On June 10, Amanda Cheyney, Lead Program Specialist at the San Diego Workforce Partnership, was awarded LEAD San Diego’s Herbert G. Klein LEADership Award. Awarded to only one class member, this honor is presented annually to a member of LEAD’s IMPACT San Diego class who has made significant leadership contributions to our community and demonstrated the potential to effect further change upon graduation from the program.
Cheyney’s goal is to be a connector of resources and opportunities in San Diego, which she has found an outlet to accomplish through her role as Lead Program Specialist at the San Diego Workforce Partnership. She oversees $3M in federally funded programs, which serve young adults experiencing barriers to education and employment. Her strengths include community engagement, program management and youth development. Additionally, she serves on the YMCA Youth and Family Services Connections 2020 Advisory Committee, United Way City Heights Partnership for Children – Community Collaborative Action Network and Passport to Life Education and Career Expo – Coordinating Council.
Cheyney also volunteers as VP of Programs of MANA de San Diego, whose mission is to empower Latinas through education, leadership development and advocacy. Recently she completed the Latina Success Leadership Program in collaboration with the Center for Creative Leadership. She has been recognized by the California Legislature Assemblywomen Lorena Gonzalez, State of California Senator Ben Hueso, City of San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and City Councilmember David Alvarez. She was also honored by San Diego Magazine, Latino Impact Awards as an Inspirational Leader of the Year nominee.
Amanda’s educational journey includes San Diego Continuing Education, San Diego City College and ultimately obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. She remains active through her involvement with SDSU Aztec Mentorship Program, President’s Latino Advisory Committee and Hispanic Business Student Association Advisory Committee.
“Amanda’s drive for excellence and her ability to lead others is impressive,” says Manager of Youth Programs Sara Fox. “She has been the lead on numerous projects at SDWP and has been the driving force behind changing how we deliver services to our partners. She is passionate and cares about each individual person to make sure they receive support and continue to move forward with with their goals. I am so proud of all her accomplishments and thank her for her work.”
Often described as a “master’s degree” on San Diego, IMPACT highlights historic and contemporary perspectives on relevant regional themes and features presentations by leading experts and key community leaders. Applications for the 2017 class being accepted through June 17.