Sandra joined the Notre Dame family in 2005 as a student. She earned her Bachelor’s in 2009, double majoring in Accounting and Psychology. She is currently working on her MBA and is slated to graduate from Purdue University Global in 2023 as a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society. Sandra’s family is from Mexico, who migrated to Chicago a few months before she was born.
Upon graduation, Sandra developed a strong operational background while serving as the District Manager for Aldi, Inc. for seven years. She oversaw five privately-held stores in Indiana, located in South Bend, Mishawaka, Plymouth, LaPorte, and Warsaw, IN. Sandra was responsible for all aspects of the operations, including facilities, personnel, and financial management. Among other achievements, she held the highest productivity District with the lowest employee turnover, and fastest sales growth.
Sandra then joined the Notre Dame Human Resources Department in June of 2015 as a Human Resources Consultant, providing guidance and support to managers and employees of designated departments with special emphasis on issues related to performance management and employee relations. HR Consultants understand operational facets of the departments, colleges, and institutes they support, including strategic goals and the human resources aspects related to those goals in order to deliver the most effective solutions possible. In July 2021, she transitioned to a new role on campus as Director of Retail Dining within Campus Dining, where she oversees about 16 food establishments. In this role, she is responsible for all aspects of the portfolio, including talent management, operational excellence, and financial performance.
Sandra’s entrepreneurial spirit helped her family to open and operate Los Aces Mexican Restaurant in South Bend starting in 2016. Eventually, the brand was sold and she stayed as a Managing Consultant until June 2021, successfully helping them navigate the pandemic.
Sandra serves on the Board of Directors of La Casa De Amistad. She is also a Board Member of the Chicago Scholars Alumni Leadership Association. Both of these organizations conduct mission-driven work to help underrepresented communities.
Sandra lives in Granger, IN with her partner George West and two beautiful children, Tre and Addy, as well as their rescue dog, Luna.
