Sandra Lindsay, a Vice President at Northwell Health, is a name many recognize as the first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. But there’s much more to her story. Recently honored as one of Carib News’ Jamaican American Power 100, Sandra has now added author to her list of accomplishments with the release of her first book, First in Line: How COVID-19 Placed Me on the Frontlines of a Health Care Crisis.
We caught up with Sandra to talk about her journey, from her humble beginnings in the Bronx as an immigrant in the 1980s to becoming a national health equity advocate and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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Sandra’s story is a testament to the immigrant experience—the drive to create a better life, the struggle to overcome obstacles, and the determination to make a difference. Her book offers a candid look at this journey, and we couldn’t help but wonder if this was her vision of the American Dream.
But as Sandra explains, the American Dream wasn’t her primary goal. “I just wanted a decent life,” she says. “A good life where I could provide a loving home for my family and make a difference in the lives of others.” Her journey is a full-circle moment, especially in her work helping the underprivileged. Despite her rise up the corporate ladder, Sandra never forgot what it was like to live in a food desert, face food insecurity, or navigate the challenges of being a young single parent.
Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Sandra grew up with her grandmother, a leader in their community who instilled in her the importance of caring for others. It was during these early years that Sandra knew she wanted to be a nurse. “We took turns caring for my grandmother, who had chronic illnesses,” she recalls. “I looked up to the nurses in Jamaica—they were respected and valued. I wanted to be just like them.”
With just $50 in her pocket, Sandra immigrated to the U.S., not knowing where she would go or what she would do. The transition was tough. “It was a huge culture shock,” she says, reflecting on the move from her sprawling home in Jamaica to a cramped two-bedroom apartment in the Bronx, shared with family and friends.
Like many immigrants, Sandra’s journey began with small steps—working at a supermarket to save up for college. Her focus and determination led her to CUNY, where she juggled school with double shifts on weekends to make ends meet. All the while, she was raising her son as a single parent, determined to create a better life for the both of them.
Sandra’s hard work paid off in extraordinary ways. From her early days as a nursing student to her current role as Vice President at Northwell Health, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for change. Her efforts were recognized at the highest level when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an honor she cherishes deeply.
Sandra shares all these experiences and more in her book, First in Line. Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers, the book also has an upcoming audio version and is available on Kindle. “I’ve been getting lots of fantastic reviews,” Sandra says with a smile. “It truly was a labor of love. I enjoyed writing every word, every chapter. I really hope that people get a deeper understanding of who I am.”
Sandra Lindsay’s story is an inspiring reminder of what it means to persevere, to care, and to never lose sight of where you come from, even as you reach for new heights.
