The Marquis Who's Who Publications Board recognized Emma Violand-Sanchez as the 2024  recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor reserved for Marquis Biographees who have achieved career longevity and demonstrated unwavering excellence in their chosen field. 

In August 2024, Emma Violand-Sanchez received the prize of being "El Orgullo Boliviano" the pride of Bolivians due to her dedicated contribution to the Bolivian Community and other immigrant residents in the United States.

The Arlington Community Foundation recognized Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchea  with the William T. Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award in 2018 because she epitomizes the best of community, leadership and philanthropy.

Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez received a Women of Vision Lifetime Achievment Award in 2017 from the Arlington County Commission on the Status of Women. The awards are given to individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to issues affecting women and girls and have, over time, developed and communicated their vision for women and engaged community members and other leaders in order to realize this vision.

The Washingtonian of the Year is one of the highest honors our community bestows on people whose commitment to helping others makes this region a better place to live. Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez was recognized in 2016.

The Virginia General Assembly in 2013 offered a resolution to honor Emma Violand-Sanchez, Chair of the School Board of Arlington for her tireless efforts to enhance learning opportunities for students in Arlington County.

In 1986 Emma received the AAUW American Flagship Dissertation Fellowship to conduct her dissertation research on "Learning and Cognitive Styles" of High School Students.