Today we’d like to introduce you to Sebastian Sanders
Sebastian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sebastian Sanders’ journey began with a deep-rooted passion for making a difference in the lives of young people, especially those who come from underprivileged backgrounds. After graduating with a degree in business administration management, I began my career at Pepsico as a Sales District Manager, where I honed my retail and leadership skills. This experience later fueled my entrepreneurial endeavors, including opening a thrift store. But throughout my career, I always felt a strong pull toward community service and mentorship.
In 2017, I founded The Sanders Hand, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth. The idea was born from my understanding of the struggles many young people face and my desire to create a platform that would give them the tools to succeed. What started as a small initiative quickly grew into something larger, with programs designed to teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
In 2021, we launched the Young Billionaire Club (YBC) to further our mission. This program goes beyond traditional education, offering students real-world experiences through our YBC Thrift Store and providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and become community leaders. Today, The Sanders Hand operates not only in Houston and San Antonio but also as far as Ghana, West Africa, impacting thousands of lives and creating pathways for a brighter future.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped The Sanders Hand into what it is today. One of the biggest struggles was securing funding in the early stages. As a new nonprofit, competing for grants and sponsorships against more established organizations was difficult. We had to prove our impact without the luxury of a long track record, which meant constantly innovating and finding creative ways to stretch our limited resources.
Another challenge was building an impactful program from the ground up. While we had a clear vision, turning that vision into a reality required a lot of trial and error. From developing the curriculum to finding the right partnerships, every step required patience and persistence.
Additionally, I faced the challenge of a lack of experience in running a nonprofit. While I had a background in business, navigating the nonprofit sector was a whole new world. However, our youthfulness became our strength. We brought fresh ideas, energy, and a strong connection to the communities we serve. Our drive to make a difference kept us going, and we’ve learned to turn obstacles into opportunities.
These struggles have made us resilient, and they’ve allowed us to create a program that truly resonates with the youth we serve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Sanders Hand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2017 with a mission to empower at-risk youth through business and financial literacy training. We specialize in providing free educational programs that equip young people aged 12-25 with the skills necessary to achieve financial independence and entrepreneurial success.
Our flagship program, the Young Billionaire Club (YBC), was launched in 2021 and focuses on imparting essential financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills through engaging, hands-on sessions. What sets YBC apart is its combination of classroom learning with practical experiences. The YBC Thrift Store, an integral part of our program, offers students real-world business training and digital financial literacy opportunities. This unique model allows participants to apply their knowledge in a tangible way, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
We are particularly proud of our expansive reach and impact. Our programs extend beyond Houston and San Antonio to international locations, including Ghana, West Africa. This global presence underscores our commitment to making a difference on a larger scale and highlights our ability to adapt and grow in diverse environments.
Our brand stands out for its commitment to both education and community development. We are known for our innovative approach to financial education and our dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
What we want our readers to know is that The Sanders Hand and the Young Billionaire Club are not just about teaching financial skills; they are about creating opportunities and fostering a mindset of possibility and leadership. We are passionate about empowering young people to take control of their futures and make a positive impact on their communities.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that pain and challenges are temporary, but persistence and simplicity lead to long-term success. It’s crucial to keep moving forward even when faced with difficulties, knowing that they won’t last forever.
Additionally, focusing on doing one thing exceptionally well before expanding is key. By honing in on a single area and mastering it, you build a strong foundation. Once that foundation is solid, you can gradually expand and explore new opportunities. This approach not only ensures that you deliver high-quality results but also creates a more sustainable path for growth and impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sandershand.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandershandorg/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandershandorg/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQOK037kjTkkU9RTX3ShJkw
