Sandra Abigail Adams

Sandra Abigail Adams is an American advocate who is passionate about raising awareness of domestic violence, supporting survivors’ rights, combating bullying, addressing workplace abuse, standing against gender-based violence, and advancing women’s rights.

Born into Boston’s most esteemed Brahmin families and Scottish royal and noble lineages, Adams is descended from key figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the history of America, Scotland, and the UK.

With a rich legacy in American politics and intellectual life spanning over 150 years, Adams’ family history has profoundly shaped her lifelong passion for law, government, politics, and advocacy. She is proud to be descended from Scottish kings, including the Black Douglas Branch, whose history of leadership and influence has all shaped her understanding of public service and commitment to justice.

Her diverse ancestry, with roots in English, Scottish, Irish, and Germanic heritage, has deepened her global perspective and reinforced her belief in the power of identity, legacy, and lived experience in shaping one’s purpose.

Early Life and Education

Adams was born on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, and grew up in Kailua and Kãne’ohe before relocating to the mainland. In early childhood, Adams’s intellectual gifts were unmistakable—she was reading at a college level by the time she reached first grade. Her remarkable intelligence led to an offer to skip three grades, advancing her directly from first to fifth grade. However, she chose to decline, opting instead to stay with her friends—a decision she later came to regret.

She completed her education through independent study and graduated from La Sierra High School in Fullerton as Valedictorian, an honor awarded to one student from each independent study site; her site, Buena Park High School, selected her for this distinction.

Adams has faced significant challenges in her life, having been diagnosed with CPTSD and anxiety after enduring twenty-five years of abuse and violence. Despite these hardships, she has shown extraordinary resilience and emotional strength, emerging as a fighter both personally and professionally. Her journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and accolades in both academia and her career.

In pursuit of her goals, Adams returned to finish her education. She started at Los Angeles City College, where she studied fingerprint identification before moving to West Los Angeles College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal and an Associate degree in Administration of Justice.

Adams earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, with concentrations in Law, Politics, and Policies, as well as Global Politics. As an undergraduate, she served in student government, earned two scholarships—including the $3,500 Crankstart California Community College Transfer Scholarship—and was recognized for academic excellence. In Fall 2022, Adams was one of nine students chosen to participate in the Judicial Internship/Apprenticeship program, where she was mentored by two judges, an Assistant District Attorney, and a Public Defender.

Adams is continuing her education at Boston University—one of the nation’s most prestigious and globally recognized institutions.. She currently maintains a 3.88 GPA, placing her in the top tier of her class, and has been inducted into both the Phi Alpha Delta Society of Scholars and the Alpha Alpha Alpha National Honor Society. As an Ambassador, she represents the BU Metropolitan College (BU MET) student community and supports outreach and engagement initiatives for prospective and new graduate students. She was also selected as a student contributor for a BU MET film project highlighting exceptional MET students.

In addition to her graduate studies, Adams completed Harvard Law School’s Zero-L program, an intensive introduction to legal reasoning, U.S. court systems, and foundational law coursework.

Adams is honored to be part of the inaugural 2026 Pathways to P.A.D. cohort, a selective program that supports leadership and pre-law development. This opportunity allows me to grow as a leader, engage with mentors, and prepare for the next steps in my legal journey.

Career

Her advocacy and leadership began when she took the initiative as a Liaison Officer for Southwest Regional, before serving as President of the Iota-Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi. In this role, she worked closely with several AKPsi chapters, especially the Delta-Omicron Chapter at CSULB, where she fostered strong collaboration and built lasting connections, all while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to professional development.

Advocacy and Community Engagement
Adams served with the Associated Students Government at California State University, Long Beach, where she worked on several initiatives to improve student life and campus infrastructure. From June 2022 – June 2023, Adams worked closely with the Future U Project, which aimed to redesign the University Student Union. During this time, she represented over 37,000 students at the California Higher Education Student Summit Conference in Sacramento. She also participated in CSUnity Conference in August 2023, collaborating with student government members from the other 22 CSU campuses to address pressing issues.

In her student government role, Adams served on several key committees, including the Scholarship Review Committee, the Grades Appeal Committees for both the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Engineering, the Parking and Transportation Committee, the Committee on Athletics, and the Program and Review Committee. Additionally, she served in the Elections Violation Hearing, adjudicating violations related to campaigning during the 2022 ASI Presidential Elections.

During her tenure, Adams also used digital advocacy to highlight student experiences and push for meaningful institutional change. In Spring 2023, she created a TikTok video reflecting on the university’s graduation ceremony, which left many students—including first-generation and parenting students—without shade, water, or restroom access during a 90-minute outdoor program. The video received over 20.6K views and sparked broad discussion across the campus community. Shortly afterward, CSULB announced significant improvements to commencement, including the return of stage walks for the first time since the pandemic, expanded access to water and restrooms, shaded seating for graduates, and a renewed emphasis on celebrating students. Because Adams completed her degree in December 2023, she was able to join the Class of 2024 under the improved ceremony format, finally experiencing the recognition she had earned.

After graduating, Adams saw another idea she had championed during her time in student government begin to take shape. At the Fall 2022 ASI retreat, she shared an inclusion initiative inspired by Berlin, Germany, where the Pride flag is raised regularly in October to foster visibility and belonging. Adams suggested that CSULB adopt a similar practice to support LGBTQ+ students. Although the idea was not implemented during her time on campus—and was initially set aside in 2023—it remained in discussion among student leaders. Then–ASI President Nikki Majidi, who was part of Adams’ original discussion group, continued to carry the idea forward. In Fall 2024, the Pride flag was officially raised at the University Student Union during OUTober, bringing to life an inclusion effort Adams had introduced two years earlier.

Adams also completed the Leadership Academy for two consecutive years, developing civic-minded leadership skills and learning to connect academic insights with real-world applications.

Advocacy to End Domestic Violence & Workplace Abuse
Adams is currently serving as a State Advocate with End Workplace Abuse, actively working to pass groundbreaking legislation in California—the Workplace Psychological Safety Act—which addresses psychological abuse in professional environments. This advocacy reflects her deep commitment to protecting individuals from harm at work and beyond. Through both policy advancement and direct support, Adams champions survivors of abuse, promotes mental health awareness, and works toward a future defined by justice, equity, and safety in all areas of public life.

Adams has continued her advocacy work, focusing on domestic violence and survivor support. As a member of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, she actively collaborates with organizations and legislators, across the state to drive systemic change, raise awareness, and improve the lives of survivors. Her efforts focus on creating policies that not only address the immediate needs of survivors but also advocate for long-term solutions to break the cycle of abuse.

In June 2025, Adams completed the Victims’ Rights Training: Victim of Crime Compensation, hosted by the Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic and led by Monica Wheaton-Howell, Assistant Chief at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Victim Witness Claims Unit. This training provided a comprehensive overview of California’s Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) system and equipped advocates with practical tools to support survivors in accessing compensation for expenses related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

In addition to her work with CPEDV, Adams remains committed to raising awareness about the challenges survivors face in education and the workplace, advocating for legal protections that allow them to rebuild their lives without facing discrimination or additional barriers. Drawing on her personal experience as a survivor, Adams uses her platform to educate and push for policy changes that ensure all survivors have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Public Service
Adams served for over a decade as a civilian employee in public safety with the City of Los Angeles, where she built a strong foundation in public service and community engagement.

In January 2024, she joined the inaugural cohort of the Long Beach Public Service Corps as a Legislative Fellow, serving until the fellowship ended in July 2024. Afterward, Adams continued her dedication to the City of Long Beach by taking on the role of Alumni Chair with the Economic Development Department’s Workforce Development Bureau. In this position, she supported the second cohort of fellows and helped enhance the Long Beach PSC Fellowship Program until the role concluded in October 2024.

Adams has received numerous certificates of recognition and appreciation for her service in public service and ASI Student Government. These honors include recognition from the Cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as from members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the California State Senate, and the California Legislative Assembly. In 2023, she was awarded Lobby Corps Member of the Year for her outstanding contributions, advocacy, and dedication to service and excellence.

Corporate Leadership & Organizational Development
Adams currently works at The Walt Disney Company in public safety and as a scheduler. During her time there, she also served as a facilitator for the SES Vision and Values Cast Member Showcase, where she transitioned to the Sustainment Team. Adams champions the needs of cast members in her department, advocating for their well-being and fostering an inclusive environment through continuous support and active engagement.

With over fifteen years of experience spanning public safety, advocacy, and public service, Adams continues to drive impactful initiatives across various sectors, from student leadership to public safety, always prioritizing the well-being of the communities she serves.

Ancestry and Heritage

First American Political Dynasty
Adams’ lineage stretches back to some of America’s earliest pioneers, including  John Alden, a Mayflower crew member and signer of the Mayflower Compact, who played a pivotal role in the founding of Plymouth Colony. Alden’s legacy as a steadfast pioneer anchors her deep roots in American history.

She is born into one of America’s most prestigious and influential families—the Adams political dynasty, she is the fourth cousin of President John Adams, ten times removed. The family also includes President John Quincy Adams, and Founding Father Samuel Adams, a leader of the American Revolution. Their contributions to American democracy, particularly their commitment to public service, liberty, equality, and justice, continue to inspire her today. 

The development of the Adams Presidential Center in Quincy, Massachusetts, marks a monumental step in honoring her family’s legacy. In 2022, the City of Quincy established The Adams Presidential Center & Foundation to create a dedicated space to preserve and share the Adams family’s extraordinary story. The Center invites every American to draw inspiration from the Adamses’ contributions and their unwavering commitment to shaping the nation. As a descendant of John Adams, she feels a deep pride in witnessing his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Boston Brahmin
Adams’ ancestry also ties her to Boston’s most esteemed Brahmin families, including the Adams, Boylston, Crowninshield, Coolidge, and Quincy families, with connections to the Endicott, Norcross, Otis, Peabody, and Sedgwick families. Adams’ family also includes connections to the Spencer Family in the United Kingdom. These families have not only shaped the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the United States, contributing to the country’s social and political landscape.

Scottish Royalty and Heritage
Adams’ heritage is deeply intertwined with the storied royal and noble histories of Scotland and the United Kingdom. As the 23rd great-granddaughter of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s legendary king, Adams is connected to one of the most influential figures in Scottish history. Robert the Bruce, who became King of Scotland and led his people through the Scottish Wars of Independence, is remembered for his role in securing Scotland’s independence from England. His legacy continues to resonate as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the fight for freedom.

She is also directly descended from Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland, her 22nd great-grandfather, who held a key noble office that gave rise to the Stewart family name. His son, King Robert II of Scotland, her 21st great-grandfather, became the first monarch of the House of Stuart. Robert II’s reign marked the beginning of one of Scotland’s most enduring royal dynasties, which would later lead to the Union of the Crowns and the eventual formation of Great Britain. Adams is part of a long line of royal ancestry.

Adams is descended from both the Red Douglas and Black Douglas branches, reflecting the deep intertwining of Scotland’s noble families. She traces her direct lineage to Sir James Douglas of Dalkeith of the Red Douglas line. Her connection to the Black Douglas branch is through Sir William Douglas of Nithsdale, a prominent knight of the Black Douglas cadet line.

This rich tapestry of alliances highlights Adams’ descent from some of Scotland’s most storied noble houses, embodying a heritage of leadership, resilience, and enduring influence.

This legacy isn’t about thrones or titles. It’s about the strength to rise, the courage to lead, and the conviction to fight for what’s right. Maybe that’s why justice has always called to her. When asked about her career choice, she replied, “Maybe I’m not just chasing a dream — maybe I’m answering a legacy”.

Personal Life

When she’s not studying or working toward her career in law, Adams prioritizes the experiences that restore her energy and broaden her perspective. She enjoys traveling and has explored parts of Germany and France, along with destinations across the United States, embracing opportunities to learn from different cultures and communities. One of her most humbling experiences was visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland, a moment that deepened her understanding of history, resilience, and the importance of remembrance.

Adams enjoys listening to music as a way to unwind and stay inspired. Her music tastes are diverse, ranging from artists in German and French to various genres across the spectrum, including music from the 20s through the 90s, with her favorites being from the 80s and 90s. Her favorite band is Rammstein, and she never misses an opportunity to see them in concert.

Above all, she cherishes spending quality time with her friends and family, whose support and love have been essential to her journey. Her passion for history influences her travel and fuels her curiosity about the world, its past, and how it shapes the future.

Awards & Honors

Adams has received numerous awards for her academic achievements, contributions to student government, and professional career. A complete list of her awards can be viewed here, and her credentials can be viewed here.

---