About Us Our Board Members

Founding Board Member – (Sandylane Oquendo) In 2002, Sandylane Oquendo left her native Puerto Rico to serve her country. She spent over a decade in the United States Army, where she became one of the few women to complete three

combat deployment tours in Iraq. In January 2013, Sandylane retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant, having exemplified courage and leadership.  Sandylane holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Business Occupations and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Management and Leadership from Texas A&M University-Central Texas. She recently earned her Doctor of Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University, further cementing her commitment to education and excellence.

After her military service, Sandylane transitioned into the non-profit sector, where she continues to make an impact. She has held significant roles, including Veteran Program Coordinator at Dress for Success Houston and Homeownership Promotion and Preservation Program Director at Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation. Sandylane currently serves as a Senior Program Officer for U.S. Territories at Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), guiding

community development efforts across U.S. territories through the Civic Solutions and Rural LISC national programs.  In addition to her formal education, Sandylane is a Certified HUD Housing Counselor and an Asset Master Trainer certified by Credit Builders Alliance.

In 2021, driven by her desire to close the wealth gap for minority youth, Sandylane launched the Joy Oquendo Foundation with the support of community leaders. The foundation embodies the passions of her children and is committed to providing lasting solutions that make a real difference.

Sandylane continues to demonstrate selfless service in every aspect of her life, driven by her vision of closing the racial wealth gap—one child at a time.

 President – Command Sergeant Major Mark Anthony Hyde (RET) USA

 Mark Anthony Hyde is a retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major who 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 leadership courses. He is Air Assault and Rappel Master certified. His civilian education includes degrees in Computer Science (Excelsior College) and Business Management (Central Texas College), along with certification in electronic instrument repair. CSM Hyde completed four tours in Germany and one in Korea, earning numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), and the Gold Recruiter Badge. He is the owner of MAH3 Investment Enterprise, LLC, and a dedicated community leader, serving as President of the Garden of Hope Central Texas, Killeen AARP Chapter 4381, and the Texas District Exchange Clubs. He also mentors veterans at the Ft. Cavazos Veterans Treatment Court and serves on several local boards supporting education, housing, and senior citizens. 

 Programs/Advocacy Committee Chair  - Tondalayo Hall is the Managing Director of Per Scholas Houston, a tuition free tech training organization, where she leads strategy, programming, fundraising, community engagement, and data-driven decision making. Tondalayo is a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience, including over a decade of impactful workforce development. Tondalayo is passionate about fostering economic mobility and bridging the skills gap in local economies.

Marketing– Pacifica is a Navy veteran who has worked and lived all over the world.   She likes stories.  She likes hearing them and telling them, but showing them is her favorite.
In  collaborating with writers, producers, and clients, her role as a  Producer/Editor goes beyond editing; it's about transforming raw footage  into compelling narratives.
With  over two decades in production, her passion for storytelling manifests  in the Emmy Award-winning content she helps create, leveraging project  management skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other high end production software.