Team Members

Sarah Ching-Ting Wan has served as the Executive Director of Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC) since 1997. With more than 25 years of experience in youth services, Sarah is a passionate advocate for the AAPI community, particularly immigrant youth navigating challenges in juvenile justice and education.

Born and raised in one of Hong Kong’s most impoverished neighborhoods, Sarah experienced firsthand the transformative power of social workers and mentors who supported her community. Inspired by their care and compassion, she developed a lifelong passion for youth development. After moving to San Francisco to attend Sacred Heart Cathedral College Preparatory, Sarah pursued a degree in Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Master of Social Work with a concentration in administration and planning from San Francisco State University. She also studied internationally on a full scholarship at Japan’s Kyushu University.

Sarah’s career at CYC began as a counselor, where she worked closely with youth facing family issues, intergenerational rifts, traumatic migration experiences, and cultural challenges. She rose to become Program Director and was named Executive Director in 2002. Under her leadership, CYC has expanded its programs and services to serve thousands of youth and families in San Francisco each year.

Beyond her work at CYC, Sarah has served on several City Commissions, including the Juvenile Justice Commission (2009-2013) and the Commission on the Environment (2013-present). She is also the co-chair of API Council, an organization advocating for the AAPI community in San Francisco. Her advocacy and leadership have earned her numerous accolades, including the CompassPoint Everyday Hero Award (2001), the Blue Cross Community Award (2004), and the API Heritage Month Honoree (2013).

Sarah’s dedication to youth leadership and building stronger communities continues to inspire her work, making her a respected leader and a tireless advocate for equity and opportunity in San Francisco.