Sandra McBrayer

Sandra McBrayer is the executive director of the Children's Initiative, an organization dedicated to strengthening children and families by working for integrated services that promote the values of collaboration, prevention and measurable outcomes in the fields of education, health, safety and economic security. Ms McBrayer advocates and testifies locally, statewide and nationally on public policy issues that affect children, youth and families.

Ms. McBrayer teaches 'Introduction to Multicultural Education' in the College of Education at San Diego State University. Working with new and first-year teachers, Ms. McBrayer introduces and teaches in-depth the socio-political and economic dynamics of education in our society.

President Clinton named Ms. McBrayer the 1994 National Teacher of the Year. She served as a spokesperson for education, representing the United States as an ambassador of education. Sandra participated in national debates on issues concerning children and families. She was the 1993 California and San Diego County Teacher of the Year. Related awards include the 1992 Women of Vision in Education, League of Women Voters and the 1992 Distinguished Alumna of the Year, College of Education, San Diego State University.

In 1987, Ms McBrayer founded and developed the first successful school in the United States for homeless and unattended youth. She served as head teacher for the Homeless Outreach School from 1988 to 1996. She began her teaching career with at-risk youth at Juvenile Hall and Hillcrest Receiving Home.

Ms. McBrayer serves on many national, state and local boards. Ms McBrayer speaks nationally and internationally on education, equity and individual involvement in bettering the lives of children and youth.

Sandra has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN, Primetime, Lifetime Magazine and CBS This Morning. Newspaper stories have appeared in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, San Diego Business Journal and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Radio interviews have aired on National Public Radio and Voice of America.

Sandra, a native San Diegan, earned her Bachelors and Masters degree from San Diego State University.

Woman's International Center is privileged to present the 1999 Living Legacy Award to the Children's Initiative and Sandra McBrayer, a woman with vision, compassion and savvy.

Thank you, Sandra.