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There are too many of our youth with a passion for social justice who lack the resources and networks to sustain their devotion to being an impactful leader while maintaining balance in their lives. By sharing her story and tools to support change makers, she strives to build a network to better equip these leaders in advocating for our community.
Her Impactful Story
Sandra offers a unique fusion of seasoned experience and practical tools derived from her extensive journey as an activist. By sharing insights from decades of grassroots organizing and movement-building, she empower individuals to become effective agents of change while honoring the importance of self-care.
Her comprehensive offerings—from a compelling book to engaging public speaking events and interactive trainings—provide both aspiring and seasoned activists with the knowledge, support, and community essential for making a tangible difference in the world.
Public Speaking Services
Sandra is on a mission to amplify the number of young adults involved in advocacy. She has seen so many of our youth with a passion for social justice who lack the resources and networks to sustain their devotion to being an impactful leader while maintaining balance in their lives.
By sharing her story and tools to support change makers, she strives to build a network to better equip these leaders in advocating for our community. Sandra is on a mission to amplify the number of young adults involved in advocacy.
Awards
THROUGHOUT HER CAREER, SHE’S HAD THE HONOR OF RECEIVING THE FOLLOWING RECOGNITION:
Community Leadership Award at Women’s Day at the Capitol in Atlanta - 2025
2022
Pierce Fellow Award Columbia University, Institute for Research in African American Studies
2014
Alumni Award College of Arts & Sciences, Georgia State University
2012
Mentor Award Spelman College, Daughters of the Covenant Program
2009
Profiles of Prominence Award Atlanta Metro Chapter, National Women of Achievement, Inc.
Well-being Champion Award Arizona State University Center for Child
2021
Community Activist Award Atlanta Tribune
2012
R. Pruden Herndon Service Award Gate City Bar Association
2010
Selected One of Atlanta's Top 100 Black Women of Influence Award Atlanta Business League
2007
2006
Leadership for a Changing World Award Ford Foundation
2004
Beacon of Light: Women in Public Service Award Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
1998
Alumni Award Georgia State University Office of Minority Students
1993
Walter Oliver Family Service Award Morehouse College Department of Sociology
Torchbearer Award
Fund for Southern Communities
Community Leadership in Social Work Award Georgia State University School of Social Work & College of Health & Human Services
2004
Woman of the Year Atlanta Chapter, National Council of Negro Women
2002
Black Law Students Association Community Recognition Award Georgia State University
1997
Outstanding Atlanta Recognition Award Featured in Barrister Magazine article "Twenty Lawyers Who Make a Difference
Women of Vision Award
Ms. Foundation
Selected "One of Forty Women under Forty to Watch" Savvy Magazine
Well-being Champion Award
Arizona State University Center for Child
2022
Pierce Fellow Award
Columbia University, Institute for Research in African American Studies
2021
Community Activist Award
Atlanta Tribune
2014
Alumni Award
College of Arts & Sciences, Georgia State University
2012
R. Pruden Herndon Service Award
Gate City Bar Association
2012
Mentor Award
Spelman College, Daughters of the Covenant Program
2010
Selected One of Atlanta's Top 100 Black Women of Influence Award
Atlanta Business League
2009
Profiles of Prominence Award
Atlanta Metro Chapter, National Women of Achievement, Inc.
2007
Community Leadership in Social Work Award
Georgia State University School of Social Work & College of Health & Human Services
2006
Leadership for a Changing World Award
Ford Foundation
2004
Woman of the Year
Atlanta Chapter, National Council of Negro Women
2004
Beacon of Light: Women in Public Service Award
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
2002
Black Law Students Association Community Recognition Award
Georgia State University
1998
Alumni Award
Georgia State University Office of Minority Students
1997
Outstanding Atlanta Recognition Award
Featured in Barrister Magazine article "Twenty Lawyers Who Make a Difference
1993
Walter Oliver Family Service Award
Morehouse College Department of Sociology
1993
Women of Vision Award
Ms. Foundation
1993
Torchbearer Award
Fund for Southern Communities
1993
Selected "One of Forty Women under Forty to Watch" Savvy Magazine
Savvy Magazine
1993
SANDRA'S TECHNIQUE
Tailored Coaching to Empower Purpose-Driven Change
1
Balancing Tough-Minded Resolve with Tender-Hearted Grace
Sandra’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that resilience and vulnerability are not opposites but partners in the fight for justice. She teaches that embracing our humanity—through both strength and tenderness—allows us to show up authentically, break down systemic barriers, and sustain ourselves in the work of justice. Her approach encourages activists to hold space for their emotions while continuing to move forward with purpose.
2
Restoring Joy and Wellness in Activism
Through her personal journey, Sandra highlights the importance of finding joy amidst the challenges of activism. She reminds us that the fight for justice must not come at the cost of our well-being. By prioritizing balance—working hard, resting, and replenishing our spirits—Sandra equips individuals and organizations to thrive while creating meaningful change. Her work emphasizes that wellness is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable activism.
3
Transforming Pain into Purpose and Power
Sandra believes in the transformative power of acknowledging and addressing pain, whether personal or systemic. Drawing from her own experiences, she reframes setbacks and struggles as opportunities for growth, healing, and connection. Her approach inspires individuals to channel their pain into purposeful action, fostering hope and creating a legacy of justice, love, and community.
Her Impactful Story
In 2024, Sandra published her book, “Tough Mind, Tender Heart: Reflections on a Black Woman’s Activist Journey,” which depicts her journey of resilience as a Black woman activist. She shares insights about her tenacity for non-profit work, career path, and personal life.
Sandra’s personal narrative sets the stage for her to advocate and be a voice to empower community and foster justice through a combination of social analysis and personal experiences.
Additional Publications
“The Special Situation of Incarcerated Parents (To Grandmother’s House We Go & Stay)”,
Co-author, C. Cox (ed.). Springer, Forthcoming
“Childbearing in Prison” (with Paula Dressel).
Barbara Catz Rothman (ed.) Encyclopedia of Childbearing. Oryx Press.
“Jail and Justice: A Handbook for Incarcerated Women.”
Atlanta, Georgia: Aid to Imprisoned Mothers, Inc., N.D.
- Page 2
WORKSHOPS, BOOK SIGNING, AND MORE
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“Sandra's story resonates deeply, inspiring audiences to contribute actively to building a more equitable and compassionate society.”
JAMES SAHLEW, MN
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