See how Sandy is opening doors to the building trades for students, incarcerated individuals, and young girls alike.
Sandy has spent her career helping more people see themselves in the building trades. As a retired Construction and Remodeling Instructor at Madison College and a member of the STARs Advisory Council, she has brought more than a decade of teaching, leadership, and advocacy to expanding access to skilled careers. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Sandy has helped students build confidence, technical skills, and a sense of belonging in carpentry and construction.
As Program Director of Construction and Remodeling, Sandy led initiatives designed to make the program more accessible and supportive for students, especially those from communities historically underrepresented in the trades. Under her leadership, the program launched targeted student supports and created the Construction Bridge embedded diploma, offering evening classes and additional academic resources for students who needed extra preparation. She also helped pioneer in-person construction instruction for incarcerated individuals through a partnership with the Department of Corrections, opening new doors for people working toward a fresh start.
Sandy’s commitment to opportunity reaches far beyond the classroom. Through CampBUILD, a hands-on summer program created with the Badgerland Council of Girl Scouts, she has introduced girls in grades K–12 to carpentry, welding, and design. Her work reflects a lifelong belief that well-paying, fulfilling careers in the trades should be available to everyone. As a STARs Advisory Council member and Advocacy Subcommittee Lead, Sandy continues to champion pathways where skills are recognized, barriers are removed, and more people can build the futures they deserve.
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