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Sabrina KaySabrina Kay

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Entrepreneur of Transformation

Founder of:

  • Art Institute of Hollywood
  • Premier Business Bank
  • Fremont College
  • Fashion Umbrella
  • Fremont Private Investments

Dr. Sabrina Kay is a veteran CEO, investor and an experienced board member. She is an expert in organizational behavior and executive human capital development. She is also an innovative problem solver. Her unique ability to connect the dots between consumer trends, technology and lifestyle needs has placed her at the forefront of success in technology, finance, and education sectors. An active business leader, she has influenced more than 30 company, civic and charitable organizations as founder, CEO, board member, board chair, and commissioner.
Since immigrating from South Korea as a poor single mom who spoke no English, Dr. Kay is now a multi-sector serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits. Her background includes branding, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, human capital development, executive leadership curriculum design, and finance.
During her undergraduate studies in computer science, Dr. Kay was involved with the nation’s first fashion CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) movement where she taught computer skills to fashion designers and pattern makers, which became Art Institute of Hollywood. In less than a decade, she grew the company to be one of the “Big Four” fashion colleges and sold it to a publicly traded company, Education Management Corporation (EDMC), where she served as CEO of Special Projects. Subsequently, EDMC was purchased by Goldman Sachs and she retired in her 30s. Then, she went back to school and earned three graduate degrees, each opening the door for a new innovative business venture.
Dr. Kay’s MBA project at USC illuminated the needs of small and mid-sized businesses for a multi-ethnic community bank. With her co-founder, she gathered a diverse board of directors as founding board members and started Premier Business Bank. She acquired multiple other community banks along the way and sold this network to First Foundation Bank in 2018.
While pursuing joint doctorate degrees at The Wharton School and Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Kay’s attention turned to the desperate needs of inner-city youth for improved educational opportunities. She purchased Platt College as a laboratory for her doctorate dissertation. After an extensive research on human motivation and competencies, she implemented the new collaborative and project-based learning model she developed, Professional Action Learning®. From this, Dr. Kay founded an accredited and award-winning graduate-level institution, Fremont College. Soon after, she purchased a Dale Carnegie franchise and incorporated its management and communication concepts into Fremont College’s MBA program, thus improving the probability for inner-city youths’ success in the workplace by increasing their soft skills. Proud of the difference she made in her community, Dr. Kay gracefully exited Fremont College and Dale Carnegie after their sales to private equity firms in 2020.
Dr. Kay now focuses her time serving on the boards of public, private, civic and charitable companies. She has served as Chairman of After-School All-Stars Los Angeles since 2004 and a board member of Combined Properties, Galvanize, Yellowbrik, LA Sports and Entertainment Commission, International Medical Corps, and Petersen Automotive Museum. She enjoys the challenge of strategically tackling obstacles and celebrating accomplishments hand-in-hand with executive leadership. Dr. Kay’s expertise in business operations and financial acumen as well as her hands-on experience in organic and M&A growth makes her well-positioned to advise and support companies in a variety of verticals and specializations. Her understanding of cross-generation culture, diverse leadership and human capital pipeline development allows her to advise forward-thinking companies appropriately adjust their strategic focus to accelerate growth. Dr. Kay looks forward to continuing to provide meaningful business feedback, connections, and support as a trusted advisor and valued board member.

Involvements

Education
Awards
Career
Charity
Public Speaking
Lectures
Fashion Shows

Education

Doctorate in Work-based Learning Leadership

University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School and Graduate School of Education

Master of Science in Education

University of Pennsylvania
Graduate School of Education

Master of Business Administration

University of Southern California
Marshall School of Business
Member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society

Certificate in Presidential Leadership

Harvard Business School
Young Presidents’ Organization President’s Leadership Program

CEO of the Year

Korean American Chamber of Commerce

Outstanding Member of the Year

Career College Association

Member of the Year

California Association for Private Postsecondary Schools

Appreciation Award

Korean American Family Service Center & Opera California

Education Award

After-School All-Stars

Humanitarian Award

International Medical Corps

Lifetime Education Leadership Award

Learning Consortium

United Nations Global Goals Award

Novus Summit

Hall of Fame STAR Award Inductee

California Association for Private Postsecondary Schools

Rising Asian Woman

World Affairs Council

Woman of the Year

California State Senate

Entrepreneur of the Year

Ernst & Young, Finalist

Fremont Private Investments

Founder and Chairman

Fashion Umbrella LLC

Founder and CEO

Fremont College (Sold to Greybull Capital)

Founder, Chancellor and CEO

Dale Carnegie of Southern Los Angeles (Sold to Success Education Group)

CEO

Premier Business Bank (Sold to First Foundation Bank)

Co-Founder and Founding Board Member

Art Institute of Hollywood (Sold to EDMC, then Goldman Sachs)

Founder, Chairman, and CEO

Combined Properties

Board Member

Galvanize (Successfully raised Series B and sold to K12 Management, Inc)

Board Member
Limited Partner, University Ventures

Yellowbrik

Board Member

Ex’pression College (Sold to SAE)

Shareholder and Board Member

LAdesigns.org, Sabrina Kay Collection (Sold to a private investor)

Founder and CEO

Sabrina Kay Charitable Foundation

Founder and Chairman

After School All Stars, Los Angeles

Chairman

Young Presidents’ Organization

Chapter Chair and Executive Committee

USC Marshall Board of Leaders

Board Member

Petersen Automotive Museum

Board Member

Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission

Board Member

International Medical Corp

Board Member

The American Friends of the Louvre

Board Member

USC Alumni Association Board of Governors

Board Member

Weingart Center

Board Member

The Getty House Foundation

Board Member

USC Korean American Studies Program

Board Member

APSCU (Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities)

Board Member

CAPPS (California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools

President, Annual Convention Chair, and Government Relations Chair

CCAPAC (Career College Association Political Action Committee)

Chairman of the Board

ICEPAC (Independent Coalition of Educators Political Action Committee)

Chairman of the Board

Cayman Alternative Investment Summit

Panelist, Philanthropy and Becoming X

United Nations General Assembly

UN Global Goals

Visionary’s Economic Summit

Keynote Speaker, Kingston, Jamaica

Learning Consortium Conference

Keynote Speaker, Work-based Learning Leadership Innovation

YPO TED Talk

Keynote Speaker, Life Journey and Calling

YPO Lean In

Keynote Speaker, What’s Your Life’s Calling?

Montgomery Technology Summit

Female Founders Program

ASU GSV

Panelist, Innovation in the Face of Distress

Milken Institute

Interview, Entrepreneurship

Social Media Week

Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneurship and Life’s Calling

LEAP Foundation

Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneurship Using Core Competencies

Kairos Summit

Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneurship for Millennials

California Higher Education Innovation Council (CHEIC)

Keynote Speaker, 21st Century Education Innovation
Panelist, University Facilities and Financial Health

SoGal Summit

Keynote Speaker, Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Docu Series

Entrepreneurship

METal

Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy

USC Rossier

Speaker/Lecturer, Education Innovation

Business Rockstars

Guest Interviewer

NetKAL

Keynote Speaker, Leadership Journey

SoGal Startup Bootcamp

Keynote Speaker, Different Mentors at Different Stages of Life

The 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korean War

Mistress of Ceremonies

Young Presidents’ Organization

Forum Presentations

Marlborough School, California Design College

Careers in the Fashion Industry, Fashion Trend Forecasting

Panda Restaurant Group

The Third Alternative Learning Model

ACCSC Professional Development Conference

Embedding Learning with Industry, Culture of Care

UCLA Anderson School of Business

Women and Entrepreneurship

University of Pennsylvania

Entrepreneurship and Millennial Leadership

University of Southern California

Entrepreneurship and Millennial Leadership

High Teen Beauty Pageant

Judge

Miss International Beauty Pageant

Judge

Miss Korea Beauty Pageant (8 Years)

Judge, Chairwoman

Charity and Civic Fashion Shows

Executive Producer and Designer

Santa Monica Family Festival Fashion Shows (5 Years)

Executive Producer and Head Designer

Art Institute Celebrity Fashion Shows (11 Years)

Executive Producer

YPO Versace Spring/Summer ’06 Fashion Presentation

Organizer and Executive Producer

Opera: La Traviata, Marriage of Figaro

Costume Designer and Producer

Los Angeles Mayor’s Asia Trade Mission Fashion Show

LAdesigns.org fashion show in Shanghai and Seoul
Organizer and Executive Producer

High Teen Beauty Pageant

Judge

Miss International Beauty Pageant

Judge

Miss Korea Beauty Pageant (8 Years)

Judge, Chairwoman

Charity and Civic Fashion Shows

Executive Producer and Designer

Santa Monica Family Festival Fashion Shows (5 Years)

Executive Producer and Head Designer

Art Institute Celebrity Fashion Shows (11 Years)

Executive Producer

YPO Versace Spring/Summer ’06 Fashion Presentation

Organizer and Executive Producer

Opera: La Traviata, Marriage of Figaro

Costume Designer and Producer

Los Angeles Mayor’s Asia Trade Mission Fashion Show

LAdesigns.org fashion show in Shanghai and Seoul
Organizer and Executive Producer

Business Involvements

fpi
dale-carnegie
fremont-college
first-foundation
sae
education-management-corporation
the-art-institutes
combine
yellow-brick
galvanize

Charity Involvements

petersen
ypo
after-school
los-angeles-sports-logo
international-medical-corps
louvre
cka
big-green
cecu
ladcp
scholarshare
la-tourish-and-convention-board
getty-house
USCA
Advisory-Council-on-Democratic-&-Peaceful-Unification-of-Korea
IAF
trusteeship
cfa
acics
bppe
CAPPS
weingart
EO
KACLA
KACCLA

Awards

United Nations Global Goals Award

NOVUS Summit recognizes Dr. Kay for contributing to 17 Sustainable Development Goals and assisting with their mission to unite the science, technology and innovation communities around the world.

Watch Video
CAPPS Hall of Fame Inductee

California Association for Private and Postsecondary Schools inducted Dr. Sabrina Kay into its Hall of Fame among all of her peers for her lifetime achievement and the work she accomplished in the inner city education during its annual convention.

Watch Video
After-School All-Stars Award

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger honors Dr. Kay for her work with After-School All-Stars LA with the “Educate” award, given annually to an individual who exemplifies the organization’s mission of providing educational opportunities and helping others achieve their potential. Previous recipients of this award include Bonnie Reiss, University of California Regent, and The Honorable Frank Baxter, former U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay.

Watch Video
IMC Humanitarian Award

Dr. Kay accepts the IMC Humanitarian Award from the International Medical Corps 25th Anniversary Gala for her hard work and commitment to education and growth.

Watch Video
Fashion Industries Guild – Visionary Award

At the Fashion Industries Guild Gala, Dr. Kay accepts the Visionary Award given to her by Cedars Sinai Hospital and expresses her feeling of responsibility to leave her community a better place by improving conditions for her community through educational opportunity.

Watch Video
Leadership Award USC APPA

Dr. Kay addresses the graduates of USC Marshall Business School, shares her journey from fashion designer to serial entrepreneur, and discusses the importance of education along the way.

Watch Video
Woman of the year
California State
Senate

Nominated by Senator Richard Polanco, Dr. Sabrina Kay is honored as the California State Legislature’s Woman of the Year.

Lifetime Education Leadership Award – Learning Consortium

The Learning Consortium awards Dr. Kay with the Lifetime Education Leadership Award, recognizing both her contributions to the field of postsecondary education and the dedication to lifelong learning she has exemplified throughout her own life.

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

Ernst & Young recognizes Dr. Sabrina Kay as a finalist for this prestigious annual award through the Entrepreneur Of The Year® program. Awards are given annually to breakout entreprenuers who bring innovation, growth and prosperity to their respective communities.

World Affairs Council – Rising Asian Woman

The World Affairs Council celebrates Dr. Kay and her accomplishments as a Rising Asian Woman.

Press

Forbes

Dr. Kay shares accessible and actionable advice for first-time entrepreneurs based on the lessons she learned from her history of entreprenurial success.

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LA Business Journal

An overview of Dr. Kay’s various career routes, her motivations and surprises along the way, and the biggest differences between America and Korea.

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INC Magazine

Dr. Kay explains her philosophy on living life backwards: by putting in the hardest work to build a foundation during youth, then exploring passions and saving leisure for the latere years.

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California Apparel News

After accepting the Visionary Award, Dr. Kay expresses her gratitude for Cedars Sinai Medical Center as profiled by California Apparel News.

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Los Angeles Times

An inside look at how Sabrina’s method of tracking patterns in the American fashion industry and combining skill with education led her to create a variety of successful related companies.

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New York Times

Dr. Kay’s story is placed alongside that of another Korean immigrant in exploration of the many ways in which The American Dream can manifest, regardless of circumstance.

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Penn Gazette

Dr. Kay is interviewed about her plans to replicate her lessons learned at Wharton for low-income students at what would become Fremont College.

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USC Business Magazine

Sabrina goes into detail about the ways in which her current achievements would not have been possible without an extraordinary work ethic, tenacity, and perhaps an element of luck.

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Fortune Magazine

Sabrina discusses her experience of business leadership post-sale of her company, the consequent new dynamics, and her intentions to continue along her path of serial entrepreneurship.

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YPO Meet Our Members

Dr. Kay’s biography includes her change in perspective from adversity to opportunity, among other milestones which contributed to her entreprenuerial journey.

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ASPCU LINK Magazine

Dr. Kay reflects on hers and her family’s life before coming to America and explains the keys to her success in career education, a world largely dominated by men.

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CNN Money

Sabrina discusses her experience of business leadership post-sale of the company and the consequent new dynamics, and her intentions to continue along her path of serial entrepreneurship.

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Asian American Business Roundtable

The Asian American Business Roundtable honors Sabrina’s achievements professionally, academically and personally, with a nod to her recognition in the community through awards and leadership.

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Montgomery Tech Summit

A brief summary of Dr. Kay’s accomplishments and career history.

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Videos

Education Award Tribute On Life and Career

From her early years in Korea to her growing years in the United States, a commitment to growth has been her drive. From creating the California Design College, Fremont College and many other ventures, her journey continues as she remains active in the community for various important causes.

LEAP 2015: TIGER MOM FOR AMERICA

The tale of a young immigrant overcoming great obstacles to achieve the pinnacle of success and then dedicating her life to ensuring Millennials achieve the same.

LUCK VS. BLESSINGS

DON’T PLAY PING PONG, BE A QUARTERBACK.

Dr. Sabrina Kay welcomes students to the school’s video log which provides them with information on current happenings at the school, as well as tips on being inspired and passionate about their education.

LEARN IN A DIFFERENT AND EXCITING WAY

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HOBBY, JOB, AND CAREER

FULLY EMBRACE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

REVIVAL FASHON SHOW: FASHON INSPIRED BY 1970’S TELEVISION SHOWS

In the 1970’s television shows like Happy Days, Charles Angels, and The Bionic Woman paved the way for breakthrough fashion trends throughout the decade.

REVIVAL FASHON SHOW: FASHON INSPIRED BY 1980’S TELEVISION SHOWS

Miami Vice, The Cosby Show, and Dallas dominated the airwaves in the 1980’s and brought big hair, pastel shirts for men, and power suits for women.

REVIVAL FASHON SHOW: FASHON INSPIRED BY 1990’S TELEVISION SHOWS

Friendship and family were themes in the 1990’s television landscape. TV shows like Sex and the City, Friends, and The Sopranos gave us the direction on what to wear, how to live and where to go.

REVIVAL FASHON SHOW: FASHON INSPIRED BY 2000’S TELEVISION SHOWS

With the turn of century, fashion evolved to new ideas, combining the Avant-garde with minimalism. TV shows like CSI, Alias, and The West Wing gave us the direction for our future with enthusiastic hope and mystery.

Dr. Sabrina Kay receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the Learning Consortium conference.

CAPPS 2016 Hall of Fame STAR Inductee: Dr Sabrina Kay

Education Award Tribute On Life and Career

From her early years in Korea to her growing years in the United States, a commitment to growth has been her drive. From creating the California Design College, Fremont College and many other ventures, her journey continues as she remains active in the community for various important causes.

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First text at 5:28 am this morning from @jimkwik. First text at 5:28 am this morning from @jimkwik. Thanks for the morning wishes, my friend. You put a big smile on my face all day. I feel lucky to be sandwiched by two amazing friends who inspire me daily to learn and grow my brain and body. @dave.asprey. By being around you, my mind, body and spirit are upgraded. #friendsmatter
Yes I can ski again! After 17 years of not hitting Yes I can ski again! After 17 years of not hitting the slopes, I thought I’d suck but skied all blues and survived in some blacks in Aspen Snowmass. The most amazing thing was that it snowed all night and stopped at 9:30 am! True story. 😜
Welcome 2021! I’m starting this new year with no Welcome 2021! I’m starting this new year with no prohibitions. After a car accident, I was too afraid of impact, speed, or being hurt that I didn’t ski. After 17 years, January 1, 2021 is the first day, I am back on the ski slope. Thanks Mt. Bald for your gracious welcome. I was the first on the mountain and the last one off, embracing her beauty. I was not bombing down the mountain like I used to but rather enjoying the moment and appreciating the human kindness and the beauty of nature God gave us.  #2021 #happynewyear #sunvalley #gratitude #humankindness #rebirth
Somewhere between 3 am and 5 am, early in the morn Somewhere between 3 am and 5 am, early in the morning before the sunrise, the spiritual world and the material world become the thinnest and angels come out to sends us important messages. Today, I saw holy basil and came out to be greeted by this magical sunrise with a bright Venus on the Eastern sky and a calming ocean. Every day, God paints the most incredible and ever-changing art for us on the sky and nature to show miracles and His mighty power. Thank you for the unconditional love, healing power, and vision you granted for me. I pray to live by example and learn daily self-compassion.

Tonight is the Great Conjunction of 2020. Jupiter and Saturn have slowly been moving closer to each other over the past few weeks and tonight they will align as the “Christmas Star”, closest encounter in 400 years. Miracles do happen every day, and especially on this Christmas week. God will always listen to our prayers – whoever your God is.

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#AmazingGod #Sunrisetoday #Venusinthemorning #SelfCompassion #GreatConjunction2020 #ChristmasStar #Jesussaves
Waxing Crescent. First visible moon of the month, Waxing Crescent. First visible moon of the month, filled with hope and love. And a cross on the sky during the morning walk. Is this a sign that 2020 is almost over? A year of growth, redemption, and supplication for God’s mercy and grace. May you be blessed with health and happiness. #sunset #2020
I am honored to join the board of @mannkindcorp (N I am honored to join the board of @mannkindcorp (NASDAQ: MKND), founded by an innovator and humanitarian Alfred E. Mann. The amazing management team of passionate scientists, researchers, and professionals develop cutting-edge therapeutic products and technologies to move the human race forward and help people take control of their health and lives to live fully humann.
A spiritual journey celebrating one year memorial A spiritual journey celebrating one year memorial of my mom’s death. After each death, life gives us an opportunity for rebirth. I love you, Mom. Good bye. RIP finally.
I was honored to be a guest at @craig’s podcast. I was honored to be a guest at @craig’s podcast. He is an amazing and wise entrepreneur I respect very much. So many people tell us to have NO fear. But fear is not a bad thing. When we understand fear and learn how to channel it as wisdom and humility, we can use our alpha brain to function as our superpower. So many first time entrepreneurs who are excellent at raising enormous amount of capital, I hope there’s a little bit of fear that drives them to do their best every day.
I hope I don’t become that girl who posts sunset I hope I don’t become that girl who posts sunset photos daily. Today was one of those days that I felt God’s blessing during every part of sunset as it changed the color. Happy Halloween. I’m staying in and soaking in all the glory.
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