Sandra Chen Lau

Sandra Chen Lau has carved a distinct path in the domains of philanthropy and higher education, epitomizing transformative leadership, commitment to academic innovation, and championing diversity and equity. Her career is marked by a profound dedication to strategic development and achieving excellence in every venture she undertakes. Sandra's educational background is robust. She holds a Master's degree in urban planning from UCLA, with a focus on Leadership, Civil Society, and Nonprofit Management. She obtained her bachelor's degree in political science from UC Riverside, which was complemented by a minor in Chinese literature. This equipped her with a broad and diverse perspective essential for her subsequent roles. As the president of the USC Arcadia Hospital Foundation, Sandra leads the charge in expanding the foundation's philanthropic initiatives, aiming to enhance support for the hospital. Her role involves developing sophisticated fundraising strategies and coordinating with the CEO and Board of Directors to uncover and exploit new funding opportunities, thereby enriching the foundation's contributions to healthcare. During her tenure at the American Film Institute (AFI), Sandra played a pivotal role in redefining the institute's approach to philanthropy, transitioning from essential transactional relationships to a culture of transformative giving. This shift was instrumental in increasing the AFI Conservatory's fundraising outcomes by 250%, emphasizing substantial personal donations and strategic gift solicitation. Her initiatives included the integration of advanced fundraising analytics and a focus on transformative giving strategies, which significantly boosted the receipt of significant six-figure donations.