Chan Lam

About

Chan Lam (he/him) was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Cre8Innovations, a nonprofit providing transitional housing, mentorship, and wraparound support for justice-involved, foster, and single-parent students in higher education. In this role, he works closely with young people to co-create supportive housing models and educational pathways that promote stability, opportunity, and long-term success. At GSPP, John hopes to deepen his work at the intersection of housing, criminal justice reform, educational equity, and economic policy by advancing community-driven solutions for youth and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Previously, John completed the John Gardner Public Service Fellowship at UC Berkeley’s Possibility Lab, where he contributed to the Abundance Project, conducting research on policies that address housing and clean energy needs. He also has years of experience leading community-based programs through the Asian Prisoner Support Committee, where he developed fellowships, mentorship initiatives, and advocacy campaigns for incarcerated and deported communities.

John’s policy interests include reentry housing models, higher education pathways for marginalized youth, economic justice strategies, and systemic reforms that reduce barriers for justice-involved communities. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new food spots, hiking Northern California trails, and mentoring young people with lived experience in the justice system.

Policy Interests

• Criminal Justice
• Higher Education
• Housing & Urban Policy
• Race/Racial Justice
• Economic Policy