Sandra Chen Lau

Sandra's robust academic achievements laid the groundwork for her illustrious career. She earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA, with a concentration in Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management, equipping her with the necessary skills to lead effective community initiatives. Her undergraduate studies at UC Riverside, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and minored in Chinese Literature, provided a broad foundation that has enriched her approach to her professional roles.

As the current president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Sandra spearheads the foundation's philanthropic efforts to enhance healthcare services. Her role involves developing and executing sophisticated fundraising strategies that significantly augment the hospital's capacity to serve its community. Through collaborative efforts with the CEO and the Board of Directors, she identifies and cultivates new funding opportunities crucial for the hospital's growth and sustainability.

During her tenure at the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra implemented transformative changes in the institute's fundraising approach, shifting from traditional transactional methods to a strategy focused on transformative giving. This shift resulted in a 250% increase in donations by prioritizing major gifts and nurturing relationships with individual donors. Her introduction of advanced fundraising analytics significantly strengthened the institute's philanthropic impact.

At the Japanese American National Museum, Sandra initiated a historic $65 million comprehensive campaign, the most ambitious in the museum's history, successfully raising $33 million during the initial phase. Her strategic adaptability was on display as she navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to virtual galas and achieving a 400% increase in annual fundraising, ensuring the museum's financial health and continuous growth.

In her capacity at the University of Southern California, Sandra significantly enhanced the development activities at the USC Pacific Asia Museum and the USC School of Architecture. Her initiatives led to marked increases in grants, memberships, and individual donations, laying the groundwork for a significant forthcoming $45 million campaign. She led the Advancement team with a focus on cohesive and efficient operations.

Sandra's professional development journey began at UCLA's School of Public Affairs, where she directed the development team and played a pivotal role in UCLA's $3.4 billion campaign. She managed a portfolio that included more than $7 million in significant gift requests and secured $1.5 million for student fellowships within two years. Her strategies also facilitated significant increases in alum contributions and board donations.

Sandra's leadership has been widely recognized, including her inclusion in Who's Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and active participation in Leadership Southern California. Furthermore, Sandra is deeply committed to community service. She has been serving 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 initiatives.

Sandra Chen Lau continues to lead with integrity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and fairness, making her a highly respected and influential figure in her industry. Her dedication to philanthropy, community involvement, and maintaining high professional standards inspires and motivates many across various sectors.