Sharon Lai (黎慧心)
About Sharon Lai (黎慧心)
Sharon Lai is a lead professional focused on innovative solutions for transforming San Francisco's economy and sustainability. With experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she emphasizes advancing livability and public interest in local communities.
Work at World Economic Forum
Sharon Lai currently serves as a Lead at the World Economic Forum, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she focuses on innovative solutions that aim to transform San Francisco, enhancing the city's economic vitality and sustainability leadership. Her work involves collaboration with various stakeholders to develop strategies that address urban challenges and promote livability.
Education and Expertise
Sharon Lai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics and City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley. She furthered her education at Harvard Kennedy School, where she earned a Master in Public Administration, specializing in Good Government, Leadership and Negotiation, Housing Policy, and Economic Development. Her academic background supports her trisector expertise in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Background
Sharon Lai has a diverse professional background that includes significant roles in urban planning and nonprofit leadership. She worked as a Planner for the City of Piedmont from 2005 to 2008. Subsequently, she served as the Executive Director at DignityMoves from 2021 to 2022, where she focused on initiatives aimed at improving housing and community services. She is currently a Fellow at HKS Government Performance Lab, a position she has held since 2023.
Achievements
Sharon Lai is recognized for her commitment to advancing equity within communities by leveraging multi-sector interests and resources. She possesses technical expertise in project management, strategy, negotiation, real estate development, and government and public affairs. Her work emphasizes the importance of enhancing livability and public interest for local communities.