Who We Are

Proveedoras Unidas de Eastern Washington is a nonprofit organization founded by Early Childhood Educators dedicated to strengthening and empowering the child care workforce throughout Eastern Washington. Headquartered in Franklin County, our organization serves a diverse network of early learning providers across rural, bilingual, immigrant, and underserved communities across the region.

Proveedoras Unidas was created in response to the growing need for culturally responsive support, leadership development, advocacy, and professional resources for early childhood educators. As trusted community leaders and providers ourselves, we understand firsthand the challenges facing the early learning workforce and work collaboratively to create sustainable solutions that strengthen educators, families, and communities.

Our mission is to promote intercultural understanding, empower early childhood educators through education and advocacy, and elevate the voices of providers within the communities they serve. We believe that investing in educators directly improves outcomes for children, supports working families, and strengthens local economies.

Proveedoras Unidas offers a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support the professional and personal growth of early childhood educators, including:

  • Professional development and state-approved training opportunities

  • Leadership and workforce development programs

  • Advocacy and community engagement initiatives

  • Resource navigation and technical assistance

  • Networking and peer support opportunities

  • Culturally and linguistically responsive services for diverse communities

Collaboration is at the heart of our work. Proveedoras Unidas partners and collaborates with community organizations, advocacy groups, educational institutions, unions, nonprofits, and local leaders to expand resources, increase community impact, and address the evolving needs of providers and families throughout Eastern Washington. Through these partnerships, we are able to create stronger support systems, amplify community voices, and build long-term solutions that promote equity and access in early childhood education.

As our organization continues to grow, we welcome opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, donor support, and grant collaborations with organizations and foundations that share our commitment to empowering educators, strengthening families, and improving the quality and accessibility of early childhood education across Eastern Washington.

Meet the Team

  • Sandra R. Sanchez Executive Director/ Founder

    Sandra Sánchez is the Founder and Executive Director of Proveedoras Unidas de Eastern Washington (PUEW), established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2025. PUEW was built upon the strong foundation of Proveedoras Unidas, an association formed in 2005 through the dedication and hard work of its board members and community leaders.

    Sandra led the creation of PUEW while honoring the association’s history and legacy. As Executive Director, she provides strategic leadership, develops programs and professional trainings, builds partnerships, and elevates the voices of early learning providers, children, and families throughout Eastern and Central Washington.

  • Shelby Silva-Martinez Operations & Executive Assistant

    The Operations & Executive Assistant supports PUEW’s Executive Director while coordinating daily administrative and organizational operations. Responsibilities include scheduling, communications, recordkeeping, event and training coordination, program support, and communication with providers, families, staff, and community partners.

  • Natalia Sanchez Health Education Director

    The Health Education Director develops and coordinates educational programs, trainings, and resources that promote the health, safety, and well-being of early learning providers, children, and families. She works with community partners and ensures that health education reflects the needs of the communities served by PUEW.

  • Yessica Cabrera Engagement Director

    The Engagement Director builds relationships with early learning providers, families, community partners, and stakeholders. She coordinates nonpartisan outreach, educational programs, trainings, and community engagement activities that advance PUEW’s charitable mission and ensure community voices are represented.

  • Mrs. Carol D. Morris Director of Early Learning Initiatives

    The Director of Early Learning Initiatives leads the planning, development, and implementation of PUEW’s early learning programs and professional training opportunities. She supports program quality, coordinates partnerships, guides staff and participants, and ensures that initiatives align with PUEW’s mission and the evolving needs of early learning providers, children, and families.