Mabel Ping-Hua Lee was born in Guangzhou, China, in 1896. From an early age, she demonstrated a sharp intellect and a passion for learning. After receiving a Boxer Indemnity Scholarship, she moved to the United States in 1905 with her family. This prestigious scholarship allowed her to attend Erasmus Hall Academy, a private institution in New York that was historically funded by prominent figures like John Jay. Lee’s move to Brooklyn marked the beginning of a remarkable educational journey that would define her life. At the age of 16, Lee enrolled at Barnard College, an all-women’s institution where she continued to pursue her academic interests, particularly in the area of women’s suffrage. In 1912, she earned her bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy. During her time at Barnard, Lee became an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, and her involvement in the suffrage movement began to grow. She not only excelled academically but also used her education to challenge societal norms and fight for gender equality.

In 1917, Lee moved on to Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she earned a master’s degree in education administration. Despite the challenges of being a woman of Chinese descent in a field dominated by white men, Lee’s determination never wavered. She continued her studies at Columbia and, in an extraordinary achievement, became the first Chinese woman in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D. in economics. Her doctoral dissertation, focused on the economic history of China, was a significant contribution to the field of economics. While at Columbia, Lee became an active member of the Chinese Students’ Association, where she wrote monthly feminist essays for the organization’s publication. These essays furthered her advocacy for women’s rights and highlighted the intersection of race and gender in the struggle for equality. Lee’s academic and advocacy work left a lasting impact, breaking barriers for future generations of women and Chinese-Americans in academia and activism.