Sandra Chen Lau

About Sandra Chen Lau

Sandra Chen Lau has established an impressive career as a pioneering philanthropy and higher education leader. Over the years, she has emerged as a symbol of forward-thinking leadership, academic exploration, equity, and diversity. Her narrative reflects unwavering commitment, strategic understanding, and a steadfast quest for excellence.

Education

Sandra completed a Master’s in urban planning from UCLA, focusing on Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from UC Riverside, with a minor in Chinese Literature.

Professional Journey

USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation

She holds the position of president within the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation. Her primary responsibility is to drive the foundation’s philanthropic endeavors to support the hospital. Sandra offers specialized knowledge in fundraising activities, manages the comprehensive program, and collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to identify and actualize funding prospects.

American Film Institute

Within the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra orchestrated a profound shift in the philanthropic landscape. Transitioning from transactional to transformative giving, she readied the organization to explore a comprehensive campaign.

Sandra’s leadership witnessed a remarkable 250% surge in the AFI Conservatory’s donations, driven by her focus on significant contributions and individual benefactions. Her initiatives encompassed advanced fundraising analysis and strong advocacy for transformative giving, yielding substantial six-figure gifts and integrating donor data analytics into the fundraising framework.

Japanese American National Museum

A notable era of expansion unfolded during her time at the Japanese American National Museum. She launched a groundbreaking $65M comprehensive campaign, the most substantial in the museum’s history, and secured $33M during the initial stages. Sandra’s forward-thinking approaches, such as transitioning to virtual galas during the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a remarkable 400% growth in annual fundraising. Her adeptness at pivoting and adjusting strategies guaranteed the museum’s financial resilience and advancement, even in adversity.