Dr. Sandra Kato, a Chicago native, dedicated her professional career to helping others. She earned B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois and worked extensively as a social worker and clinical therapist in the Chicago land area. She later received an M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Education, specializing in Organization and Leadership. She has been director of Upward Bound College Prep Academy since 1993 and is also Assistant Dean in the Office of Minority Student Affairs, University of Illinois. She is a former President of ILAEOPP (Illinois Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel). Dr. Katoʹs research centers Access and Equity at the Post‐Secondary level. Dr. Kato has volunteered in the University of Illinois Black Alumni Association (UIBAA) Board for 15 years and currently enjoys volunteering with Alzheimer patients and community organizations representing those who have been marginalized in society, such as the Champaign County chapter of NAACP.

Sandra was featured in Difference Makers 2010: An eBlack Champaign-Urbana Publication.