About Us Our Board Members
Dr. Sandylane Oquendo
Founding Board Member
Dr. Sandylane Oquendo is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, accomplished scholar, and dedicated community leader. In 2002, she left her native Puerto Rico to serve her country, spending more than a decade in uniform and becoming one of the few women to complete three combat deployment tours in Iraq. She retired in January 2013 with the rank of Staff Sergeant, having exemplified courage, resilience, and leadership throughout her military career.
Dr. Oquendo holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Business Occupations and a Master of Business Administration in Management and Leadership from Texas A&M University–Central Texas. In pursuit of her passion for lifelong learning, she earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University, a testament to her commitment to education and excellence. She is also a Certified HUD Housing Counselor and a Credit as Asset Master Trainer through the Credit Builders Alliance.
Following her military service, Dr. Oquendo transitioned into the nonprofit sector, where she continues to make a powerful impact. She has held key leadership roles, including Veteran Program Coordinator at Dress for Success Houston and Homeownership Promotion and Preservation Program Director at Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation. Currently, she serves as Senior Program Officer supporting the Civic Solutions & Rural LISC teams, where she advances community development efforts across rural America and U.S. territories.
In 2021, driven by her vision of closing the racial wealth gap for minority youth, Dr. Oquendo founded the Joy Oquendo Foundation alongside community leaders. Rooted in the passions of her children, the foundation is committed to creating lasting solutions that empower young people to thrive.
Dr. Oquendo’s life and work embody selfless service, resilience, and vision. From the battlefield to the boardroom, she continues to lead with purpose—dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap, one child at a time.
Michael Román Oquendo
Michael Román Oquendo has always combined passion, leadership, and a heart for service. His journey began in the FFA program, where he made a significant impact by winning Grand Champion Showmanship in both his junior and senior years, showcasing his dedication, skill, and leadership from an early age. Inspired by his experiences in FFA, Michael initially pursued a career in veterinary science and was accepted into the Animal Science program at Sam Houston State University.
Through reflection and experience, Michael realized his true passion lies in serving his community, and he aspires to pursue a medical degree. Strategically navigating the complexities and costs of medical education, he chose to complete courses at a community college while simultaneously pursuing a career in public service. After a rigorous 8-month process, Michael has been accepted into the Houston Fire Department Academy, where he will begin training in fall 2025 to earn his EMT certification, serving the community while preparing for medical school.
Michael’s generosity has been evident from the start. As a student, he applied for the $10,000 scholarship that served as the seed funding for the Joy Oquendo Foundation, and he donated 100% of his scholarship to provide scholarships for other students. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to giving back reflect the values of the foundation and inspire the next generation to serve with heart.
Joy Oquendo
Joy Oquendo is a freshman high school student, a varsity swimmer, and has been competing since the age of six. She is pursuing the Fashion Design and Business Management career pathways, with aspirations to attend college to earn a Fashion Design degree while continuing her collegiate swimming career.
From an early age, Joy has demonstrated a passion for leadership, service, and advocacy, using her voice to support causes that matter most to her. Through A Cup of Joy, which she owns and operates, and other initiatives, she has raised over $10,465 through various fundraising efforts, supporting initiatives such as the Texas Children’s Hospital, the Roth Elementary School library, Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria relief, and her swim clubs.
Joy’s dedication to leadership extends beyond fundraising. She has been involved in Student Council since sixth grade, participated in the Leadership Academy and Heroes Academy, and was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, serving as President of the school chapter for 2024–2025.
In the pool, Joy has achieved multiple swim milestones, consistently demonstrating discipline, perseverance, and teamwork as a competitive swimmer at both the varsity and club levels.
Through her entrepreneurship, advocacy, athletic achievements, and community impact, Joy embodies the mission of the Joy Oquendo Foundation: inspiring young people to lead, give back, and make meaningful change.
Mark Anthony Hyde
President
Mark Anthony Hyde is a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who proudly served from September 1979 to October 2005, completing 26 years of distinguished service. A graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class #49), his extensive military training included missile systems repair, radar programming, mounted fighting vehicle systems, recruiting, and multiple leadership courses. He is also Air Assault and Rappel Master certified.
In addition to his military career, CSM Hyde pursued higher education, earning degrees in Computer Science (Excelsior College) and Business Management (Central Texas College), along with certification in electronic instrument repair. He completed four tours in Germany and one in Korea, receiving numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), and the Gold Recruiter Badge.
Today, he is the owner of MAH3 Investment Enterprise, LLC and a dedicated community leader. He serves as President of the Garden of Hope Central Texas, Killeen AARP Chapter 4381, and the Texas District Exchange Clubs. He also mentors veterans through the Ft. Hood Veterans Treatment Court and contributes his leadership to several local boards supporting education, housing, and senior citizens.
Jasmine Payton
Secretary/Treasurer
Jasmine serves as the Admissions & Student Affairs Coordinator at the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, where she plays a key role in guiding students toward both academic and professional success. Beyond higher education, she is the proud owner of JazzE Esthetics, a Houston-based practice dedicated to helping clients feel confident and comfortable in their skin.
With a passion for community building and mentorship, Jasmine brings a unique blend of organizational expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and compassion to the Joy Oquendo Foundation. Her commitment to empowering and uplifting the next generation of leaders reflects the very heart of the foundation’s mission. As Secretary/Treasurer, she ensures both the integrity of our operations and the strength of our community connections.
Pacifica J Sauer
Marketing & Fundraising Committee
Pacifica is a Navy veteran and seasoned storyteller who has lived and worked across the globe. With more than two decades in production, she has honed her craft as a Producer/Editor, transforming raw footage into compelling narratives that captivate audiences.
Her love of stories—hearing them, telling them, and most of all, showing them—drives her creative approach. Collaborating with writers, producers, and clients, Pacifica goes beyond editing to shape Emmy Award–winning content that resonates and inspires. She combines her passion for storytelling with strong project management expertise and advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other leading production tools.
Claudia Sanchez-Lopez
Programs & Advocacy Committee
Claudia Sanchez-Lopez is a professional community leader with over 12 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate leadership. She is dedicated to building partnerships, connecting resources, and creating processes that expand opportunities for all. Bilingual in English and Spanish and proficient in technology, Claudia brings both cultural insight and strategic expertise to every role she serves.
Our Partners
