For many people, the idea of returning to school later in life can be intimidating. Responsibilities increase, careers evolve, families depend on us, and time becomes one of life’s greatest challenges. However, for Sandra Moraga, education became more than just a personal goal; it became a pathway to reinvention, leadership, and purpose.
Today, Sandra serves as a Communities Specialist for the Hermosa Project with South32, where she focuses on building meaningful and transparent relationships with local stakeholders while ensuring that community voices are heard throughout the development process. Yet her journey toward leadership and higher education was not always straightforward.
“As an immigrant, I had little knowledge of the educational opportunities available after high school,” Sandra shared. “I enrolled at the University of Arizona but was unable to finish my bachelor’s degree at the time.”
Like many individuals balancing life and work responsibilities, Sandra entered the workforce and gained valuable experience working for the City of Nogales and UniSource. However, she soon realized that without a degree, many professional opportunities were out of reach. Rather than letting these barriers define her future, Sandra made the courageous decision to return to school in her mid-20s a choice that would ultimately transform her life.
Driven by determination and purpose, she earned not one, but three bachelor’s degrees in Marketing, Business Administration, and Psychology. Her commitment to education only continued to grow.
While working alongside former Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo Velasquez as an educational advocate for students and families, Sandra witnessed firsthand the power of education to change lives and create opportunities.
“Education teaches you to apply concepts to real-life situations,” she explained. “But it is also about personal growth and fulfillment.”
With support from South32 and a growing passion for sustainability and community impact, Sandra pursued a Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University’s Rob and Melani Walton College of Global Futures. This degree aligns closely with the Hermosa Project's sustainability values and long-term vision.
“I was inspired by Hermosa’s commitment to sustainability,” Sandra said. “My values focus on people, the planet, and economic sustainability. In my role, I can make a positive impact in the community, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference.”
Sandra credits much of her success to perseverance, collaboration, and the support system around her. Balancing graduate school, work responsibilities, family commitments, and community engagement was not easy.
“Time management was one of the biggest challenges,” she admitted. “But everyone around me supported me. My family worked around my schedule, and everyone at Hermosa encouraged me and helped me succeed.”
Today, Sandra’s work focuses on stakeholder engagement, social performance, and building trust within the community. She believes that community engagement fosters transparency, strengthens relationships, and ensures local voices are included in decision-making.
Her educational journey has also shaped her leadership philosophy.
“My master’s degree helped me think more holistically and lead with intention,” Sandra said. “It strengthened my communication style and taught me how to consider diverse perspectives and long-term thinking, which are critical for community-focused work.”
Despite her many accomplishments, Sandra’s goals continue to evolve. Professionally, she hopes to pursue a Doctorate in Social Justice while continuing to support sustainable mining practices at Hermosa. Personally, she aims to further develop her artistic talents and become more involved in the Nogales artistic community.
For Sandra, one message remains especially important for those considering returning to school later in life:
“Understand your ‘WHY,’” she said. “There will be difficult moments, but your purpose is what gets you through. Build a support system, believe in yourself, and stay committed to your goals. It is never too late to reinvent yourself.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that education has no age limit. With resilience, purpose, and support, it is always possible to grow, evolve, and create new opportunities not just for yourself, but for your entire community.
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