We recently connected with Deidi Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Deidi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

Entering the world of education via technological delivery and access post-pandemic has certainly been a challenge for all of us at United We Lead Foundation (UWLF).

After some of the most difficult years ever (2020-2022), there was a point where the team and I had a mix of emotions – fatigue from having to make so many organizational changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic; and at the same time satisfaction that we could together recreate our business model and learn tons of new stuff so we could continue to fulfill our mission of offering high-quality educational programs to underserved communities now in a virtual modality.

At some point we were worried that we would lose our connection with our partners, students, and families but we were relief to know that that didn’t happen. Instead, we are now very excited about the “new world” that is taking shape in the realm of education, especially as we continue our efforts to support and serve our most vulnerable students and families.

In swift response to social distancing measures, UWLF launched a technological infrastructure plan into action that could meet the needs of students and staff and of supporting teaching and learning. During this time, our staff worked very hard to design, plan, and deliver successful virtual programming. So, in June 2020, we decided to run our first digital summer programming series to support students during school closures. Since then, UWLF had the ability to work virtually with over 5,800 students and parents across the State of California including students from Los Angeles, Santa Maria, Kern, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Tulare, and San Joaquin County (something that we honestly never intended to do).

Since then, distance learning efforts have grown from only a handful of programs to over a dozen offerings that are essential to the maintenance of student learning, well-being, and future. Currently, the Young Writers Academy, the Math & STEM Innovation Camp, and the ELA Intervention program for newcomers are among some of the most well-attended virtual programs with a high record participation this Fall 2023 (over 350 students enrolled from various parts of California!).

We have undoubtedly encountered several challenges dealing with the access to technological devices, Wi-Fi-enabled technology, and accessibility available to students especially in some rural regions of California thus impacting recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students. But nonetheless, with the amazing support from donors, community partners, and educational allies, we have been able to successfully provide devices, connectivity, and deliver high-quality educational programming to some of the most hard-to-reach communities.

UWLF program staff have worked collaboratively with all partners involved as well as retired educational administrators to ensure that Title I, Title III, and Migrant support structures are incorporated into our programming. Since then, UWLF has provided technological support to reduce learning barriers for all students, including culturally responsive instructional strategies, practices, and content addressing various learning needs and styles of students. Throughout the duration of each program, instructors monitor and guide student behavior, attendance, assignment completion, and teamwork within course delivery to ensure positive and quality virtual classroom interactions take place.

Beyond doubt, UWLF teachers have been able to offer an engaging and interactive virtual course experience for students. I have personally seen our students actively engaged and turning on their cameras or mics to share during presentations. Others are very active in the chat box, which we also love to see. With that being said, we are not perfect, we still have a long way to go. As a young organization, our goal is to continue to identify and address staff and student needs in teaching and learning in a virtual environment and evaluate periodically and comprehensively every facet of our offerings and use these results to restructure and improve programs.

We have now made it our mission to expand accessible educational opportunities to underserved students and other community members through electronically offered classes and enhance the learning experience of participants by removing barriers of both time and place.

As I reflect and think about our past experiences and challenges, being forced to develop our virtual programming know-how on the spot has left us in a good place to enrich our on-site program offerings and ensure every participant is able to make the most of their experience this new school year.

One of the (few) benefits of the pandemic is the opening of a whole new way of communicating with our students, and families through various platforms and we intend to weave that in between our in-person activities to keep a closer connection to everyone and open up opportunities for more interaction and networking.

As the Executive Director of UWLF, I have learned to adapt to countless changes and unforeseen challenges. Through persistence, passion, and most importantly purpose, we have been able to turn challenges into an opportunity to reach more underserved students and families beyond the Central Valley area. As Winston S. Churchill once said “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

I’m honored to lead the UWLF team. Every day, I’m inspired by the way our staff and program participants carry on our mission of implementing high-quality educational programs that empower, support, and drive students to succeed in tomorrow’s world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

About Deidi A. Sanchez, Executive Director

I’m an educator, leader and visionary with years of experience working in the education industry. I’m skilled in leadership, strategic planning, landscape research, grant and federal compliance and supporting the development of educational nonprofits. I have over 15 years of experience in the area of student support services, educational program development and fiscal oversight.

I graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a minor in Spanish Literature, a B.A. in Anthropology (2007), and a master’s degree in Leadership and Educational Administration (2013). Back in 2021, I also had the opportunity and privilege to complete a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from Harvard Kennedy School.

As the Co-founder and Executive Director of United We Lead Foundation, I’ve had the pleasure to help create a diverse network of professionals and leaders, including educators, advocates, innovators, and community allies to ensure all students, regardless of their background and/or upbringings have an equal opportunity to learn, thrive, influence and lead.

As a Dreamer and former DACA recipient who migrated to the US at the age of 14, I’m passionate about improving education and empowering underserved youth. It is my desire to spark a revival that allows immigrant students to not only dream, but attain a brilliant future and pay it forward to their communities just like I’m hoping to do. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, swimming, hiking, practicing yoga and listening to my favorite podcasts and audiobooks.

About UWLF

United We Lead Foundation (UWLF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing on the improvement of educational attainment of low-income, rural, and undocumented students and families of the Central Valley.
Since our inception, UWLF has endeavored to create a diverse network of multicultural professionals and leaders, including educators, advocates, innovators, policymakers, and community members to ensure disadvantaged, low-income parents and students have an equal opportunity to learn, thrive, influence and lead.

At UWLF, we are committed to prepare students and families for success in a changing world. Our primary goal is to ensure access to educational opportunities for all children and to foster the next generation of professionals as visionary leaders in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Presently, UWLF partners with state and federally-funded educational entities, as well as public and private organizations in the provision of academic support and social emotional services to students and families. Some of these existing partnerships include County Offices of Education such as Fresno, Tulare, San Luis Obispo, San Joaquin and Kern County to name a few. In addition, UWLF has collaborated with the Mexican Consulate of Fresno, California State University, Fresno, the California Wellness Foundation, the Neighborhood Partnership Program and many more.

At the core of the UWLF mission is the belief that a future is possible where all students from underserved communities graduate as college and career ready, productive, global-minded citizens.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a 38-year-old DACA recipient who migrated from Mexico to the US at the age of 14. Experiencing personal hardships as an undocumented child has unquestionably shaped me into who I am today. Every adversity I had to overcome has undoubtedly given me the strength and empowerment to continue to defeat barriers and set the stage for new chapters in my life.

The sacrifices of my parents, my personal struggles as an immigrant, and my passion for education is what has given me a sense of purpose. I have learned that regardless of our status, we do not have to wait for change from the top down, but that we, ourselves can be catalysts for change from the bottom up. I have always had a strong desire for knowledge and to be part of the solution. I am hands on and I always try to be at the forefront of new ideas and decision-making. This is the reason for wanting to start an educational nonprofit.

As the Co-founder and the visionary of this educational nonprofit, I have many unique responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities. One of which is to guide the organization and provide a vision for where it will be in the immediate future and the long term. I have embarked on a journey of intellectual transformation and have learned to use the power of education as a vehicle to affect real, long-lasting change in our organization and the lives of people we serve.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Having worked in education in various capacities for more than a decade has allow me the opportunity to:

1) Define my own path to leadership in order to lead with greater passion and confidence, inspire others, and create exceptional sustainable programs.

2) Acquire the strategic perspectives, leadership skills, and practical tools needed to implement new strategies and drive change across our nonprofit.

To pursue advancement in my professional career has not been so much a challenge, but a great opportunity to fulfill my dreams of becoming a leader in my community. It is my goal to combine my range of experience with my passion for helping underserved students by continuing to develop myself, so I can one day have a greater impact in my community.

I am resilient. I am determined. I am an individual that will not only remain to flourish in her personal and professional career, but also will indisputably continue to advocate for high-educational opportunities for all students.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://uwlf.org/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deidi-sanchez/