Hi, I’m Lei Lei!
I came to the U.S. as a child refugee from Laos after surviving war, poverty, and losing everything I knew. For a long time, I believed my worth came from being perfect, staying quiet, and working hard just to prove I deserved to be here. But I’ve learned that your story—no matter how painful or messy—is your power.
I’ve gone from hiding who I was to leading in biotech, sharing my story in my book Worthy Beyond Measure, and launching a podcast to help others reclaim their voice. I speak for young people who feel invisible, overlooked, or like they have to be someone else just to survive.
You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to be real.
You are worthy—just as you are.
Professional Bio
Lei Lei Phokham Sengchanthalangsy received her BS/MS in Biochemistry and Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 1998. She brings over 27 years of research and product development experience in the biotech and biopharma industries, with more than 20 years of direct technical, program, project, and portfolio management spanning discovery through late-stage R&D. Her career encompasses preclinical development, vaccines, biosimilars, and gene therapy, with therapeutic expertise in anthrax disease, malaria, ocular disease, acute respiratory disease, multiple sclerosis, renal, autoimmune, and rare diseases.
She is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and PMP®, and is also a named inventor on biotechnology patent focused on novel protein production methods. Beyond her scientific achievements, Lei Lei has expanded into angel investing, particularly in real estate and innovation-driven ventures, and actively supports entrepreneurs and emerging leaders through mentorship and strategic advisory roles.
She is the author of the forthcoming memoir Worthy Beyond Measure, which chronicles her journey as a refugee woman reclaiming identity, voice, and power. Her storytelling and thought leadership are extending into the GoldTreeCo Podcast, where she explores themes of diaspora, healing, and community resilience.
Lei Lei also serves on the Board of Directors of the Laotian Community Cultural Center (LCCC), where she contributes her expertise in governance, fundraising, and cross-cultural advocacy to uplift Southeast Asian and refugee communities. Through this blend of science, business, and storytelling, Lei Lei is building bridges between industries and communities—bringing forward her vision of innovation, empowerment, and social impact.