Experienced Philanthropy Professional.

Sandra is the President and Principal Advisor of SJL Advising, a philanthropic advisory service that guides individuals, families, and foundations to define and live their purpose. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Sandra guides donors through every stage of their philanthropy, regardless of size, structure, or areas of interest. She helps donors define their WHY, develop their HOW, and clarify their WHAT for a fulfilling and impactful philanthropic journey.

Prior to expanding her reach through her consulting practice, Sandra successfully built and led philanthropic programs at the intersection of donors’ interests and the needs of the community, with direct responsibility for $10M - $100M annual grantmaking portfolios at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Paul G. Allen’s Ebola Program at Vulcan, Inc., and the Walder Foundation.

Sandra is a scientist by training, a curious learner at her core, and a boundary-spanner by nature. While she advises across a range of social impact areas and approaches, she also brings the necessary expertise for science philanthropy. Sandra’s unique expertise and perspectives are drawn from her lived experience and career at many altitudes, from fieldwork and laboratory research to funder and policymaker. She was a Neglected Tropical Disease research scientist in the field and the laboratory for over a decade before moving to the funder’s role, where she has over 10 years of program strategy and grantmaking experience. Sandra’s expertise also straddles the policy realm, having served for two years as a Senior Advisor on Gender, Education, and Health in Secretary Clinton’s Science Advisor’s Office at the U.S. Department of State.

SJL Advising provides bespoke services for high-net-wealth (HNW), very-high-net-wealth (VHNW), and ultra-high-net-wealth (UHNW) individuals, donors to DAFs (Donor Advised Funds), family offices, private foundations, and corporate giving. Sandra is a trusted thought partner committed to infusing integrity, equity, and creativity into every philanthropic engagement. She believes in pushing the boundaries of possibility and igniting genius so that together we can solve grand challenges and create a better world for all.