2024 Determined To Educate, Inc.
Awards Fundraising Gala

And this year’s honorees…

Sandra has received numerous awards and honors… including 9 Emmys. She was named one of The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Women in

Business, recognized as one of McDonald’s Faces of Black History and presented the Mercy College Quill award for professional achievement.

Sandra is a native of Texas and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism Degree. But she calls living
and working in New York a career highlight. “I am living my dream…except in the dream my apartment was bigger and my thighs were smaller.”

Sandra and her husband, Savio, call Manhattan home.

through the challenges of corporate social constructs.

He cultivated and honed his knowledge earning accreditation from two of America’s premier universities, our finest HBCU, Hampton University, and a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from  Cornell University of the Ivy League. 

His experiences manifested into a perspective that values education, data analytics and keen instinct as the building blocks to his development in leadership excellence in marketing and diversity and inclusion.

Creativity is one of the integral components in the development of comprehensive solutions to complex problems like diversity. Wendell systematized several innovative campaigns for diversity, inclusion and equity in areas of entertainment and sports where little existed before.

Working as the former PGA of America’s Director of Sports and Entertainment Relations and Senior Director of Diversity and Multicultural Initiatives, he led advancements in the PGA’s inclusionary programs and initiatives.

His efforts proudly spearheaded the golf industry advocating that Dr. Charles “Charlie” L. Sifford receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2015, promoted Dr. Sifford’s induction into the PGA of America Hall of Fame and was the catalyst for Lee Elder being an honorary starter at the 2021 Masters. Mr. Haskins also initiated the relationships with NBA All Stars, Chris Paul and Stephen Curry and was the catalyst for Steph Curry to be an ambassador for PGA Junior League golf.

Wendell believes in the power of diversity, how the employment of multi-faceted cultural viewpoints is beneficial to an organization and allows them the flexibility to create messages and communication that will resonate with the widest band of demographics.

performance, discipline, and related topics. She also counsel’s employees on concerns related to applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and other similar federal and state laws.

Prior to this, Trace was Vice President—Compensation, responsible for broad-based compensation strategy as well as Merger Integrations. Responsibilities included all policies and procedures related to pay, pay equity analysis, year-end compensation practices and integration/divestiture of businesses into/out of Verizon. Prior to this Traci was Executive Director—HR Business Strategy, responsible for Verizon’s HR strategy for acquisitions and divestitures.

Also, Traci Sanders was Executive Director—HR Business Partner, responsible for supporting talent management, workforce analytics, and organizational effectiveness for Verizon Partner Solutions and Business Transformation. In addition, she has also supported the Verizon Enterprise Solutions team prior to this role.

Traci was also Executive Director– Systems and Operations. In this role, she was responsible for delivering common HR Processes and systems to maximize efficiencies and streamline the customer experience. Prior to this role, Traci worked as Executive Director—Total Rewards for Verizon Business. In this role she managed the global Total Rewards team and was responsible for broad-based compensation, sales compensation, benefits, business integration, and recognition.

Traci started her career with Hallmark Cards, Inc. She holds a BS degree in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from Florida A&M University. She is the wife to Shane Sanders, former VTeamer and mother to Ariel, Andrea, and Andrew.

 After a long and strenuous recruiting process, Ashley decided to attend the University of Connecticut. During her career at the UConn she was awarded the 2002 Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award and helped her team win 3 National Championships in 2002, 2003, 2004, 4 Final Fours, 1 Sweet 16 and 1 undefeated season. She graduated with a double major in Business Marketing and Economics.

 In 2005, Ashley was selected 25th overall by the WNBA Seattle Storm. Due to the coach’s decision, Ashley was released and was signed by the New York Liberty. She also played for the San Antonio Silver Stars. After every WNBA season Ashley has took her talents to play abroad in Madrid, the Canary Island, and Leon, Spain, Ankara and Alanya, Turkey. Being a professional athlete has never been a major factor for Ashley, however, dedication, loyalty and being a team player is what means most to her. Her performance and drive have made her not only an impressive player for the WNBA, but also a key component that brings confidence and optimism for the game.

With all the experiences that Ashley has encountered it was time to give back. In 2009, Ashley created an outreach foundation named Culture Bound. Culture Bound provides opportunities for the youth to enhance their social skills and help participants to learn more about themselves and how to achieve their personal dreams. Culture Bound’s mission is to provide opportunities and tools for the youth of America. During the camp the campers will learn more about themselves and how to execute their personal dreams. The goal is to provide and unforgettable experience and to explore what the world has to offer. Furthermore, to help the youth discover all the social, educational, economic and cultural opportunities. Statistics show that once the youth of America are given an opportunity to see the world outside of their community, growth can take place.

In 2011, Ashley was inducted into the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) hall of fame. Before moving back to Connecticut, Ashley was the Head Basketball Coach at Chartiers Valley High School. She worked at Barnum Financial Group as the Director of New Business Development. Previously at Nike, Battle served as Manager in charge of Brand Jordan Women’s and Kids Product Line where she oversaw the shoe making process for Women and children. She was the liaison between the various departments and factories that make the shoe come to life. Ashley currently serves as Scout for the Boston Celtics (NBA) for college, professional and overseas. She is responsible for helping to build the team franchise. Battle lives by the quote “Do Epic Things” which she got from her mentor, the late, great NBA Legend/Champion, Kobe Bryant. Ashley currently serves as Color Commentator for the WNBA Games. She is also the Assistant General Manager of The Maine Celtics and serves as Scout for the 2024 NBA Champions, The Boston Celtics.

The Quad Gods

The first all quadripelegic esports team

Founded in 2018 at the Mount Sinai Abilities Research Center, the Quad Gods are pioneering a movement as the first all-quadrepelegic esports team. Through their non-profit organization, they advocate for accessibility and inclusivity through adaptive gaming, and empower individuals with disabilities through community engagement, education, and technology. Their mission is to break down barriers, raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and promote a world where everyone has equal opportunity to participate.

…and more honorees to be announced!!!

In case you missed it last year, our honorees were:

This year will add to the excitement!