Sandra Chen Lau has distinguished herself as a leader in philanthropy and higher education, known for her innovative leadership, commitment to diversity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her career path is highlighted by a strategic and impactful approach to enriching society through education and philanthropic efforts.
Her educational background is extensive and impressive. Sandra earned a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA, focusing on Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management. This specialized training provided her with deep insights into effective leadership and community engagement strategies. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC Riverside, where she also pursued a minor in Chinese Literature, providing a broad, culturally rich foundation that has significantly influenced her professional journey.
As president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Sandra spearheads philanthropic initiatives that enhance the hospital's ability to serve its community. Her leadership involves formulating and implementing strategic fundraising plans that significantly increase the foundation's impact. She collaborates closely with the CEO and the Board of Directors, identifying and cultivating new funding sources to ensure the hospital's growth and continued success.
A transformative approach to fundraising marked Sandra's tenure at the American Film Institute (AFI). She shifted the institute's focus from transactional to transformative giving, a move that resulted in a 250% increase in donations. This was achieved by prioritizing major gifts and enhancing relationships with individual donors, supported by her introduction of advanced fundraising analytics that significantly bolstered the institute's philanthropic reach.
At the Japanese American National Museum, Sandra launched an ambitious $65 million comprehensive campaign, the largest in the museum's history, successfully securing $33 million in its initial phases. Her innovative strategies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, included moving to virtual galas, which led to a 400% increase in annual fundraising. This strategic flexibility ensured the museum's financial stability and growth even through challenging times.
In her roles at the University of Southern California, Sandra significantly enhanced the fundraising operations at both the USC Pacific Asia Museum and the USC School of Architecture. Her efforts led to notable increases in grants, memberships, and individual donations, setting the stage for a significant upcoming $45 million campaign. She ensured that the Advancement team functioned cohesively and efficiently under her guidance.
Sandra's development career began at UCLA's School of Public Affairs, where she led the development team and significantly contributed to UCLA's $3.4 billion campaign. She managed a portfolio of over $7 million in significant gift requests. Within two years, she successfully secured $1.5 million for student fellowships while also facilitating significant increases in alumni contributions and board donations.
Her leadership and dedication have been recognized with numerous accolades, including her listing in Who's Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and her active participation in Leadership Southern California.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sandra is 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, where she has made substantial impacts on educational policies and community initiatives.
Sandra Chen Lau is a transformative leader whose influence is felt across multiple sectors. Her commitment to philanthropy and community involvement, coupled with her adherence to the highest professional standards, continues to inspire and motivate many. Her leadership, characterized by integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and fairness, establishes her as a respected figure in her field.
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