Sandra Cardenas

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It is not every day that one comes across an individual who has such passion and work ethic as Sandra Cardenas. Sandra’s work is deeply rooted into the community as she has devoted herself to numerous organizations in Arizona such as; Board of Governors for the Maryvale YMCA, Member-Board of Directors for Maryvale YMCA, Executive Committee-Hispanic Womens Conference, Executive Committee-United Farm Workers Foundation, Barrios Bellos a neighborhood cleanup in South Phoenix, Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, Hispanic Women’s Conference, Fuerza Local-Local First’s Hispanic initiative, Mi Familia Vota and Promise Arizona.

Sandra’s selfless actions has attributed to the success of many local projects within the community. Currently Sandra is employed by  La Campesina, a non-profit radio station in the valley. Working with the station, Sandra has had the opportunity to have further outreach to the community and continue to give back. La Campesina is a part of the Cesar Chavez Foundation whose mission is to educate the community. Sandra’s personal ethic and drive is parallel to the goals that the Cesar Chavez organization wishes to obtain.

Sandra has set a standard and an example of what can be done in the community. As the Chair of Governors for the Maryvale YMCA, former Chair 2010-2011 HWC Executive Committee, lead representative for the Barrios Bellos Project for Campesina Radio, created and developed the Verano Sano (a water safety grass roots effort for the Hispanic community), she has coordinated and volunteered in a series of citizenship workshops in 2012 with the UFW Foundation.  Her outreach, vigilance and leadership ability have lead to the success of helping so many in the Latino community. Sandra understands the importance of uniting Hispanic organizations to have a better overall community.

Sandra’s humble nature is refreshing, as a first generation Mexican American she attributes much of her success to her parents, seeing the tribulations they faced in ensuring she had a brighter future. Now, Sandra works to help those who are less fortunate in finding the same success. Sandra has been recognized by the Univision 40 under 40 for her tireless contributions to the valley, a true Arizona Latina education advocate.