Her Story
About Sandra
Sandra Clerizier is a multi-dimensional leader with more than eight years of experience in mentoring, coaching, counseling, recruitment, management, and community engagement. Her professional background includes enterprise account management, people and sales management, business operations, B2B sales, and governmental work.
She is recognized for her ability to build strong relationships across leadership levels and for using strategic thinking, strengths-based leadership, lean startup practices, and growth-mindset principles to help organizations and individuals achieve meaningful goals.
A Howard University graduate with additional academic experience at Florida International University, Sandra has developed a career centered on empowering young people, particularly teens and young women.
She has pursued training and certification in guidance, counseling, and coaching while working toward licensure as a mental health therapist serving teens and adolescents. Through workshops, mentoring, and community initiatives in schools, churches, and other organizations, she works to provide young people with encouragement, practical guidance, and tools to navigate personal and professional challenges.
Beyond her professional career, Sandra is deeply involved in leadership, service, and advocacy. She has held leadership roles with Adventist Young Professionals and the NAAAHR Atlanta Chapter, including responsibilities related to chapters, programming, events, resources, and management.
She is also the founder of Powerful Girl Broadcast, a nonprofit initiative focused on empowering girls and young women, and has participated in organizations including AmeriCorps and Adventist Campus Ministry.
As a speaker and community leader, Sandra uses her voice and experiences to inspire others, emphasizing perseverance, adaptability, faith, service, and the importance of continuing to move forward even when the path changes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, my upbringing, my faith in God, and the values of hard work and service they instilled in me. A personal experience in high school, when I struggled to find the courage to speak up for a friend, ultimately inspired me to find my voice and dedicate myself to supporting young people. Since then, I have made it my mission to mentor, coach, and counsel young girls and teens from diverse backgrounds. My work is driven by a passion for empowering others, serving my community, and helping young people make positive decisions about their futures.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to never give up and always be willing to pivot. If one path doesn’t work, I believe in trying another until I find a stable and fulfilling direction that allows me to grow, build meaningful connections, and achieve my goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never wait for permission to use their voice. Be willing to learn, find trustworthy mentors, and remain confident in the value of your perspective. Protect your integrity, establish healthy boundaries, and do not allow rejection or comparison to make you question your purpose. Continue developing your skills, build genuine relationships, and create opportunities when traditional doors do not open. Most importantly, stay grounded in your faith and remember that success is not only measured by titles or recognition, but by the lives you positively impact. Your voice, experiences, and vision are needed. Enter every room knowing that you belong there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenges are limited funding, mental health stigma, and unequal access to support. However, digital platforms and community partnerships offer powerful opportunities to reach, educate, and empower more young people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are family, meaningful relationships, and maintaining a healthy balance in life. Outside of work, I enjoy writing, playing the guitar, taking walks, getting enough rest, and spending quality time with my family and friends. These interests help me stay grounded, creative, and connected to the people who matter most.
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