Bio

Sally S. Li is the founding Executive Director of the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE) and recipient of its 2025 Executive Leadership Award.

Since joining CARE in 2020, Sally has guided its growth from inception into a globally recognized academic medicine leader in precision Asian health. In this executive role, she leads strategic planning, operations, and external partnerships across Stanford and with leaders in philanthropy and industry to advance CARE’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Prior to Stanford, Sally built over 25 years of executive leadership experience in Silicon Valley, serving in co-founder and senior roles in product management, strategy, operations, and business development at both tech startups and global companies, including Google and Dolby. Beyond her professional career, she is deeply engaged in community service. She has served on the Stanford Parents Advisory Board and the Stanford Parent Club Board and currently serves on the Los Altos Robotics Board. Since 2012, she has coached and mentored international award-winning youth robotics teams and trained new coaches, earning NASA's Outstanding Mentorship Award for her contributions in youth robotics.

Fluent in Mandarin, and through over 30 years of community service leadership, Sally has built deep roots in Asian and Asian American communities. She is committed to uniting communities locally and across the Pacific Rim in support of Stanford CARE’s mission to improve health outcomes for Asians and Asian Americans worldwide.

Beyond her professional and community roles, Sally finds joy in learning new things, golfing, traveling, and exploring nature—especially hiking the trails of the Stanford Dish.

Current Role at Stanford

Executive Director, Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE)