“ The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have. “
“ If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. “
JOEL E. SANCHEZ
Creating innovative Solutions For Community Development
Technology ｜ Sports ｜ Education
BIO
Joel Sanchez has been directly involved with education, organized recreation, after school programs, civic engagement and technology for 14 years.
Joel is one of the founding Coordinators and Directors of the Department of Youth and Community development’s Cornerstone initiative, which transforms NYCHA Community Centers into true community hubs for children and their families. While operating out of the NYCHA Soundview Houses Community Center, he founded the Bronx River Cornerstone Center in 2008, The Soundview Cornerstone Center in 2009, and the Sonia Soto Mayor Cornerstone Center in 2010. In each of these, Joel became one of the most prominent community organizers in those communities by leading numerous fundraisers, civic advocacy, developing programs and services benefiting the immediate communities and the rest of New York City.
Later on, during his time within the NYC Community School Launch (On a large scale) under Mayor De Blasio and Chancellor Farina, he has been successful in starting up the Community School Model in one of the first 200 Community Schools in New York City. Managing 4 middle schools labeled “Persistently Dangerous” and “Renewal”, he provided leadership that has led to a ”Good Standing” rating and founded 2 new schools with 1,000 students with exemplary attendance and academic gains. Joel has received numerous honors from the mayor’s office and a personal commendation from the NYC Chancellor of Education. He was recently a model Community School Director under Phipps Neighborhoods in New York City.
At the age of 14, out of frustration from poverty, he maintained a journal where he outlined what the ideal athletic organization would look like for a child like him. In 2011, he realized his dream of founding his own non-profit organization, focusing on underserved communities in the Bronx. Legacy Volleyball was meant to impact 12 to 15 student athletes from Preston and Lehman High School, which is where he has been coaching for the last 14 years. In just 7 years, Legacy Volleyball Club has served roughly over 6,000 student–athletes, has helped pave the way for college for numerous student-athletes and has now expanded to provide services beyond just volleyball. This tremendous achievement led to the up-and-coming CBO known as Legacy Athletics, which focuses on providing student-athletes with wrap around services for students via mental health, mentoring, tutoring, after school, intramural and organized sports. Additionally, Legacy Athletics provides services to the whole family, as parents are provided with similar opportunities tailored for adults. Legacy Volleyball is the Bronx’s premier club for Volleyball Athletes.
Despite all of the experience in the world of education, community based organization and non-profit business; his truest expertise is in technology. With degrees in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, he enjoys being behind the scenes of it all. Currently, he owns GeeksKeep, which is a software consultation company and is working on an innovative, world-changing project called “My Friend”, with a few friends from MIT.
Here are a few articles written about Joel and his work over the last few years:
A Bronx Campus Renewal Program Takes Shape With New School Year
New Coach Preston Pick Up Big Opening Win Over Defending Champ
Joel is currently focusing on building Legacy Volleyball & Legacy Athletics, is the Chairman of Agents of Change Charter School and the Director of Boys Volleyball under the USAV (GEVA) Board of Directors.
BRANDS
SERVICES
SPORTS
Youth Sports Consultant
Applying cutting-edge research and industry knowledge to develop creative solutions for the issues found within youth sports organization. I work with organizations to help create a program that produces better athletes and better people. From top clubs to community recreation programs, I have the tools to help address any aspect of an organization – from children, parents, and coaches to programming and evaluation.
TECHNOLOGY
Data Management Systems
With a Business Performance Management focus, I develop the applications, process and tools necessary to have an effective and efficient data management system. Ensuring that information is available, accessible and comprehensive with artificial intelligence at the core.
EDUCATION
School & Non-Profit Consultant
With a vast understanding of education and community, I provide innovative, measurable and realistic solutions to address core issues in education, which include: Targeted academic structures, attendance, after school / recreational programs, Mental Health, Family and Community Engagement and fundraising.