Sandra Carpenter is a communications strategist, editor, and program builder whose work is grounded in her roots in the Big Sandy River Valley of eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio, where community, storytelling, and resilience are deeply intertwined. That early sense of place continues to shape her interest in storytelling as a way of documenting experience and creating connection.

She holds a B.A. in English from Eastern Kentucky University and an M.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Gender Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. Her academic work explores narrative, public discourse, and the ways people make meaning through shared experience.

Professionally, Sandra has worked across nonprofit, media, higher education, and regional development spaces, leading editorial initiatives, producing multi-channel communications strategies, and developing programs that invite participation and collaboration. Her experience includes editorial leadership, event and campaign communications, podcast hosting, teaching, and the creation of community-centered initiatives such as writing workshops and ambassador networks.

This site gathers selected writing, media, and projects that reflect her ongoing commitment to storytelling, accessibility, and community-building.