toward something bigger. She pursued Electronics and Communications Engineering before expanding her expertise into Mechatronic Robotics. Rather than stopping there, she continued learning through advanced studies in artificial intelligence and mechatronics, eventually broadening her academic journey with a master’s degree in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities before completing her PhD.

This combination of engineering and education became the foundation for everything she would later build. Instead of seeing technology as an isolated discipline, she began recognizing its potential to solve deeply human challenges.

Her educational journey reflects a mindset that lifelong learning creates lifelong impact. Every qualification she earned became another tool for serving others more effectively.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Many successful people can identify one defining moment that completely changes their direction. For Dr. Li Schonberg, that moment came while working alongside children on the autism spectrum during her studies.

She quickly realized there was a significant gap between what these children were capable of achieving and what society often expected from them. Too many families faced misunderstanding, limited resources, and delayed interventions that prevented children from reaching their full potential.

Rather than accepting those limitations, she saw an opportunity.

Her engineering background allowed her to think differently. Instead of focusing only on challenges, she focused on creating practical solutions that combined education, technology, therapy, and innovation. That realization became the beginning of a mission that continues today.

She no longer viewed engineering and advocacy as separate paths. Instead, they became two parts of the same purpose.

A Battle With Cancer That Strengthened Her Mission

Life presented another unexpected challenge in 2017 when Dr. Li Schonberg was diagnosed with breast cancer.

For many people, such a diagnosis changes priorities overnight. While her advocacy had already begun taking shape, surviving cancer gave her an even stronger sense of urgency. After recovering in 2018, she approached life with renewed determination.

Rather than postponing dreams or waiting for the perfect moment, she decided to build the future she believed children deserved.

Her recovery became more than a personal victory. It reinforced her belief that difficult experiences can reveal greater purpose instead of limiting potential.

Today, she openly shares that cancer did not create her mission. It simply removed every reason to delay pursuing it.

Building Institutions That Create Real Change

Driven by purpose, Dr. Li Schonberg established SunUp Development Center in Abu Dhabi, where children with autism and other developmental needs receive comprehensive support through Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, early intervention, and parent training.

Every service is designed around one powerful belief that every child is capable of growth when provided with the right environment and support.

Recognizing that education and therapy should work together rather than separately, she also co founded and co owns QAT Blended Learning Education ME. The institution combines academic education with therapeutic intervention, allowing students with special educational needs to receive personalized support under one integrated system.

Her work extends beyond classrooms and therapy rooms. Through free assessment initiatives and grant programs, she continues helping families who may otherwise struggle to access early intervention services.

This practical approach reflects her belief that awareness alone is not enough. Families need real solutions that improve everyday life.

Using Technology to Unlock Human Potential

One of the most distinctive aspects of Dr. Li Schonberg’s work is the way she integrates engineering with child development.

Her involvement in robotics education, including work connected to Mars inspired rover programs, demonstrates how science can become exciting and accessible for young learners. Instead of teaching engineering through theory alone, she creates experiences where children build, explore, and develop confidence through hands on learning.

Perhaps even more meaningful is her research involving social robotics for children on the autism spectrum.

Watching a child who had previously struggled with communication initiate interaction through a social robot remains one of her proudest moments. Those experiences confirmed that technology, when guided by empathy, can become a bridge between children and the world around them.

For Dr. Li Schonberg, innovation is never about replacing human connection. It is about creating more opportunities for connection to happen.

Creating Hope for Families Everywhere

Beyond her institutions, Dr. Li Schonberg continues expanding her impact through education for parents and caregivers.

Her upcoming book, Ausome Stories A Mother’s Guide Through the Beautiful Chaos, reflects years of experience supporting families navigating autism diagnoses. Filled with authentic stories, practical guidance, and child friendly learning resources, the book aims to help parents feel informed rather than overwhelmed.

As a mother herself, she understands that receiving a diagnosis often raises countless questions. Her goal is to ensure that no family feels isolated during that journey.

She believes that understanding a child is the first step toward helping that child succeed.

This philosophy has become central to every initiative she leads.

A Legacy Built on Action Rather Than Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Li Schonberg has received numerous recognitions, including being honored as a Global Filipino Icon and contributing to educational innovation within the UAE. These accomplishments reflect years of dedication and leadership.

Yet she measures success differently.

Awards eventually become memories, but seeing a child develop communication skills, confidence, and independence creates lasting change that extends far beyond certificates or titles.

Looking ahead, her vision remains focused on expanding access to early intervention, empowering parents with practical knowledge, and building systems that can be replicated across different communities.

She hopes future educators, engineers, and advocates will continue strengthening autism support long after her own work is complete.

Her journey reminds us that true leadership is not defined by personal achievement alone. It is measured by the opportunities created for others.

For Chancellor Engr. Dr. Li Schonberg, every child deserves to be understood, every family deserves hope, and every challenge deserves an innovative solution. Through engineering, education, and unwavering compassion, she continues proving that purpose becomes most meaningful when it changes lives.

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