Sandra Washington, Neighbor

For 42 years Sandra was a dedicated employee for Sarasota County. Twenty-five of those years, she was the manager of the day to day operations of the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful program. Her major responsibilities were to coordinate programs and projects, such as big awards events, and environmental programs. All which involved a multitude of coordinating and marketing; dealing with caterers, bands, florists, media, and photographers, and sending out invitations.

Sandra was the host and executive producer of a one-hour TV Talk Show on Comcast Cable for 18 years. This show originated as a 30-minute feature, “Women in the 90′s” and proved so popular after one year; the general manager/owner expanded the production to a longer format known as, “The Sandra Washington Show.” Guests and their topics were not limited to area businesses, but include government, non-profit organizations, entertainment and educational focus.

Among her many contributions to the citizens of the area, she has participated on the Chamber of Commerce Sarasota Leadership Steering Committee, (graduate of the class of 1993), past president of North Sarasota Business and Professional Women’s organization; Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce; United Way Allocations Committee, Putting on the Glitz Fashion Show Committee, Achievers Program Steering Committee, The Friends of Myakka River, Inc., Keep America Beautiful Affiliate of Florida Board of Directors and McIntosh Middle School Advisory Council.

Outside of our immediate area, she is a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and the National Association of Executive Females. She served as vice president on the Keep America Beautiful Affiliate of Florida state executive board. Sandra is also a member of the Sarasota County NAACP Branch organization.

Sandra has received the Woman of the Year Award, Woman of Color, Status of Women, Community Service and Soldiers without Swords Awards to name a few. Sarasota County named a Keep Sarasota Beautiful award category in her honor; "The Sandra Washington Award."

Washington retired from Sarasota County Government in 2012 and opened her own business. Sandra is an International Certified Event Planner. She is also the founder and president of YES! Awareness - Youth empowerment Symposia, Inc.