Profiles of African Americans at EPA: LaTonya Sanders
Profiles of African Americans at EPA
LaTonya Sanders, Acting Chief
Region 7 Community Engagement Branch
Environmental Justice, Community Engagement and Environmental Review Division
Lenexa, KS
Where were you born?
Kansas City, Kansas
What brought you to EPA?
I started at EPA as a college intern.
What type of work do you do at EPA?
As manager for R7's Community Engagement Branch, I'm responsible for the planning and implementation of the Children's Environmental Health, Environmental Education and Environmental Justice programs. This work includes grants management, outreach and education, community and stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.
What is your highest level of education? What was your major?
I have a Master of Public Affairs. My major was Public Administration.
What message would you like to send other Black/African Americans who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?
We need more African American leaders in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. I would definitely encourage those individuals to look beyond traditional degree programs and consider careers in environmental protection to bring more diversity to the STEM fields. There are vast opportunities for career success and achievement as a STEM professional for African Americans and others who are underrepresented in these fields.