Our Woman of the Year is an influencer, a mover and a shaker.
She has influenced golf in Aiken, but she doesn’t play golf. She has influenced athletics, but she isn’t an athlete. She has influenced the future of applied science for manufacturing, but she isn’t a scientist. She has influenced national security for our military, but she isn’t a soldier. So what is she? She is determined, innovative, and a visionary with a plan of action. From cybersecurity to the Covid-19 pandemic, she has embraced new ideas and challenges, taken risks to expand opportunities and worked with the city, county, national and federal agencies for the betterment of Aiken. How does she do it? She pushes up her sleeves and works collaboratively with others to make things happen. She is an out of the box thinker and is willing to share her insights as well as the credit. She will tell you patience is not one of her best qualities, which translates to, she gets things done. She believes in goals and creative paths to achieve success. What has she accomplished? Through her leadership and collaborative work with others she has secured funding for 2 significant economic development projects – a combined $80-$90 million investment. These projects are game changers for the cybersecurity world, for applied science in manufacturing and for our community. These projects have the potential to ignite an innovative ecosystem in the area. Our Woman of the Year believes in leaving things, no matter how good they already are, better than when she arrived. The trajectory of her organization has continued to grow by leaps and bounds not only in physical numbers but in diversity and in dollars – including a $25 million capital campaign. Our Woman of the Year is determined to make a difference for everyone. She seeks to provide opportunities for everyone regardless of their past or present challenges. One mission she valiantly champions all the way to the national stage is the advancement of females into administrative positions in intercollegiate athletics as well as shining a spotlight on the mental health and well-being of all student athletes. She is a champion for others. Our Woman of the Year is described approachable, compassionate, friendly and exudes grace and tact under pressure. She very clearly sees where possibilities and opportunities intersect. Her accomplishments demonstrate her relentless pursuit for good in the community. Her exceptional positive impacts to academia, economic development and service to others give us reason to name Dr. Sandra Jordan as the Aiken Chamber Woman of the Year. |