A Message from Our Founder:
Looking Forward to Seeing You at GoEngage Connect
By Lihong Ma, Founder of GoEngage
When I first began developing the early foundations of what would eventually become GoEngage, I had one hope:
to build a system that truly supports the people who support our most vulnerable children & families.
I never imagined how far this community would grow, how deeply programs would connect with one another, or how meaningful it would be to see GoEngage used by dedicated staff across the country.
That is why GoEngage Connect holds such a special place in my heart.
This event is more than a conference — it is a celebration of the people who make Head Start and Community Action programs extraordinary.
And I cannot wait to see you there.
The Beginning of GoEngage — and Why This Event Matters
When the idea of GoEngage was first forming, I spent countless years speaking with directors, coordinators, and family service staff. They shared their challenges, their paperwork struggles, their reporting needs, and most importantly, their mission.
From day one, GoEngage was designed around your work. I wanted staff to feel supported, not overwhelmed. I wanted families to feel connected, not lost in paperwork. And I wanted agencies to have a system that grows with them, not against them.
This means every feature, every improvement, every line of code was shaped by conversations with you — the people serving children, lifting families, and building stronger communities.
GoEngage Connect is the one time each year when we get to come together face-to-face and continue those conversations.
It’s where the platform grows and improves, not because of us, but because of you.
Why I Look Forward to This Event Every Year
As the founder, I’ve watched this platform evolve from a simple idea into something far bigger — because of you. I had the privilege of seeing our first platform, HSFIS, then PROMIS to PROMIS 2012, myHeadStart, and now GoEngage from a wide perspective — and the long-term vision.
But GoEngage Connect allows me to see something even more meaningful:
the people behind the data, the dedication behind the workflows, and the passion behind every program decision.
Here’s what inspires me most when I attend:
1. Seeing the Platform Through Your Eyes
Watching staff use the system in real time, ask questions, and discover new features helps us build a stronger product.
These interactions directly shape the platform’s evolution.
2. The Energy and Inspiration
There is something special about bringing together people who are passionate about making a difference.
The energy in the room is always uplifting.
3. The Heart of the Community
Every attendee brings a unique story — a challenge overcome, a success achieved, a creative solution that helps families thrive.
Hearing these stories reminds me why GoEngage exists.
4. The Collaboration
At every GoEngage event, programs share strategies with one another that even we couldn’t have imagined.
You help each other grow — and that is powerful.
What Excites Me About GoEngage Connect 2026
This year’s event feels especially meaningful.
We’ve expanded the platform, strengthened the data architecture, and added new tools to support monitoring, family engagement, health, education, and internal reviews. But what excites me most is not just the technology — it’s what the technology empowers you to do.
At GoEngage Connect, you’ll experience:
Hands-on learning in small groups
Real workflow improvements
Practical tools for daily work
Data strategies to prepare for federal reviews
And opportunities to shape the future direction of GoEngage
Your success is our success. And your voice is essential to our progress.
A Heartfelt Invitation
Whether you’re new to GoEngage or have been with us for years, I hope you will join us in San Antonio.
Come share your experiences.
Come learn from peers across the country.
Come build the next chapter of GoEngage with us.
Your work inspires our work.
Your ideas guide our innovation.
And your dedication is the reason GoEngage exists today.
I look forward to seeing you at GoEngage Connect 2026 and continuing this journey together.
👉 Sign Up for GoEngage Connect
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Lihong Ma is the Founder of Cleverex Systems and Longtime Innovator in Head Start Technology. Lihong Ma is the founder of Cleverex Systems, established in the mid-1990s, and one of the most influential innovators in Head Start data management technology. He was the original creator of HSFIS, the federally funded system developed under a national contract to provide free data management software to every Head Start grantee. Building on the success of HSFIS, Lihong went on to create PROMIS, PROMIS 2012, myHeadStart, and now GoEngage, each advancing the field with more modern, intuitive, and comprehensive capabilities.
For nearly three decades, Lihong’s work has helped programs streamline operations, strengthen federal reporting, and better support children and families. His early leadership shaped Cleverex’s long-standing identity—innovative, reliable, and deeply committed to the mission-driven work of Head Start and Community Action agencies. Today, GoEngage stands as the culmination of Lihong’s vision for simple, powerful technology that grows with the needs of the communities it serves.
