John Toth Award Celebrates Sandra Sahli, a Dedicated Champion of United Way

Sandra Sahli of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Active Retirees Members (ARM) Chapter 9, Greater Essex has a long career as a union representative and community volunteer from her active years well into retirement (retired 2011).

As a Child and Youth Worker for the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), Sandra was a member of the Educational Support Staff Bargaining Unit in Windsor where she served in many elected and appointed OSSTF positions, including Bargaining Unit President and Chief Negotiator.  At the Provincial level, Sandra was elected to the OSSTF Provincial Executive serving four years as Executive Officer and two years as Vice President.

In 2014, Sandra Sahli was appointed by the OSSTF to the OMERS Sponsors Corporation Board where she served as a member on the Corporate Governance Committee, the Human Resources & Compensation Committee, the Plan Design Committee, and as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee.  During her early retirement years, Sandra also supported United Way serving on the Campaign Cabinet and as vice-chair and chair on the Retiree Volunteer Council. 

Sandra briefly left the Windsor area but shortly after her return, Sandra was appointed by OSSTF to the position of United Way Cabinet to represent both their retirees and active members, and she has rejoined the Retiree Volunteer Council.  In her current union role, as the Community Advocacy Officer, Sandra works diligently with United Way and the Local to foster support and to ensure succession.  She is committed to raising awareness about United Way’s Cradle to Career programs and engaging the Local through events, fundraising and volunteering.  With the unwavering support of the ARM Executive, the OSSTF retirees have contributed volunteers and thousands of dollars to iMove, Summer Eats, the Women United Book Drive, Tampon Tuesday, raffles and more.  Sandra also supported the GECDSB’s United Way workplace campaign, specifically securing valuable Champions and engagement of OSSTF current and retired members.  She was instrumental in the creation and launch of a retiree campaign to increase support.

Sandra is also a committed WDLC delegate and member of the Ontario Health Coalition.  Sandra is very strategic in all her work and intertwines various aspects of union and community initiatives leveraging every connection and positioning herself on various committees, councils, and organizations – to learn, better support and connect community to work together. 

Sandra is an ethical leader ensuring transparency and accountability through conscientious examination and responds with corrective action.  She is an exemplary community champion and leader who is committed and vigorously works to mobilize and bring people together.  Her compassion to serve others is evident in her tireless pursuit to empower kids to achieve their dreams and create a thriving community for us all.