Jamaican-born nurse and public health advocate, Dr. Sandra Leisa Lindsay, has been honored as one of the 2025 “Great Immigrants, Great Americans” by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, joining an esteemed list of immigrants recognized for their outstanding contributions to American society.
Lindsay, Vice President of Public Health Advocacy at Northwell Health, migrated from Jamaica to the United States at 18 years old. She was celebrated for her extraordinary leadership in health care and her pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2020, she made history as the first person in the United States to receive the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
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Her groundbreaking moment and personal journey from babysitter and supermarket cashier to senior health care executive are chronicled in her book First in Line, which also details her experiences on the frontlines during one of the most challenging periods in modern medical history.
Reacting to the honor, Lindsay became emotional as she reflected on her Jamaican upbringing.
“It brought tears to my eyes when I looked back at my foundation and everything growing up in Jamaica taught me,” she said. “Despite my tribulations, I never lost sight of my values, and I never forgot where I’m from. Jamaica, this is for you.”
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, she added, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be honored by such a prestigious organization that celebrates the contributions of immigrants. There are millions of immigrants in the United States. To be recognized this way is truly humbling and heartwarming. I owe it all to Jamaica.”
Lindsay recalled the emotional toll of the pandemic, where death became a daily reality for her and her team amid the pressures of public scrutiny and misinformation.
“I didn’t do it for the spotlight. I knew it was the right thing to do as a health care worker committed to science. I was afraid of getting COVID and not being able to see my grandson grow up. I wasn’t ready to die from COVID-19.”
Lindsay’s academic journey began at Manhattan Community College, where she graduated as valedictorian, before progressing to Lenox Hill Hospital as an oncology nurse and earning additional qualifications from several universities. Her leadership and resilience have earned her numerous accolades, including being named an Outstanding American by Choice by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2021, and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest honor awarded to U.S. civilians—in 2022.
Offering advice to new Jamaican immigrants, Lindsay encouraged them to stay grounded.
“Stay authentic. Stay true to who you are,” she said. “It may sound cliché, but hard work, focus, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to be better really makes a difference. That’s the recipe for success I’ve found.”
Dr. Sandra Lindsay’s story stands as a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and global impact of the Jamaican diaspora.
