Sandra Chen Lau
Pasadena Community College Board of Trustees
Sandra Chen Lau has distinguished herself as a leader in philanthropy and higher education and is renowned for her progressive and thoughtful leadership. Her professional path is marked by a steadfast dedication to advancing educational opportunities, promoting equity, and embracing diversity, showcasing her role as a transformative leader in her fields of influence.
Educational Pursuits
Sandra's academic journey is rooted in a deep commitment to understanding and influencing societal structures. She holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA, with a specialization in Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management. Additionally, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC Riverside, where she also minored in Chinese Literature, further enriching her cultural and political understanding.
Professional Highlights
USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation
Sandra is president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, leading its philanthropic efforts to enhance the hospital's services and outreach. Her responsibilities include shaping fundraising strategies and collaborating with the CEO and Board of Directors to identify and secure essential funding opportunities, ensuring the hospital's goals and needs are met.
American Film Institute
Within the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra played a critical role in transitioning the organization's philanthropic focus from transactional to transformative giving. Her tenure saw a significant increase in contributions, with a 250% rise in donations under her leadership, thanks to her strategic initiatives and focus on substantial individual and major gifts. Her efforts not only expanded the funding base but also deepened the impact of each contribution.
Japanese American National Museum
Sandra's innovative leadership at the Japanese American National Museum was highlighted by her initiation of a record-setting $65 million comprehensive campaign, securing $33 million in its preliminary phase. She adeptly navigated the museum through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to virtual galas, which propelled a 400% increase in annual fundraising efforts, showcasing her adaptability and resilience.
University of Southern California - Advancement
Sandra's strategic acumen was also evident in her role at the USC Pacific Asia Museum, where she led a significant increase in development activities and prepared for a major $45 million fundraising campaign. Her leadership not only fostered growth in grants and donations but also ensured the smooth functioning and efficacy of the entire Advancement team.
UCLA School of Public Affairs
Sandra began her development career at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, directly contributing to UCLA's ambitious $3.4 billion campaign. She adeptly managed a substantial portfolio, securing $1.5 million for student fellowships and significantly boosting alums and board contributions, reflecting her capacity to engage and motivate a broad network of stakeholders.
Accolades and Community Involvement
Recognized for her leadership and impact, Sandra was featured in Who's Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and participated in Leadership Southern California. Beyond her professional roles, she has actively contributed to her community, serving on the governing board of the Pasadena Area Community College District since 2018 and as a board member of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association from 2019 to 2023.
Sandra Chen Lau is a celebrated figure whose leadership extends across philanthropy and education. Her innovative approaches and dedication to inclusivity and fairness have not only marked her as a standout leader in her field but also as a source of inspiration and motivation for those around her. Her career continues to influence and drive positive change, making substantial impacts in the communities she serves.
Learn More:
Guest Opinion | PCC Board President Sandra Chen Lau: Standing Up For Good Governance
Reaction to PCC President/Superintendent’s Impending Departure Varies, Depending on Whether Friend or Foe
Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, New York
Pasadena City College to expand family resource center services with $500,000 grant
PCC Board Names Jose A. Gomez, Ph.D., Interim Superintendent/President
Educational Pursuits
Sandra's academic journey is rooted in a deep commitment to understanding and influencing societal structures. She holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning from UCLA, with a specialization in Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management. Additionally, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC Riverside, where she also minored in Chinese Literature, further enriching her cultural and political understanding.
Professional Highlights
USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation
Sandra is president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, leading its philanthropic efforts to enhance the hospital's services and outreach. Her responsibilities include shaping fundraising strategies and collaborating with the CEO and Board of Directors to identify and secure essential funding opportunities, ensuring the hospital's goals and needs are met.
American Film Institute
Within the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra played a critical role in transitioning the organization's philanthropic focus from transactional to transformative giving. Her tenure saw a significant increase in contributions, with a 250% rise in donations under her leadership, thanks to her strategic initiatives and focus on substantial individual and major gifts. Her efforts not only expanded the funding base but also deepened the impact of each contribution.
Japanese American National Museum
Sandra's innovative leadership at the Japanese American National Museum was highlighted by her initiation of a record-setting $65 million comprehensive campaign, securing $33 million in its preliminary phase. She adeptly navigated the museum through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to virtual galas, which propelled a 400% increase in annual fundraising efforts, showcasing her adaptability and resilience.
University of Southern California - Advancement
Sandra's strategic acumen was also evident in her role at the USC Pacific Asia Museum, where she led a significant increase in development activities and prepared for a major $45 million fundraising campaign. Her leadership not only fostered growth in grants and donations but also ensured the smooth functioning and efficacy of the entire Advancement team.
UCLA School of Public Affairs
Sandra began her development career at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, directly contributing to UCLA's ambitious $3.4 billion campaign. She adeptly managed a substantial portfolio, securing $1.5 million for student fellowships and significantly boosting alums and board contributions, reflecting her capacity to engage and motivate a broad network of stakeholders.
Accolades and Community Involvement
Recognized for her leadership and impact, Sandra was featured in Who's Who in Asia America from 2005 to 2010 and participated in Leadership Southern California. Beyond her professional roles, she has actively contributed to her community, serving on the governing board of the Pasadena Area Community College District since 2018 and as a board member of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association from 2019 to 2023.
Sandra Chen Lau is a celebrated figure whose leadership extends across philanthropy and education. Her innovative approaches and dedication to inclusivity and fairness have not only marked her as a standout leader in her field but also as a source of inspiration and motivation for those around her. Her career continues to influence and drive positive change, making substantial impacts in the communities she serves.
Learn More:
Guest Opinion | PCC Board President Sandra Chen Lau: Standing Up For Good Governance
Reaction to PCC President/Superintendent’s Impending Departure Varies, Depending on Whether Friend or Foe
Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, New York
Pasadena City College to expand family resource center services with $500,000 grant
PCC Board Names Jose A. Gomez, Ph.D., Interim Superintendent/President
