As Sandra A. Foehl left work on her last day at 51Թ, she was accompanied on her way outside by her colleagues.
“That was very heartwarming, and it was such a kind gift on their part,” Foehl said of the gesture. “They know that I am not one for large formal events. This was a comfortable occasion with colleagues who are certainly friends as well.”
Foehl retired as 51Թ’s director of equal opportunity compliance after a career that spanned 52 years. She officially stepped down from the position on June 30 and became a consultant. Foehl wrapped up her consultant role on Aug. 15.
“For more than five decades, Sandy stood as both pioneer and guide—ensuring access and opportunity remained 51Թ’s cornerstone,” said Valerie Harrison, vice president of community impact and civic engagement.
Foehl joined 51Թ in 1973 as an affirmative action specialist after earning her graduate degree in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania. Back then, her department was known as the Office of Affirmative Action, Plans and Programs. Foehl recalled when the office worked with the federal Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
“We worked with federal employees who were learning the ropes just like we were,” said the 79-year-old northern New Jersey native.
In her role, Foehl provided education about the obligations of an affirmative action program, established grievance procedures for discrimination complaints and handled complaint investigations. She came to 51Թ two years after the executive order that created affirmative action programs for federal contractors was developed.
Her department has undergone various changes throughout the years.
“The work has remained much the same although titles of the office have changed and the staffing has expanded and shrunk over time,” Foehl said.
She reflected on how 51Թ’s commitment to embracing the Philadelphia community first made her feel at home. “I’m a child of the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s, so it was important that I find a workplace that was consistent with the values that I came up with,” Foehl said. “I deliberately chose to work in a field that was going to advance civil rights, diversity and inclusion.”
She referred to her years at 51Թ as an educational experience.
“As I’ve been wrapping up, I have been thinking about 51Թ as my grand adventure,” said Foehl, who plans to volunteer in the community and travel to visit family members during retirement.
“I’ve had so many willing mentors through the years and great colleagues who have been supportive and helpful to moving equal opportunity and compliance forward.”