Connie Sanchez stands as a testament to her potent blend of academic prowess and dedication to social justice and education. Serving as the Executive Director at Unity Charter School, Connie champions a distinct vision that combines rigorous academic standards with a steadfast commitment to ecological sustainability. Under her able leadership, the school not only achieves exemplary academic excellence but also fervently pursues its mission of molding eco-literate citizens. These learners, shaped by Connie’s passion and vision, are given agency to understand their role in an interdependent world while appreciating the intricate bond between humanity and our planet.
Having honed her skills through diverse roles, Connie’s impressive academic and professional accomplishments showcase her dedication to both pedagogical and professional development. As a Peer Instructor with the Merck Institute for Science Education and a pivotal member of the science leadership team, she was instrumental in elevating STEM curriculum across multiple school districts, including Newark, Elizabeth, Rahway, Linden, and Northern Pennsylvania. Prior to her inspiring journey at Unity Charter School, she displayed her unmatched capabilities as a National Training Officer and National Development Officer with Smith Barney. Here, she was recognized for her acumen in curriculum development, specifically tailored for financial advisors. She was a top producing financial advisor and part of the Chairman’s Circle Advisory Committee. Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Among her accolades, Connie was lauded with the 2011 Keys to Excellence Award in Teaching and has been recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to Technology Innovation in Elizabeth, She has been an ROI-NJ Influencer in 2022 and 2023, recognized as an Environmental Educator in 2022 by the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education.
Connie’s academic credentials further underscore her commitment to excellence and continuous learning. She is an Ed.D. candidate in K-12 Administration from Seton Hall University, with an anticipated completion date of 2024. Furthermore, she has earned an Ed.M. in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Columbia University; an MBA in Business Administration from Texas A&M; an M.S. in Organizational Change Management; and a B.A. in Justice Studies, both from Saint Elizabeth University. With such a robust academic and professional foundation, Connie Sanchez embodies the ideals of the Latina Civic Foundation, merging education and social justice into a transformative force. Prior to being a part of the Latina Civic Foundation’s founding board, she has also served as the President of Lupe Fund, an officer of the Morris County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Business Foundation, a corporate advisor for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and on the Board of the Elizabeth Public Library.