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Hopelab Welcomes Jaspal Sandhu, Ph.D., as New President and CEO

On October 15, 2025, Hopelab, a prominent organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for young people, announced that Dr. Jaspal Sandhu will succeed Margaret Laws as President and Chief Executive Officer starting January 1, 2026. Sandhu, who has been serving as the Executive Vice President at Hopelab, recognizes the significant work that Laws has accomplished over the past decade and will take charge with an aim to further the organization's mission.

A Vision for Mental Health and Equity

Dr. Sandhu states, "I am honored to build on the incredible foundation Margaret and the team have created at Hopelab." His vision centers around empowering Brown, Black, and Queer young people. As he takes on the leadership role, he aims to bridge gaps in mental health support while advocating for innovative solutions tailored to these communities.

Prior to this new role, Sandhu fostered numerous successful programs and initiatives at Hopelab. Notably, he launched the HBCU Translational Science Fellowship, specifically aimed at enhancing mental health research for Black youths. Furthermore, he played a key role in the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund, which has raised over $4.5 million to promote responsible technology use in youth-centered organizations. Its goals are to support the ongoing dialogues surrounding technology and societal development, particularly emphasizing youth-led initiatives.

Background and Expertise

Dr. Sandhu is no stranger to the fields of design, health, and social impact. He has an illustrious career as a professor at UC Berkeley, where he teaches about health equity and the intersection of art and social activism. His previous endeavors include co-founding Gobee, a global design consultancy that has worked on impactful projects across 25 countries, including the development of next-generation medical devices and social programs for domestic violence prevention. His unique blend of expertise positions him well to lead Hopelab into an era focused on innovative mental health solutions.

In Sandhu’s words, “By centering the voices and lived experience of Brown, Black, and Queer young people, we can create solutions that advance equity and belonging.” Under his stewardship, Hopelab seeks not just to provide support but to cultivate environments where young people can thrive, full of joy and purpose.

Transition Support and Future Aspirations

Margaret Laws, the outgoing President and CEO, will remain involved with Hopelab as an Executive in Residence, providing guidance and continuing her engagement in mental health projects. Expressing her confidence in Sandhu, she notes that his leadership embodies the change and innovation necessary for the organization's future, stating, “I am confident that under his guidance, Hopelab will continue to expand its impact.”

As the landscape of mental health support continues to evolve, the appointment of Dr. Jaspal Sandhu marks a significant step towards enhancing support systems for marginalized groups. Hopelab is poised to deepen its impact under his leadership as they navigate the complexities of mental health in today’s society and work tirelessly towards an equitable future for all young people.

For further information, visit Hopelab's official website.