Honorary Co-Chair

Sandra C. Cano is a highly accomplished executive leader in government affairs, strategic partnerships, economic development, and public policy, with more than 15 years of experience spanning federal, state, and local government, higher education, financial services, and complex regulatory environments. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for bringing together diverse stakeholders, forging transformative partnerships, and advancing initiatives that create lasting economic and social impact. 

Sandra serves as the Executive Director for Presidential Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Rhode Island, reporting directly to the President and leading strategic initiatives that strengthen URI's position as Rhode Island's flagship public research university.

Prior to URI,  Sandra was appointed by the President of the United States to serve as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration in New England. Her distinguished public service includes four terms as a Rhode Island State Senator, where she served as Chair of the Senate Education Committee—the first Latina to hold this role. As Chair, she led with an equity-driven approach, advancing policies that strengthened Rhode Island’s education system, including increased investment in multilingual learners, early childhood education, and workforce readiness initiatives. Her legislative portfolio also includes significant contributions to healthcare access, children and family supports, and workforce development systems.

In addition to her professional roles, Sandra is deeply engaged in civic and community leadership. She serves on several boards and advisory bodies, including YWCA Rhode Island, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the Providence Foundation. She is also the Founder and Chair of the City of Pawtucket’s International Women’s Day initiative, a platform that uplifts leadership, civic engagement, and intergenerational empowerment.

She is deeply committed to her family and community, and her personal experiences as a mother continue to inform her passion for expanding educational opportunity, supporting working families, and strengthening systems that allow all children to thrive.