Originally broadcast on Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Born and raised in the Bronx, Sanchez’s early life was shaped by the challenges faced by many first-generation Dominican immigrant families, including economic hardships and limited access to opportunities. However, her life took a significant turn at 13 when she entered the Bronx Community College Upward Bound program, a decision that set the stage for her future successes. The Upward Bound program, discovered serendipitously by her aunt, who worked as a custodian at Bronx Community College, became a beacon of hope for Sanchez and her family. With the support of Upward Bound’s Saturday and summer sessions, she excelled academically in high school. She developed essential life skills such as time management and self-organization—tools that continue to serve her as an elected official. The program’s college visits helped Sanchez visualize a future beyond the Bronx, where she could pursue higher education and a meaningful career. Moreover, being led by first-generation women of color in Upward Bound provided Sanchez with invaluable role models for excellence in public service. Sanchez’s journey continued as she graduated with honors from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Princeton University. These academic achievements were not just personal milestones; they were a testament to the foundation laid by TRIO programs. Her educational journey equipped her to fight for immigrant families, racial justice, affordable housing, and good jobs—causes she champions with a “lift-as-you-climb” mindset. Today, as a New York City council member representing District 14, Sanchez has made significant strides in improving her community. During her first two years in office, she has served 6,000 constituents, secured over $250 million in investments for schools and community centers, and led critical policy-making efforts as the Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings. Her dedication to her community is rooted in the belief that investing in young people through programs like TRIO can create professionals and leaders who elevate their communities and contribute to the broader economy. As a proud mother of a two-year-old with another child on the way, Sanchez continues to advocate for educational equity and social justice, always striving to create a future where opportunities are bountiful and accessible for all.

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