Even as a young student at Kaimuki High School, Don Lau was interested in working together to improve conditions for others. When a friend asked him to participate in a school activity, Don jumped at the opportunity to get to know students from other intermediate schools. He says getting to know all kinds of students “from the very brightest to the not-so-bright (like me) gave me the ability to relate to all kinds of diverse folks in Richmond” where he spent most of his career.
Don was elected Student Council sergeant-of-arms where he met his mentor, Mr. Raymond Wong. From that office, he was elected Student Council president. Don says running for student council positions gave him the confidence to run for elected public office. Another mentor, speech teacher Ms. Rivera, met with Don before school hours to help him practice his public speaking. Don says, “I would read out loud to her and she would correct my pidgin and help me with enunciation.”
He majored in political science and minored in social work at Valparaiso University, Indiana. In his senior year, a social work professor suggested that Don get a master’s in social work with a focus on the political side of community organizing. Don then began his long career of helping others in the community. “I’ve really only had two jobs in my career if you don’t count being an elected official.”
After a stint as assistant director at a children’s advocacy agency, Don found his niche at the YMCA where he remained for 34 years before retiring in June 2017. Starting as associate executive director, Don worked his way to president and CEO of the YMCA of the East Bay, California. In his last role, he assisted with the merger of two Ys to form a $60 million organization, which serves approximately 40,000 people in the East Bay.
Don credits his mentors at Kaimuki, his experience in student government and getting to know a diverse student population for leading him to a successful career of working with people from all walks of life who are committed to build healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
