A visionary nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of leadership, she has founded and led major institutions including the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, Inc., the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Florida, and the Jacksonville Puerto Rican Parade. Her work has earned recognition from the City of Jacksonville, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of Florida, and multiple Puerto Rican parades dedicated in her honor. She also played a key role in establishing the Sister Cities partnership between San Juan, PR and Jacksonville, FL, and organized the first direct flights from Jacksonville to San Juan. A well‑known advocate for the Latino community in Northeast Florida, she also served with the U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau overseeing 17 counties. Nationally certified as a Certified Nonprofit Executive (CNE), Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC), and Certified Development Executive (CDE), she now leads United Council for Aging with a lifelong commitment to dignity, access, and opportunity for all.
A respected community and faith‑based leader, she has spent years guiding families and individuals through important life decisions with expertise in health‑plan navigation and real‑estate advisory services. Known for her integrity, compassion, and commitment to service, she plays a key role in strengthening organizational operations by ensuring clear communication, accurate record coordination, and seamless support across leadership initiatives. Her dedication to uplifting diverse communities and her ability to bring people together make her an invaluable part of United Council for Aging’s mission and daily work.
A respected community figure and faith‑based leader, she is widely known for her compassionate guidance and her commitment to strengthening the well‑being of individuals and families. As a licensed counselor, she provides trusted support to both faith communities and the broader public, helping people navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Her work reflects a deep dedication to promoting healthy living, emotional balance, and spiritual growth, making her a valued and influential leader within the communities she serves.
Sandra is the Founder and President of Abrazos Network, Inc., a nonprofit strengthening support systems for caregivers, patients, and families. She created the organization after serving as the primary caregiver for her mother, whose dementia and cancer journey revealed gaps in culturally informed guidance and compassionate care. Since relocating to Jacksonville in 2004, Sandra has advanced community impact through leadership roles with the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce of Northeast Florida, and Daniel Memorial. She also supports Daniel Memorial nationally as staff for its Annual Independent Living Conference, serving as an international consultant. A foster and adoptive parent, she understands the complex needs of children and families and has been recognized by multiple agencies for her commitment to service, advocacy, and equity. Through Abrazos Network, she promotes culturally responsive support, education, and resources so no one faces these challenges alone.
She is an accomplished professional in personal risk management and health‑benefits advisory services. With strong experience guiding individuals and families through complex protection plans and regulatory documentation, she has also offered her leadership on several community boards. Known for precision, integrity, and a deep commitment to service, she strengthens the mission of United Council for Aging through her dedication to advocacy, accountability, and community empowerment.
A dedicated community advocate and owner of a professional security services company, he brings extensive experience in staffing and training security personnel. He is known for stepping in whenever he sees a need and for supporting vulnerable families and seniors with integrity and compassion. His commitment to safety, service, and community empowerment strengthens the mission of United Council for Aging and adds valuable leadership to the Board of Directors.
