Sandra Chen Lau • United States of America

Sandra Chen Lau has developed an exemplary career at the intersection of philanthropy and higher education, exemplifying visionary leadership, a commitment to advancing diversity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her career path is characterized by a strategic and profound comitment to leveraging education and philanthropy to foster societal advancement.

Sandra has impressive academic credentials, with a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA, focusing on Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management. This specialization equipped her with essential skills for effective community leadership and engagement. She also holds a bachelor's degree in political science from UC Riverside, where she minored in Chinese literature, which provided her with a broad, culturally enriched perspective that has been instrumental in her professional roles.

Currently serving as the president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Sandra has been pivotal in enhancing the foundation's philanthropic initiatives. She directs fundraising strategies that substantially increase the hospital's operational capacity and community impact. Her collaborative efforts with the CEO and the Board of Directors aim to cultivate new and sustainable funding sources essential for the hospital's ongoing success and expansion.

During her tenure at the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra revolutionized the institute's approach to fundraising, transitioning from transaction-based to transformative giving. This strategic shift resulted in a notable 250% increase in donations, mainly attributed to her focus on securing major gifts and deepening relationships with individual donors. She introduced advanced fundraising analytics, significantly enhancing the institute's capacity for impactful philanthropy.

At the Japanese American National Museum, Sandra initiated an ambitious $65 million comprehensive campaign, the largest in the museum's history, successfully securing $33 million in its early stages. Her innovative response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the transition to virtual galas, resulted in a 400% increase in annual fundraising. Her strategic adaptability ensured the museum's financial stability and continued growth.

In her roles at the University of Southern California, Sandra significantly boosted the development activities at the USC Pacific Asia Museum and the USC School of Architecture. Her leadership facilitated increases in grants, memberships, and individual donations, setting the foundation for a $45 million campaign. She ensured the Advancement team's cohesive and effective operation, leading to remarkable fundraising success.

Sandra began her development career at UCLA's School of Public Affairs, where she led the development team and made substantial contributions to UCLA's $3.4 billion campaign. Within two years, she managed a portfolio of over $7 million in major gift requests and secured $1.5 million for student fellowships while achieving significant increases in alums and board donations.

Her leadership and dedication have been recognized through various accolades, including her listing in Who's Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and her active role in Leadership Southern California.

Moreover, Sandra is committed to community service. She has served on the governing board of the Pasadena Area Community College District since 2018 and as a board member of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association from 2019 to 2023, where she influenced educational policies and community initiatives.

Sandra Chen Lau continues to be a transformative leader whose influence is felt across various sectors. Her dedication to philanthropy and community involvement, coupled with her adherence to the highest professional standards, inspires and motivates many. Her leadership, marked by integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and fairness, establishes her as a notable figure in her field.