Museum of Chinese in America

Sandra K. Lee, a Chinese American of Taishanese descent, is the CEO and chair of Harold L. Lee & Sons, Inc., Insurance Services. Born in New York City, she lived in Flushing until age seven before moving to Great Neck in Long Island. She attended the University of Rochester, majoring in liberal arts and education. Seeking to be more involved in the Asian American Movement, she moved to California in the early 1970s to join the Asian Studies Department at UC Berkeley, where she helped establish Asian Health Services to support immigrants. The activism of Sandra in the Asian American Movement led her to pursue a career in nursing. She studied nursing in San Francisco and completed her studies in Harlem, New York. During the 1970s, she worked at the Chinatown Health Clinic, playing a pivotal role in its growth by coordinating volunteers, writing grants, and securing funding. Additionally, Sandra worked at the Asian Community Center, educating Chinese residents on their rights through bilingual workshops and legal clinics and raising awareness about issues in Latino and Black communities. She stresses the importance of Asian Studies departments, hands-on learning through community involvement, and collaboration with other communities to support those in need. Sandra joined the insurance business of her family, Harold L. Lee & Sons, part-time in 1981 and transitioned to full-time by 1984. The business, one of the oldest Chinese insurance brokerages in the U.S., is highly respected by major American insurance companies. The company became a community resource, helping new immigrants with translation and other services. Despite increased competition, the business thrived by maintaining strong community ties and treating clients like family. Sandra attributes the success of the company to its community focus, long-term employees, family support, and expanded services like health insurance. Her story highlights the interconnectedness of community service, healthcare, and business in addressing the needs of diverse communities.