About

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.

University of Southern California- Advancement

(USC School of Architecture and USC Pacific Asia Museum) 

Sandra was instrumental in establishing the development endeavors at the USC Pacific Asia Museum. Through her leadership and expertise, there was a notable increase in grants, memberships, and individual contributions, laying the groundwork for a forthcoming $45 million campaign. Sandra also oversaw the Advancement team to guarantee united and efficient operational results.

UCLA’s School of Public Affairs

Sandra embarked on her professional journey in development at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, where she directed the development team as a critical contributor to UCLA’s $3.4 billion campaign. Overseeing a portfolio exceeding $7 million in significant gift requests, she secured $1.5 million for student fellowships within two years. Furthermore, her initiatives led to a 15% rise in alum contributions and a 25% boost in board donations.

Acknowledgements and Achievements

Sandra’s significant contributions have been duly acknowledged. Her inclusion in Who’s Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and her participation in Leadership Southern California reflect her strong leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, which have resulted in many accolades throughout her career.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Chen showcases her unwavering commitment to community involvement and leadership through active engagement across diverse organizations. She has held the position of governing board member for the Pasadena Area Community College District since 2018 and served as a board member for the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association from 2019 to 2023, so her impact resonates widely. 

Sandra Chen Lau is a forward-thinking leader whose influence resonates across multiple sectors and communities. Her unwavering commitment to philanthropy, community involvement, and high professional standards motivates and inspires many. Her aptitude for guiding with integrity, creativity, and a dedication to inclusivity and fairness distinguishes her as a prominent figure in her industry.