San Francisco State University’s office of Career and Leadership Development (CLD) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the President’s Leadership Fellows Program (PLFP) on Wednesday, Nov. 13, bringing together alumni, University leaders and supporters to commemorate a decade of transformative impact. The event also honored philanthropist Kathy Kwan, whose support has been crucial to the program’s success.

Since its launch in 2014 as a pilot initiative serving just 25 students in the Lam Family College of Business, the PLFP has grown significantly. Today, it’s equipped over 2,000 students across all disciplines with the skills needed to thrive in the professional world. The program, which transitioned to the office of Career and Leadership Development (CLD) in 2017, provides career-focused leadership training and mentorship through a semester-long curriculum. Open to juniors, seniors and graduate students, it meets weekly over lunch, offering interactive workshops on essential career skills such as resume building, interview techniques and networking. Participants also engage in self-exploration activities to build confidence and articulate their strengths.

SF State President Lynn Mahoney (from left), philanthropist Kathy Kwan and Dean of Graduate Studies and Career Development Sophie Clavier attend the 10th anniversary of the Presidential Leadership Fellows. 

Kyle Crier, a 2018 Business Administration graduate, participated in PLFP as an undergraduate and considers it one of the highlights of his time at SFSU. “The program taught me to hold myself to high standards — something that sets you apart in any role,” said Crier, now a recruiting operations manager at the online learning platform Brilliant.org. “PLFP provided me with practical skills, like networking and business communication, that I use every day in my career. It laid the foundation for my professional journey in the best way possible.”

Sophie Clavier, dean of Graduate Studies and Career Development at SFSU, said the program can transform students into professionals. “PLFP workshops aren’t just about teaching skills; they’re about unlocking each student’s potential, shifting their mindset and empowering them to lead with confidence, purpose and a vision for positive change."

For Gigi Huie, a graduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management who now works as a financial analyst at the University of California, San Francisco, PLFP was a pivotal experience. “The program challenged me to think critically, push boundaries and embrace new ideas,” she said. “It has shaped my career path and instilled a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.”

The PLFP’s success has been supported by a generous donation from the Eustance-Kwan Family Foundation, which has contributed over $4 million to SFSU and CLD programs over the past decade. Kathy Kwan, the foundation’s founder, was inspired to give back to her parents’ alma mater. Her parents, who grew up in San Francisco’s Chinatown, were the first in their families to attend college despite facing significant barriers. Kwan’s philanthropy is a way of paying it forward, ensuring that future generations of students have access to the mentorship and resources that helped her family succeed.

“If you can get a student into a mentorship program, and they go through career services and leadership development, their chances of landing a great position are much higher than if they were left on their own,” Kwan said. “San Francisco State University is truly an engine of upward mobility.”

Visit the Career and Leadership Development website to learn more about the President Leadership Fellows Program.