Sandia Gives

Get involved and meet new people while giving back

The annual Sandia Gives campaign is underway and is an opportunity for employees to donate to the nonprofits that matter to them. Employees can enroll in the Sandia Gives campaign through Oct. 21 and support the United Way or any other U.S. nonprofits through payroll deduction.

The United Way of Central New Mexico also offers a way to become involved through donor groups. The groups provide opportunities for networking, social events, volunteering, fundraising and grant allocation. Each group has a particular focus and style, and they all welcome new members.

Whether it’s supporting women in their quest to be educated or employed or helping people experiencing domestic abuse, donor groups play a key role in shining a light on the community. Employees who enroll in Sandia Gives can choose to give to any of the donor groups.

Guys Give focuses on helping domestic violence victims

Image of Gives_guys_1000x750 — **SHADE FOR PETS** — From left, Retired Sandian Matt Schwartz, bottom left, and Sandians Tom Bosiljevac, bottom center, and Matt Cattaneo, top right, join volunteers Anna Werner, top left, and Lucias Begay, bottom right, to help Guys Give build a shade structure for the dog run at the Haven House, which allows their clients to bring their dogs when they are seeking shelter from domestic violence. (Photo courtesy of Guys Give)

Guys Give partners with other donor groups to increase its impact. It recently partnered with Women United to raise money for the Laundry Love program that helps low-income families get their laundry washed. The groups raised enough money to fully fund Laundry Love for a year.

Guys Give believes in building community by meeting monthly for networking and brainstorming at local small businesses. It supports victims of domestic violence through fundraising and volunteer projects and partners with local shelters to identify needs the group can support.

Hispano Philanthropic Society promotes leadership in philanthropy

Image of Gives_HPS-Council_1000x674 — **COUNCIL MEMBERS** — Hispano Philanthropic Society council members are, from left, Justin Martinez, Nicole Hewitt, Aaron Gutierrez, Jade Rivera, Sandia business systems analyst Maura Najera, Andrea Romero, Gabriel Castro, Sandia business management professional Alma Gonzalez-Edwards, Stephanie Jaramillo Kozemchak, Sandia engineer Kenneth Armijo, Angela Gallegos-Macias, Manuel Pino and Ana Trujillo. (Photo courtesy of Hispano Philanthropic Society)

The Hispano Philanthropic Society works to positively affect the New Mexico Hispanic community through recognition of Hispanic leadership, education, mentoring and support of local nonprofit Hispanic-serving organizations through grant funding. It develops relationships, creates partnerships with other Hispanic serving organizations and collaborates with private industry, government and organizations to drive systemic and sustainable change.

“I am thrilled to have recently joined the HPS Council,” said Roberta Rivera, the Sandia Gives campaign manager and the chair for Sandia’s Hispanic Outreach for Leadership and Awareness group. I have a real opportunity to leverage each of these roles and to help support many of our shared focus areas.”

Sandia business systems analyst Maura Najera, who serves on the society’s council, said, “I give back to my community because empowering others is extremely rewarding for me and life changing for them. It is satisfying to know that I am making a difference for future generations.”

Women United is committed to improving women’s lives

Image of Gives_WomenUnited-2_1000x751 — **NONPROFITS THAT CHANGE LIVES** — Visiting Saranam in June to learn more about their work in ending homelessness in Albuquerque, Women United members posed for a picture with Saranam members. Pictured, from left, are Karen Haskell, Sara Sternberger, Cindy Perner, Tracy Weaver of Saranam, Diane Campbell of Saranam and Heidi Herrera, a Sandia engineer. (Photo courtesy of Women United)

Women United works to improve women’s lives through service and funding. Giving to the Women United fund allows them to support agencies that focus on providing housing and life skills for women and their families.

In 2021, the organization provided computer labs for Crossroads for Women and TenderLove, hosted eight nonprofit visits and two social events, and raised $175,000 for its fund. This year, the donor group supported Catholic Charities, Crossroads for Women, Saranam, Susan’s Legacy and TenderLove with grants.

Women United members can attend tours of nonprofits to gain a better understanding of the barriers some women experience. It also offers opportunities to meet and network with community leaders and business executives and participate in volunteer projects and social events.

“Women United has given me the chance to become more connected to our community,” said member Tamara Rodriguez, an engineer at Sandia. “I have gotten to know the agencies that make an impact every day through their work and how I can make a difference with them. I have made connections with other members in Women United and found new opportunities to grow, learn and contribute, and I get to be part of a wonderful group of individuals who have fun while making a difference.”

Young Leaders empower youth

Image of Gives_Young-Leaders_1000x750 — **HAVING FUN, GIVING BACK** — Young Leaders Society Council members at the 2022 Young Leaders Society Signature Event at Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum are, from left, Nicole Hewitt, immediate past council chair Tracy Brewer, Sandia systems engineer and council chair Jason Starner, Sandia librarian Lee Ann Black and Sandia Safeguards and Security manager Bernardo Diaz. (Photo courtesy of Young Leaders Society)

The Young Leaders Society encourages youth in Central New Mexico to donate their time, resources and skills. Its goal is to inspire success in the next generation of leaders by focusing on volunteerism and philanthropy.

The society provides opportunities for members to mentor young students, ages 13-18, as they transition into adulthood. Its donor-supported fund awards grants to local programs that encourage and empower youth through skill building, career exploration and mentoring. It mentors students on tools needed for high school and college success and encourages society members of all backgrounds to share their knowledge and experience.

“If you ever wished you had a mentor when you were younger or perhaps had a role model you looked up to, now is the opportunity to become that person for a young member of our community,” said Jason Starner, a Sandia systems engineer and society member. “Having grown up in Albuquerque, YLS provides me with unique opportunities to give back to the community that supported my education.”

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