Alicia Sanchez is on a mission to help those in need through several of her inspiring platforms, including her podcast "Dear God Are We There Yet," and book Crafts Create Change that launches this July. With that being said, Alicia and I go way back to our high school days (go class of 2002). Her joy for life has always been infectious and she fought her own cancer battle with such strength and poise. Now that she's mom to an adorable little girl, Alicia is teaching her daughter beautiful lessons about social consciousness, social impact, and the importance of being kind. This is one amazing mompreneur who never ceases to amaze me.
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
You don’t have to be rich or famous to help people.
You are such an inspiration in every aspect of your life and you’ve battled cancer with such resilience and optimism. What drives you?
Life! Look around us, nature is beautiful, the world is full of surprises with so many places to explore, see and eat. I am a different person 15 years ago then who I am now. Everything I do is leaving an experience and legacy for my daughter and generations to come. The teachings and experience about social consciousness, social impact and the kindness of helping people is what I want to leave for my daughter. She is her own person and will live her own life but for her to grow up and feel inspired and know that the most beautiful and precious valuable things in life are time and love.
"Dear God Are We There Yet" is your podcast and inspiring platform. What was the impetus behind it?
I’ve always been extremely passionate about my roots and the history that follows and I knew the world was bigger than Dominican Republic. I would remember in Middle school doing all my projects on different parts of the world to learn, understand and explore in my own mind. When I was 14 years old my parents wanted to continue the tradition as the only daughter to throw me a Quinceañera. Which means the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood; and I was like no please just do something small in our home because I wanted something totally unexpected. I set up an entire presentation and pitched my idea to go to Paris for my Birthday. Forget the traditions of becoming a woman spending thousands to impress people who are going to just criticize everything about the event. My parents agreed and we were off for Paris two weeks before my actual 15th birthday. I knew at that moment my life would be changed forever. It also changed my Parents life and from that day they have nonstop traveled to more places in Europe then I have. I knew that I wanted to be immersed in the world with other cultures, languages. Later on as I did Fashion and Business in college I had the opportunity to continue my travels and no matter what I was doing I always made time to volunteer in multiple capacities. It wasn’t about having this God complex that people have when they volunteer. For me it was how can I help solve a problem or alleviate this situation. What can I do in my life, or business to stop enabling these issues? I knew that poverty was always so complex and I just didn’t get it. Life happened and as I was pursuing my business of fashion consultancy, I owned a kids fashion design school and was planting seeds through the things I loved but I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to create a community that could help every type of cause in this world.
Tell us more about your nonprofit?
We’re a Volunteer Travel Community that connects people globally to communities and causes to make an impact through volunteering. We currently provide virtual opportunities online but what makes us unique is that we provide a volunteer program called Impact Connect for companies as a benefit for their employees or team members. We make it easy for companies to support social impact while empowering employees to volunteer and engage with causes that matter to them.
Every company has a financial vision but they should also align their vision with helping people from the heart. As a non-profit, we wanted to have a self-sustainable approach and by providing these services to companies we are able to continue the reciprocity through grants and volunteer vision trips and ultimately one-day Children’s Cultural Centers worldwide. Not to mention our latest book Crafts Create Change that launches July 2021. Which inspires people to make unique crafts and sewing projects that they can make and donate locally or globally through our database. Remember when COVID hit how so many people helped with making masks? We have over 40 projects to support other causes that are in constant need of our support. It’s a tool for positive change in your community and in the world.
What is one fact that most wouldn’t know about you?
I am obsessed with organization, labels, color coded folders, systems, clear containers and just everything HGTV. Now if you ask me if it stays that way with a 18 month old toddler that’s a different story and although I love home décor I am not good at it in any way!
Now time for some fashion talk. How would you describe your personal style?
I loving mixing styles, colors, prints and eras and being overdressed to go to the grocery store doesn’t phase me. I am obsessed with vintage clothing and I will travel state lines to find the best Goodwill, it’s that serious.
Who’s your celebrity style crush?
Jennifer Lopez since 1995.
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
Dresses with Sneakers! If I really have time, I’ll throw a vintage blazer.
What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?
Lipstick and Skincare. My mom wore this magical red lipstick growing up, I say magical because I always thought she had this power every time she wore it and she NEVER I repeat NEVER left the house without it and had backups in every purse. So I have this love for lipstick and great skincare that can hug up all my melanin.
Which shoe brand do you love most?
I don’t have a favorite honestly. My feet are big and wide hahah so for me it’s all about comfort and the ability to have the perfect size. Whichever brand can accommodate me becomes my love at that moment.
What’s your favorite shoe style?
I am an island girl at heart so I love a good sandal, sandal with a heel, sandal with straps, sandal with sparkle. Plus, as a mom flats become your best friend!
Why do you like the line of products by Protect My Shoes?
Travel friendly, helps keep my shoes looking new. I love that they maintain the shoes shape!
What is your dream travel destination?
Bora Bora! It’s been a dream since I was a kid.
If you could have dinner with three special guests, who would they be?
This is so hard because most of the ones I would choose have passed away. In this instance I would say Celia Cruz, God, and my Uncle Lito who is no longer with us.
Follow Alicia and her wonderful philanthropic platform on Social Media!
Instagram: @deargodarewethereyet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgawty
Twitter: @dgawty