Sandra Chen Lau

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Sandra Chen Lau

Sandra Chen Lau has established a remarkable career in philanthropy and higher education and is recognized for her transformative leadership, commitment to fostering diversity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her path showcases a strategic and impactful approach to enhancing societal progress through educational and philanthropic initiatives.

Sandra's educational foundation is robust, anchored by a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA, where she specialized in Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management. This background has equipped her with critical insights into effective leadership and community engagement. Her undergraduate studies at UC Riverside, culminating in a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Chinese Literature, provided a comprehensive and culturally enriched perspective that has been pivotal in her professional endeavors.

As the president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Sandra leads the organization's philanthropic efforts, enhancing the hospital's ability to provide critical services to the community. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategic fundraising initiatives that significantly boost the foundation's impact. Collaborating closely with the CEO and Board of Directors, she identifies and cultivates new funding sources, ensuring the hospital's ongoing growth and success.

At the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra transformed the fundraising approach by shifting the focus from traditional transactional methods to transformative giving. This strategic change resulted in a 250% increase in donations, mainly through significant gifts and deepening relationships with individual donors. Her implementation of sophisticated fundraising analytics significantly enhanced the institute's capacity for impactful philanthropy.

During her time at the Japanese American National Museum, Sandra launched a historic $65 million comprehensive campaign, the largest in the museum's history, successfully securing $33 million in its early stages. Her innovative strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including transitioning to virtual galas, led to a 400% increase in annual fundraising. This adaptability ensured the museum's financial stability and continued growth during challenging times.

In her roles at the University of Southern California, Sandra significantly boosted development activities at both the USC Pacific Asia Museum and the USC School of Architecture. Her leadership led to significant increases in grants, memberships, and individual donations, setting the stage for an important upcoming $45 million campaign. She effectively managed the Advancement team to ensure cohesive and efficient operations.

Sandra's development career began at UCLA's School of Public Affairs, where she led the development team and played a crucial role in UCLA's $3.4 billion campaign. She managed a portfolio of over $7 million in significant gift requests and successfully secured $1.5 million for student fellowships within two years, in addition to boosting alum contributions and board donations.

Her leadership has been recognized with several accolades, including her listing in Who's Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and her active participation in Leadership Southern California.

Furthermore, Sandra is deeply committed to community service. She has served on the governing board of the Pasadena Area Community College District since 2018 and was a board member of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association from 2019 to 2023, significantly impacting educational policies and community initiatives.

Sandra Chen Lau continues to inspire as a leader whose influence spans across multiple sectors. Her dedication to philanthropy and community involvement, coupled with her professional standards, motivates many. Her leadership, marked by integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and fairness, solidifies her as a prominent figure in her field.

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