Sandra Okonofua

Conducts mixed-methods research on fiscal bureaucrats in K-12 education, combining qualitative interviews with administrative fiscal data analysis to examine how state and local funding systems mediate policy, resources, and inequality.

Leads a college and career pathways consulting practice advising high-achieving students and families on admissions strategy, essay development, and academic planning. Crafted specialized consulting programs and designed workshops and materials for parents and students to demystify the college application process.

Conducted fiscal and operational data analysis within a public school district finance office, examining district-level administration of state and federal education funding. Attended working meetings with state and local education agency officials on fiscal operations, grant administration, and federal program implementation.

Conducted interviews with District of Columbia agency staff regarding internal processes and the administration of programs. Prepared reports and recommendations in accordance with GAO, OIG, and CIGIE standards.

Project-managed a $3 million ARPA-funded citywide tutoring initiative that served 2,825 students across 21 partner organizations, with independent assessments documenting 22 to 28 percent average gains in reading and math. Developed project workplans and budgeting guidance for more than $3 million in federal ARPA education funding while balancing multiple citywide projects with competing deadlines

Developed and designed proposals with a 100 percent success rate, including a funded HRSA proposal, for $500,000 in total awards secured, comprising competitive grant funding and negotiated debt forgiveness. Prepared and submitted federal applications through Grants.gov and SAM.gov.

Prepared and reviewed grant proposal documentation to ensure compliance with university, sponsor, and federal guidelines, and completed proposal applications. Conducted a large-scale partnership agreement audit to ensure university compliance with federal grant guidelines and transparency of operations.

Created white papers and presentation decks for executives and senior leaders, synthesizing complex research into clear findings and recommendations; received a 99 percent client satisfaction score.

Selected from an applicant pool of 400 to serve on a team advising Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a nonprofit working to end youth homelessness, on funding strategy. Analyzed peer organizations and built benchmark criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of current fundraising operations.

PhD candidate in Sociology, advanced to candidacy in 2023, with expected completion in 2027. Also earned an M.Phil. in Sociology in 2024 and an M.A. in Sociology in 2023.

Earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Prevention Science and Practice with a focus on Adolescent Counseling in 2021, following an Ed.M. in the same field in 2020.

Earned an Ed.M. in Prevention Science and Practice with a focus on Adolescent Counseling in 2020.

Earned an M.S.Ed. in Urban Education in 2016.

Holds an Initial Educator License as a School Counselor for Grades 5 to 12.

Earned a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology in 2014.