Community News

KidWorks’ Accomplished Alumni Erika Sanchez Elected to Nonprofit’s Board of Directors

 

by: Beckie White
Published: April 18, 2024

 

Erika Sanchez

 

SANTA ANA...Latina community leader and education access advocate, Erika Sanchez, considered by KidWorks to be one of its most accomplished alumni, has recently joined the Santa Ana, California-based 501(C) (3) nonprofit’s Board of Directors.

Sanchez has 10 years of experience in higher education access, scholarship development, and first-generation support services. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Tagalog.

She is currently the project director of Hispanic Serving Institutions at Concordia University in Irvine.  Prior to that, she was director of Hispanic Services at Biola University. She also served long-term missions in the Philippines where she worked at a nonprofit to create scholarship opportunities for first-generation college students.
Sanchez was enrolled at KidWorks from the second grade until she graduated from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana in 2012. She later worked at KidWorks for three years, ending her time there as College & Career manager. In that role, she created the College & Career Success initiative, which is a keystone program of the organization today.

In 2015, Sanchez earned a Master of Arts Degree in Transformational Urban Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

“Erika is a very strategic addition to our board,” says David Benavides, KidWorks’ Chief Executive Officer. “Our board is comprised of a wide spectrum of talented individuals from various industries and walks of life. Our newest board member brings with her both the perspective of a former student and staff member.”

“I’m excited to contribute my insight and expertise as a community leader,” Sanchez says. “My experience as an alumnus and as a previous staff member will inform the decisions I make serving in this important leadership position. I continue to champion KidWorks’ students and families.”

KidWorks is commemorating 30 years of providing academic, leadership and personal development programs for children and teens in the city’s most overlooked neighborhoods. Since its inception, KidWorks has been investing in the lives of Santa Ana’s youngest residents and their families, firmly believing that a zip code should not determine a child’s future. 
 
The ultimate outcome is to mold self-reliant young adults who are equipped to succeed in life and are motivated to give back. In partnership with all of its valued supporters and volunteers, KidWorks is guiding children and youth towards life-changing opportunities and a brighter future.

To learn more about KidWorks and to read its success stories, please visit www.kidworksoc.org. Photo:KidWorks