The Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Laura Sanchez, director of student services at Washington State University Tri-Cities, as the Latina Educator of the Year (higher education)
at their annual awards gala Oct. 13. Sanchez was nominated and selected for the award in recognition of her intentional, passionate, and inclusive leadership.
Sanchez has been with WSU Tri-Cities for two years and has made notable improvements to the campus culture. Her previous experience in admissions and career advising, and in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows her to connect with staff, students, and faculty across campus in meaningful ways.
Sanchez has been instrumental in developing strong relationships between offices and with off-campus organizations and has played a key role in helping WSU Tri-Cities apply for the Seal of Excelencia, a national designation that shows the university using research and best practices to serve the Hispanic and Latine student population. In addition, Sanchez serves on the inclusion, diversity, equity, and access committee for the campus, is part of the extended Cabinet (to provide transparent information from campus leadership to the general campus body), provides hands-on support for the MOSAIC Center for Student Inclusion, Career Center, and the Counseling and Wellness office, leads the campus food pantry program called Cougar Cupboard, and heads the campus Student Care Network, a group of leaders across campus that work to provide holistic support for students.
Kauser Gwaduri, student services coordinator, nominated Sanchez for the award. In her description of Sanchez, Gwaduri wrote, “She is honest and supportive, while also encouraging students, staff, and faculty to challenge the norms and create the community that we need it to be. Laura is one of the most inspiring and supportive supervisors I have ever had in my professional career. I would not be who I am or where I am without her.”
Each year the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce calls for nominations from the community for several awards that recognize Tri-Citians for the impact they make in the community. Award winners are announced at the annual “Una Noche De Éxitos” gala.
