WORCESTER—When Dr. Sandra Laney first arrived at Quinsigamond Community College, she didn’t know what to expect from college—only that she loved learning. Today, the QCC alum is a sought-after global health expert whose work has spanned 52 countries, helping governments and communities tackle infectious diseases.
“I loved my time at QCC,” Laney said in a release. “Not having an understanding of what college was, it was a nice entryway. It was game-changing in taking the next steps in my career.”
Now leading a philanthropic consulting practice with clients around the world, Laney’s journey began with a non-majors biology class—one she only took to fulfill a requirement. It ended up changing her life.
Laney, who didn’t come from a college-educated family, had struggled with science in high school and initially enrolled at QCC to study visual arts. But her experience in that single biology course shifted her trajectory completely.
“I felt instantly at home,” she said. “I’m a learner at my core. I’d be a student forever if someone would pay me, and that’s what science is—paying you to learn.”
It was the encouragement of the late QCC professor Melvin Shemluck that convinced her to think bigger. He introduced her to Smith College’s Ada Comstock Scholars Program, designed for students of non-traditional age. Laney went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Smith while raising a family.
A Ph.D. followed—unconventionally. When Egyptian professor Dr. Reda Ramzy encouraged her to pursue doctoral work, Laney explained she couldn’t leave her job. So Ramzy helped her enroll through his lab in Egypt, allowing her to stay employed at Smith and complete her research collaboratively. She earned her Ph.D. in molecular parasitology and zoology from Ain Shams University. Her dissertation is now archived in the National Library of Alexandria.
Laney’s scientific expertise led to a fellowship at the U.S. Department of State, then to philanthropic leadership roles at the Gates Foundation, the Walder Foundation, and Paul Allen’s Vulcan. She’s helped fight diseases like Ebola and neglected tropical illnesses, often working on the ground with international teams.
“Never in a million years with my background did I dream I’d be traveling the globe to places like Papua New Guinea and French Polynesia,” she said.
Now, as the founder of Strategic Journey Lab, Inc., Laney advises high-net-worth clients and major foundations on how to make philanthropic investments more impactful. She’s also a member of P150, an exclusive philanthropic advisory group launched by Schmidt Futures, the brainchild of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
Laney’s legacy at QCC is ongoing. In 2013, the college honored her with a Wyvern Guardian Award for alumni who make a global impact. And now, her grandson Jadyn Kiley is following in her footsteps—literally.
Kiley, currently studying chemistry at QCC, said his grandmother’s influence helped him overcome his doubts about college. After working in food service, he enrolled at her urging and found renewed academic confidence—especially with help from biology professor Dr. Swathi Turlapati.
“Any time I have a problem or feel like I can’t do something, she has been so supportive,” Kiley said. “She doesn’t care what you’re doing, as long as you’re doing it to your full potential.”
Laney credits her own success not just to hard work, but to embracing opportunity—even when it was unexpected.
“I’m very good at saying yes and then working hard to make sure I can capitalize on the opportunities in front of me,” she said.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
- The Worcester Guardian is an independent nonprofit news organization. Support local journalism by making a DONATION today.
