As part of the City of Edmonton’s 100th birthday celebrations, Sandra Woitas was honored as one of the 100 Edmontonians of the Century.
As a long time educator and tireless advocate for the needs of Edmonton’s most disadvantaged children and families, Sandra continues to spread the word that poverty cannot be an excuse and by only working together, we, as an entire community, can raise the bar for all children and youth. She believes we can no longer make excuses for not meeting the needs of our marginalized children and youth and can only be part of the solution.
As a former Director of the City Centre Education Project with Edmonton Public Schools, she worked collaboratively with seven inner city schools to make sure the students had the resources and supports they needed to realize their full potential, academically and in life. The City Centre Education Project was recognized by Today’s Parent magazine as one of the Top Forty Schools in Canada and by the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development for its collaborative practices. The project also received the Alberta Premier’s Award for Excellence.
In 2003, she was recognized as a Woman of Integrity on behalf of the Riverview Rotary Club. She has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal for her work in the community and was featured as a Global Edmonton, Woman of Vision, in the late spring of 2006. In November 2006, she also received the ATA Early Childhood Education Advocate of Young Children Award. In November 2008, she was recognized with an Honorary University of Alberta Alumni Award. In June 2014, she was granted a Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree from the University of Alberta. In November 2014, she received the Lions Club International Foundation “Melvin Jones” Citizen of Distinction Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services.
As of April 2015, Sandra started a private consulting practice and presently serves on WAVE (Woman’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton Committee, City of Edmonton) and a member of the steering committee for the City of Edmonton City of Learners Initiative. In addition to her current position with Edmonton Public Schools and volunteer commitments, she also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education. She is a sought after on a variety of topics to a variety of audiences.