Inspiring Across Generations (IAG) 2023

Ms. Stauffer is a vice president and trader in PIMCO’s Newport Beach office, focusing on investment grade corporate credit markets. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2017, she was an assistant portfolio manager at Asset Allocation and Management and a fixed income analyst at UBS Asset Management. She has nine years of investment experience and specializes in the banking and financial sectors. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Stauffer is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her community through volunteer service and mentorship, notably through the Girls Who Invest program. She also actively contributes to the advancement of women in finance as a member of PIMCO Women and serves on the IAG planning committee for Ascend's Orange County chapter.

Lisha Chen is an artist and a gallery owner. Raised in China, she now works and lives in Los Angeles. She immerses herself in the intersecting spheres of art, community, and immigrant identity, bringing passion and creativity. Believing in art's transformative social power, in 2022, she co-founded 4C Gallery with her partner Decheng Cui. Situated in San Gabriel on the eastern side of L.A. locale known for its sizable Asian immigrant population, 4C Gallery focuses on contemporary art, conceptual art, and the immigrant community. By curating and hosting exhibitions, academic seminars, workshops, and experimental art events, Lisha strives to extend the relationship between art, social sciences, and the community. She provides exhibition opportunities for underrepresented Asian artists and shapes a forward-looking cultural subject for immigrants living amidst linguistic barriers and cultural rifts. As an artist herself, Lisha holds a Master's degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her art, which spans various mediums such as video and sculpture, has been exhibited in cities across the globe.

Michelle joined Adecco, the world’s leading talent advisory and solutions company in 2020. She is the Vice President for US Search, overseeing the US Operations for Permanent Placement staffing division. With over two decades of industry knowledge, Michelle is a resilient leader that drives business through partnerships, collaboration, and innovation. Prior to joining Adecco, Michelle successfully built and sold two-multimillion-dollar company; one national staffing firm and an IT MSP focusing on the hospitality industry. In her career she has successfully launched businesses, developed, mentored people and notably has been the catalyst for growth and expansion within organizations. She combines her experience of entrepreneurship and corporate leadership to support her passion as a team builder and people developer. She is passionate about the opportunity to change lives and provide purpose by connecting people to meaningful work. As someone who understands the connection between education and the workforce, and the impact it has on communities, Michelle is actively involved in organizations that support women and those who are underserved in local communities. Her main philanthropic commitment at this time is serving on the board for a non-profit, Operation Be Kind. In the past Michelle has served on several non-profit boards in her career including Working Wardrobes. Michelle is a three-time cancer survivor and advocates for cancer research and early detection of this disease. Outside of Adecco, you can find her spending time with her 4 children ranging from 21 to 29 years of age, playing golf, enjoying the gift of time with her family and giving back to the community.

Haydee Graves is a 36 year old female of Filipino and Chinese heritage. Co-owner of Fitness on Fire alongside husband Joshua for 8+ years, she brings 15 years of fitness expertise since her start at 24 Hour Fitness. Balancing her roles as a dedicated mom to Jordan (2.5) and Jaxson (3 months), her commitment to fostering growth shines through their motto "Everybody Loves Everybody". Join Haydee, where fitness meets community.

Sarah joined Team IMPACT in November 2021 as the Regional Executive Director for the West. Based in Los Angeles, she is responsible for program and development operations for the Western Region. Prior to joining Team IMPACT, she served as Director of Development for National Public Radio (NPR) with oversight of the Southwest Region. Additionally, she spent 6 years in the UCLA Athletics Department. As Associate Athletic Director of Development, she managed the development team and helped guide UCLA Athletics through the launch of a major centennial campaign. Before UCLA, she spent 10 years in the corporate world in roles focused on relationship management and revenue generation. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from UCLA where she was a member of the soccer team.