At Golden Gate Global, a USCIS-licensed regional center, we are proud not only of the EB-5 immigration success stories we help create but also of the lasting relationships we build with our EB-5 investors. Two inspiring examples of this connection are Rebecca Wang and Serena Zhang — both of whom began their journeys with us as EB-5 investors and now work as valued members of the Golden Gate Global team.
Serena Zhang: Turning Trust into Leadership
Serena Zhang started her EB-5 journey in 2016 by investing in Golden Gate Global’s Sacramento Kings Arena and Downtown Commons EB-5 Project in California. The Sacramento Kings Arena — known as the Golden 1 Center — and its surrounding mixed-use development, Downtown Commons (DOCO), stand as a landmark achievement in urban revitalization. Developed by the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in collaboration with JMA Ventures, the project was completed in 2019. Today, it serves as an iconic destination for world-class basketball, premier entertainment and retail, cutting-edge office space, and upscale hospitality and residential experiences.
At the time of her investment, Serena was attending Occidental College in Los Angeles, studying mathematics and economics. In August 2017, she joined Golden Gate Global's team as an intern and has since advanced to become the Director of Investor Relations.
Serena made her investment in 2016, before the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) was introduced, which allowed investors to avoid visa backlogs through set-aside categories. As a result, her EB-5 Green Card timeline was affected by the visa backlog in the unreserved category. Serena has continued her professional and personal journey in the U.S. with determination.
These are her immigration milestones to date:
- I-526 petition filed: August, 2016
- I-526 petition approved: May, 2019
- Conditional Green Card: Pending due to visa backlog
Today, Serena Zhang serves as the Director of Investor Relations at Golden Gate Global, working in the US with her employment authorization document (EAD). She guides EB-5 investors through every step of the investment immigration process, maintains active communication with international partners, and leads investor events. In addition, she manages documentation, coordinates with EB-5 immigration attorneys and financial institutions, and helps expand Golden Gate Global’s international investor network through referrals and strategic partnerships.
Having personally navigated the EB-5 visa process, Serena brings valuable insight and empathy to her leadership role, offering meaningful support to Golden Gate Global’s international investor community.
Rebecca Wang: When Investment Turns Into Opportunity
Rebecca Wang invested in a Golden Gate Global EB-5 project in 2013 and has now lived in the United States for over a decade. Her immigration experience reflects the full arc of the EB-5 visa journey:
- I-526 petition filed: March, 2013
- I-526 petition approved: March, 2014
- Conditional Green Card received: July, 2014
- I-829 petition filed: April, 2016
- I-829 petition approved: November, 2020
- EB-5 capital fully repaid: October, 2019
Today, Rebecca Wang serves as an Associate on Golden Gate Global’s Investor Relations team, having joined in 2023. She supports EB-5 investors throughout the immigration investment process and assists team members within the Investor Relations department. Prior to joining Golden Gate Global, Rebecca worked as an assistant producer at a Chinese television station in San Francisco, gaining extensive experience in media and communication.
As an EB-5 investor herself, she understands the needs and concerns of EB-5 applicants and is committed to delivering high-quality support to investors.
Golden Gate Global Builds a Unique Connection with EB-5 Investors
Serena and Rebecca’s stories highlight the strength of the relationships we cultivate at Golden Gate Global. When EB-5 investors join our professional team, it reflects our shared values of integrity, dedication, trust, and long-term commitment. We are proud to have Rebecca and Serena contributing their talent and experience to Golden Gate Global.
"Rebecca and Serena bring unique perspectives that enrich our team and strengthen our ability to serve investors. Their personal and professional journeys are powerful examples of how diverse experiences contribute to the growth and excellence of Golden Gate Global," said Mark Jorgensen, Co-CEO, Golden Gate Global.
Their journeys are more than just immigration success stories — they are a testament to the lasting impact of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the collaborative spirit that defines our organization.
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