Getting to Know SDCOE: Sandra Walden

Sandra Walden is a leader among SDCOE employees. In fact, she was instrumental in starting the Aspiring Classified Leaders Academy that’s helped classified employees across the organization grow. 

Walden is an executive assistant on the Communications and Creative Services team. She has been with SDCOE for seven years, also working in the Learning and Leadership Services and Innovation divisions. In her new role, she supports the team with budgets, website updates, contracts, onboarding, and more. 

Her co-workers say her work performance, attitude, leadership, and consistency are exceptional. 

“I cannot say enough positive things about Sandra, her work, and the difference she's made on the Communications and Creative Services team since she joined the department,” Chief of Staff Music Watson said. “Sandra is quick to offer help and when she does, the work is high-quality and thorough.” 

Her influence and impact can be seen through her role in creating the classified support network that became the Aspiring Classified Leaders Academy last year. 

“Sandra recognized the need to provide targeted professional learning opportunities for classified support staff,” said Darcy Lomeli, Communications and Creative Services. “With a team of committed colleagues, she rallied a cross-organizational team to learn more about needs, listen to experiences, and design curb-cut solutions.”