About me

Meet Sandra Zavala-Ortega

Sandra Zavala is a proud Vancouver Public Schools (VPS) graduate, dedicated school board director, and committed community leader.

Her journey with VPS began in kindergarten at Sara J. Anderson Elementary, continued through Discovery Middle School, and culminated in her graduation from Fort Vancouver High School in 2007. As an immigrant and first-generation, multilingual student who entered school without speaking English, Sandra understands the challenges faced by diverse learners. Now, as a mother to a bilingual son on the autism spectrum who also attends VPS, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of background or ability—receives the support they need to thrive.

Professionally, Sandra serves as the Director for the LULAC National Educational Service Center (LNESC), where she helps first-generation and low-income students prepare for college and career success. Her work focuses on expanding educational opportunities, fostering leadership, and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Beyond her full-time role, Sandra is a Leadership Consultant for the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), where she supports school boards across the state in governance, strategic planning, board-superintendent relations, leadership development, and community engagement. She has also served for two years on the WSSDA Legislative Committee, representing large school districts and advocating for policies that support diverse student populations.

Her background includes working as a Family-Community Resource Coordinator in VPS, where she connected families with essential services and resources to support student success. Sandra has spent most of her professional experience working with at-risk youth, low-income families, and social justice issues, ensuring that underserved communities have access to the resources they need. She has also provided mentorship and tutoring for K-12 students.

In addition to her leadership roles, Sandra was a small business owner, bringing valuable experience in financial management, problem-solving, and event planning. 

Sandra is deeply involved in her community, serving on the Clark County Community Action Advisory Board and as a Board Member for Latino Leadership Northwest, where she works to empower Latino leaders. Her dedication to education and leadership has earned her recognition as a Marshall Leadership Award Finalist in both 2023 and 2024.

A sought-after speaker, Sandra has delivered keynote addresses at the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber’s Scholarship Luncheon, the Vancouver Community Leadership Summit, and the VPS Student Leadership Summit, sharing her insights on education, leadership, and community engagement.

Sandra believes in responsible budgeting, academic rigor, and fostering trust between the district and the community. With her deep experience and passion for education, she remains committed to ensuring every student has the support and resources to thrive.

Your support will help Sandra continue her work in strengthening Vancouver Public Schools. Donate today to invest in our students’ future!