California State University, Sacramento​

Lorenda T. Sanchez has served as the executive director of California Indian Manpower Consortium, Inc. (CIMC), the largest Native American social and human service organization nationwide, since 1977. A Northern Paiute member, she has dedicated more than 40 years to empowering generations of Native Americans to achieve excellence, revitalize their communities and meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Ms. Sanchez has led CIMC's commitment to build partnerships with each new administration in Washington, D.C. Under her leadership, CMIC has strengthened collaborations with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Division of Indian and Native American Programs. It maintained a strong voice and significant role in the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

Today CIMC creates meaningful solutions that are relevant for the social, economic and employment and training needs of Native American people and their communities. The CIMC has provided vital resources for tribal leaders and Native American organizations including: work experience; employment training; entrepreneurial opportunities; elder care; childcare and other support services. It is estimated that more than 100,000 individuals have benefited from Ms. Sanchez's unwavering dedication and commitment to improving the lives of Native Americans.

In recognition of her distinguished career, and her contributions to and advocacy for Native American people and their communities, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, Sacramento are proud to confer upon Ms. Lorenda T. Sanchez the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

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