Former MAFista Daniel Lau Returns to MAF as a Board Member!
MAF recently welcomed former MAFista Daniel Lau back to the organization as a board member. A champion in the field of social justice philanthropy, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a child, Daniel recalls the experiences of his family’s journey to America. His parents, both Chinese immigrants, became food service workers and restaurateurs in San Diego, California. An awareness of the challenges as an immigrant family and the socioeconomic conditions of his community ignited a passion for social justice within him. Initially drawn to medicine, the UC San Diego Cross-Cultural Center politicized him and developed his orientation to systemic injustice.
“I realized,” Daniel said, “to make a bigger impact, I needed to look beyond the individual, to the community and systems level.”
The Spark of Social Justice
Daniel saw how financial barriers restricted access to healthcare, education, and a secure future. This conviction led him to MAF, where he witnessed the transformative power of building credit and financial education. Reflecting on his parents’ journey, he shared, “At first they didn’t understand credit scores, but they knew how to save money. But saving doesn’t build credit, though, because it isn’t the type of financial behavior credit bureaus look for to determine credit worthiness.” Working at MAF allowed Daniel to contribute to the expansion of the Lending Circles program so more communities beyond the Mission District could access tools to build credit.
As he immersed himself in non-profit work, it sparked a desire to understand the broader picture of social change work. His path led him to the Libra Foundation, a social justice private family foundation, and Democracy Frontlines Fund, a national aligned giving strategy resourcing Black-led grassroots organizing and disrupting philanthropy. The Libra Foundation’s trust-based approach to grantmaking resonated with him. “We provide multi-year funding and unrestricted grants,” he explained, “so that grantee organizations set the strategic vision for their work.” This model, prioritizing organizations led by people of color working at the grassroots, feels like a more equitable way for philanthropists to address social justice issues.
A Return to Roots: Championing Equity in Philanthropy
Returning to MAF as a board member, Daniel feels his journey has come full circle. He brings valuable experience and dedication to the organization’s mission. “It comes back to economic justice,” he shared.
“This framework is key to changing the material conditions for immigrants and low-income communities of color. It’s like my family’s story. If they had access to programs like MAF’s when they first came to this country, it would have made a huge difference.”
Outside of work, Daniel enjoys supporting small food businesses like his parents’ old restaurant. This connection to his family history is further strengthened by his love of cooking and exploring local food restaurants with his wife. Daniel also finds solace and inspiration in exploring the outdoors with his dog Akoya.
MAF is thrilled to welcome Daniel to our Board of Directors. His wealth of experience, dedication to serving immigrant and low-income communities of color, and unwavering passion for social justice make him a valuable asset in our fight for a more equitable future.