Sandra P. Cutting-Roach, founder and President of the Barbados Association of Southern California (BASC) was born at Spooners’ Hill, St. Michael, Barbados, West Indies. She began her early education at Grace Hill Primary School and her high school education at St. Leonard’s Secondary Girls’ School. Upon graduation she was employed in the retail grocery industry.
In 1985 Sandra migrated to the United States. In 1986 she attended United College of Business, graduating with a diploma in secretarial science. Her newly acquired skills and knowledge positioned her for employment in the banking industry as a Quality Control Clerk in the Mortgage department at the Bank of California and then later at First Inter-State Bank, as Jr. Loan Processor. Sandra changed careers in 2002 from the banking industry to education. She is currently employed at Compton Unified School District as a School Secretary/Office Manager.
Never one to rest on her laurels and a quest to further her education, Sandra attended Los Angeles City College, and Southwest College to pursue a business degree, but later changed her major and transferred to Ministerial Training Institute, Inglewood California, graduating with an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies.
Sandra is a dedicated and positive Barbadian who gives freely of herself. Despite any hurdles she encounters, she is not fearful due to her Christian upbringing and her belief in the teachings of the prophet Micah 6:8 “To do justice, love, kindness and walk wisely and humbly before the Lord our God.”
Her love of God and His church enabled her to service His church in many ways: She served as office manager and in many other lay ministries at the Church of God Pentecostal Inglewood. She is currently a dedicated member and usher at King’s Dominion Life Center Ministries International, Los Angeles, CA.
Over the years, Sandra has been affiliated with different organizations and made an outstanding contribution to her community.
She was a foster parent to less fortunate kids; a member of Barbados Association of Atlanta and a Member/treasurer of the Barbados Association of California (BACA). Sandra, for many years, was a supporter of the Caribbean Carnival in Los Angeles and managed her own costumed band.
Sandra is also known, fondly and respectfully, in the Barbadian community. It was that popularity and respect by her peers that she answered the call from fellow Barbadians to start an organization that represent the Barbadian community in Southern California. She approached fellow Barbadians, June Small Lashley and Gregory Chase and from that meeting the Barbados Association of Southern California (BASC) became a reality. Since BASC’s creation in September 2013, Sandra has been the president. What a testimony of her leadership, dedication and commitment.
This multitalented Libra, is equally at ease running the organization as she is playing the lead acting role in all of the dramatic presentations of the Barbados Association of Southern California. Her signature performance was her role as the Nut Seller in “Bajan Market Scene”.
Sandra is married to Clifford Roach and she is the proud parent of Zachary and Cindy and doting grandmother to Sacred, Avery and Mirakole.
Clearly, her vision, vigor, advocacy, perseverance and caring sensitivity resulted in significant contributions to her community, which directly impacted the lives of many.