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Meet Dr. Ruth Sanchez-Way
Occupation: Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), one of the Federal agencies that support Girl Power! Bachelor's Degree: Chemistry, St. John's University Master's Degree: Social Work, Fordham University Ph.D.: Public Administration, New York University Other Studies: Management Development Program at Emory University, School of Business Administration; the Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives at George Washington University; and the Public Health Service Primary Care Policy Fellowship Hobbies: Enjoys skiing, sailing, Jazzercise, and serving as a National Operational Volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. The story of CSAP Director, Dr. Ruth Sanchez-Way is an example of Girl Power! at work. CSAP is one of the government agencies responsible for the Girl Power! campaign. CSAP is the government's top agency for preventing alcohol and drug abuse in young people. In November 2000, Dr. Sanchez-Way became its Director. Dr. Sanchez-Way has been with CSAP for 10 years, formerly serving as the Director of the Division of State and Community Systems Development. She works with the 130 dedicated people who are on CSAP's staff today. Dr. Sanchez-Way was an only child in a family that contained much love. Growing up in New York, she was surrounded by her parents and her mother's three sisters. All of them served as very strong role models for her. Her Cuban-born father instilled in her a pride for her Latino heritage. Her Puerto Rican-born mother, a college graduate, worked as a caseworker for the New York City Welfare Department, and later, as a probation officer for the Queens Juvenile Court. It was through her example that Dr. Ruth Sanchez-Way later became a social worker. Throughout her youth, Dr. Sanchez-Way developed her leadership skills through the Girl Scouts. As a scout and troop leader for more than 20 years, she enjoyed opportunities that she could not have gotten any other way. Her love of the outdoors is the result of many years as a Girl Scout. Education was always a significant part of her life, and both her parents stressed its importance. Dr. Sanchez-Way believes that girls have opportunities to exceed in any field they choose, even those fields where males predominantly serve. Dr. Sanchez-Way is living proof of this belief. When Dr. Sanchez-Way entered the first Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program, she was the only Latino of 40 candidates that completed this intensive, 3-year program. In 2000, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund honored her as the recipient of the first annual Excellence in Government Service Award. Dr. Sanchez-Way is committed to improving the lives of adolescent girls. After completing the SES program, she worked for 8 years at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Service as the Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs. She continues this commitment at CSAP where she is actively involved in Girl Power! She has attended numerous Girl Power! events, and in November 2000 she participated in the Girl Power! 4th Anniversary celebration held in Central Park, New York City. It was exciting for her to speak to the girls at the event and to see their enthusiasm for Girl Power! In her personal life, Dr. Sanchez-Way is devoted to her husband, six stepchildren, and their families. Her commitment to family stems from her strong relationship with her parents and relatives. "The tide has begun to turn when it comes to girls. Usage rates for alcohol, tobacco, and some illicit drugs have declined. Other indicators, such as teen pregnancy, are also improving. There is still a long way to go, but at least we now seem headed in the right direction. Girl Power! can help keep it going," says Dr. Sanchez-Way. |
