Meet Sandra Caron, Maine Alpha

Pi Beta Phi recognizes Sanda Caron with the 2023 Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award for her efforts in sexual health education.  

With a career spanning decades, Sandy’s impact in sexual health education extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her founding of nationally recognized peer education programs and her contributions to women's health advocacy. Her dedication to public service, exemplified by the 2002 Presidential Public Service Award, emphasizes her unwavering commitment to advancing societal understanding and empowerment in sexual health and wellness. 

How has your involvement with Pi Beta Phi influenced or shaped your approach to leadership? 
Pi Phi demonstrated that surrounding yourself with others, in this case women, leads to incredible energy, empowerment, vision, inspiration and community––critical elements to achieving and maintaining good leadership.   

What advice would you give to other Pi Phis who aspire to make a positive impact in their professional fields?  
Find your voice, get involved, know that everyone has a leadership role to play and find a network of friends and colleagues who will support you.  

In what ways do you believe your experiences as a Pi Phi have uniquely prepared you for your professional role?  
As a teacher and researcher, Pi Phi prepared me by showing me the importance of leading by example––it demonstrated both advocacy and mentorship. As a college student, my involvement in my sorority taught me the importance of sisterhood and civic engagement. 

What do you love most about your work? 
Knowing I have made a positive impact in the community and especially on the lives of thousands of students. Throughout the years I have heard and continue to hear from students about the difference I made in their lives both personally and professionally.
 

“Pi Beta Phi has taught me…”     
That women are capable! I got my start in feminism and women’s leadership from my involvement in Pi Phi––it laid the groundwork for so many things in my career and my success. 
 

Published August 1, 2024