Shalan Chau

About Shalan Chau

As a leader, I am people-focused and impact-oriented, with a knack for connecting vision to real-world outcomes. I enjoy bringing clarity to complex ideas with an approach that is practical and collaborative.In my current leadership role, I work at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and execution—engaging stakeholders, organizing teams and volunteers, and building cross-sectional partnerships between nonprofit, educational, and civic entities. Much of my work centers on helping people understand how their skills and efforts contribute to a shared vision, and creating structures that support both personal development and long-term community impact.I have also worked as a 3D artist and as a mechanical engineer, contributing to animated films, video games, and physical consumer products. Those experiences sharpened my ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible outcomes, collaborate across disciplines, and balance creativity with real-world constraints. Whether building digital worlds, engineering functional devices, or teaching young artists, the common thread has been curiosity, adaptability, and a strong “can-do” mindset.Across roles, I bring a blend of high level strategic thinking, practical problem-solving, and relational leadership. I learn quickly, communicate clearly, and enjoy working in a dynamic environment where trust, creativity, and shared ownership matter.

Experience

1. Ministry Director

   Central Peninsula Church

   Sep 2024 — Present

   Shaping and communicating vision regarding how the church serves the local community and international partners, including managing partnerships, budget, programs, and how individual church-goers are encouraged to serve those around them and participate in the global church- Developing leaders, organizing volunteers, event planning- Networking and collaborating with local nonprofits, local government, schools, and other churches and faith-based organizations- Leading cross-cultural, international collaboration with partners all over the world engaged in a wide variety of humanitarian and ministry work

Education

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

  Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

• Animation Collaborative, Community College, and Vancouver Animation School

  Various art and animation classes, diploma program