Sandra van den Heuvel

Sandra is a social justice advocate committed to uplifting innovative, sustainable solutions that build equity and reduce reliance on punishing systems. Currently serving as the program manager for Porticus's North American criminal justice program, Sandra is committed to building decision-making power and wealth for those most impacted by mass incarceration. Her program uses strategic grants and participatory grant-making to drive a paradigm shift in how governments invest in public safety and justice. Before joining Porticus, Sandra was a senior program associate at the Vera Institute of Justice, where her research and advocacy focused on money injustice. She studied the power of public budgets, federal funding, and examined how fines, fees, and bail contribute to carceral systems and racial disparities. Prior to the Vera Institute, Sandra served as a clinical supervisor in a substance use program within Massachusetts state prisons. Her experience also includes working in the social services department of the New York City Department of Correction, transitional housing, parole advocacy, and forensic social work. Sandra is a New York-based licensed social worker and is committed to person-centered and partnership-driven work.