Sam Santiago, CDE®

Dallas, Texas, United States Contact Info
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Award-winning Certified Diversity Executive® (CDE), international entrepreneur, corporate…

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  • Tequila Mil Demonios

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Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • Committee Member and Treasurer

    Comité de la Diversidad Sexual de la Costalegre

    - Present 1 year 2 months

    Human Rights

  • Dallas Black Dance Theatre Graphic

    Honorary Chair

    Dallas Black Dance Theatre

    - 6 months

    Arts and Culture

    Since 1973, the Dallas Black Dance Academy has been preparing the fututre generations of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre's dancers and that of countless other dance companies in the US and around the world. I had the privilege of serving as honorary chair, alongf with my husband, for the The Big Dance, the annual fundraiser for the Academy's programming.

    For nearly 50 years, the Dallas Black Dance Academy academy has served as a change agent for improving individual lives and the quality…

    Since 1973, the Dallas Black Dance Academy has been preparing the fututre generations of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre's dancers and that of countless other dance companies in the US and around the world. I had the privilege of serving as honorary chair, alongf with my husband, for the The Big Dance, the annual fundraiser for the Academy's programming.

    For nearly 50 years, the Dallas Black Dance Academy academy has served as a change agent for improving individual lives and the quality of life for the next generation, our community and our nation. Its importnace goes beyond the dance, arts and cultural realms. The Academy's programming changes lives for the better through dance and the arts!

  • City of Dallas Graphic

    Chair, Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (Mayor's Appointee)

    City of Dallas

    - 1 year 11 months

    Arts and Culture

    The role of the Office of Cultural Affairs is to support and grow a sustainable cultural ecosystem that ensures all residents and visitors have opportunities to experience arts and culture throughout the city.

    Members should be persons who are concerned about cultural affairs in the city and may be persons who have professional expertise or substantial volunteer involvement in the following areas: architecture, design or urban planning; visual, performing or literary arts; history;…

    The role of the Office of Cultural Affairs is to support and grow a sustainable cultural ecosystem that ensures all residents and visitors have opportunities to experience arts and culture throughout the city.

    Members should be persons who are concerned about cultural affairs in the city and may be persons who have professional expertise or substantial volunteer involvement in the following areas: architecture, design or urban planning; visual, performing or literary arts; history; science; cultural institutions management; or volunteer cultural board experience.

    The three members appointed by the full City Council also serve on the arts committee of the commission and must meet the qualifications for service set forth in the city's cultural policy. Members shall be assigned by the commission chair as non-voting, ex-officio members of the governing boards of all cultural organizations contracting with the city.


  • Dallas Mavericks Graphic

    Advisor

    Dallas Mavericks

    - 2 years 1 month

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    Advise on issues related to corporate social responsibility, governance, human resources, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and charitable giving to the Dallas Mavericks NBA franchise's Marketing, Sales, International Human Resources and Community Relations functions as well as the Dallas Mavs Foundation.

  • City of Dallas Graphic

    Office of Cultural Affairs Cutlural Policy Planning Committee Member

    City of Dallas

    - 1 year 4 months

    Arts and Culture

    Member of a hand-selected committee of 50+ community leaders, arts enthusiast and cultural patrons working on the creation of trailblazing arts and culture city policy for the next decade. A policy that is inclusive, sustainable and delivers to the people of Dallas and the world, the best of what being an artist in Dallas is all about...and why we love living in the Big D!

  • Director, Board Member and Social Committee Board Liaison

    The Renaissance on Turtle Creek

    - 2 years 1 month

    The Renaissance on Turtle Creek is the largest condominium complex in the Southwest. With over 600 units and 1,100 registered owners/ residents, directors set the strategic direction of the property to ensure a comfortable and safe neighborhood, the proper management of a multimillion dollar annual budget, enhanced relationships with and between neighbors and ultimately watch out for all internal and external real estate, political, environmental, social and economic forces that may impact the…

    The Renaissance on Turtle Creek is the largest condominium complex in the Southwest. With over 600 units and 1,100 registered owners/ residents, directors set the strategic direction of the property to ensure a comfortable and safe neighborhood, the proper management of a multimillion dollar annual budget, enhanced relationships with and between neighbors and ultimately watch out for all internal and external real estate, political, environmental, social and economic forces that may impact the beauty and value of our properties. We also oversee the daily operations and evaluate the performance of hundreds of vendors and contractors that service our community including our management services provider - First Service Residential.

  • International Association for Volunteer Effort Graphic

    Board Member, Corporate Representative and Chair of the Global Corporate Volunteer Council

    International Association for Volunteer Effort

    - 5 years 6 months

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    https://www.iave.org/

  • VolunteerNow (USA) Graphic

    Board Member and Member of the Event Committee

    VolunteerNow (USA)

    - 5 years 4 months

    Civil Rights and Social Action

  • CNM Connect Graphic

    Event Chair "A Night of Light"

    CNM Connect

    - 1 month

    Civil Rights and Social Action

    Successfully met annual fundraiser and event participation goals (in the throes of the economic recession) for what was then the Center for Nonprofit Management. https://cnmconnect.org/

  • Vetted Heroes, LLC Graphic

    Advisor

    Vetted Heroes, LLC

    - Present 7 years

    Social Services

    VettedHeroes is a collaboration of companies introducing military veterans and their spouses with the hiring managers from top companies through events, mentorship, and certified training.

    With new innovations and the support of our partners and sponsors, we will minimize the job-search lifecycle, manual effort and tedious data entry creating a cost-effective reduction in the hiring process, while allowing veterans to become more competitive in the workplace.

    I have the privilege…

    VettedHeroes is a collaboration of companies introducing military veterans and their spouses with the hiring managers from top companies through events, mentorship, and certified training.

    With new innovations and the support of our partners and sponsors, we will minimize the job-search lifecycle, manual effort and tedious data entry creating a cost-effective reduction in the hiring process, while allowing veterans to become more competitive in the workplace.

    I have the privilege of advising the CEO and the organization at large on human capital and partnership issues.

Publications

  • Global Companies Volunteering Globally: The Report of the Global Corporate Volunteer Research Project

    International Asscoiation for Volunteer Effort

    Co-author along with Dr. Kang Hyun Lee, President of IAVE, of the report's foreword thus introducing it to thousands of practitioners in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The Report of the Corporate Volunteer Research Project was presented to GCVC members at their meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA in June 2011. It has three components: the State of Health of Corporate Volunteering around the world, seven learnings based on the interviews with 48 global companies, and a general…

    Co-author along with Dr. Kang Hyun Lee, President of IAVE, of the report's foreword thus introducing it to thousands of practitioners in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The Report of the Corporate Volunteer Research Project was presented to GCVC members at their meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA in June 2011. It has three components: the State of Health of Corporate Volunteering around the world, seven learnings based on the interviews with 48 global companies, and a general overwiew of corporate volunteering of the six regions: Latin America, AsiaPacific, Europe, Africa, Arab Nations and North America.

    Other authors
    • Dr. Kenn Allen
    • Sarah E. Hayes
    • Monica B. Galiano
    See publication

Courses

  • Certified Diversity Executive

    -

  • Executive Leadership Arts Certificate

    -

  • Nonprofit Management Certificate

    -

  • Training Manager Certificate

    -

Projects

  • Hearts on the Trinity

    “A Night of Bites, Beverages and Good Causes,” this event invites local foodies to sample a “tasteful mix” of both up-and-coming and well-loved restaurants and breweries while benefiting great causes.

    Other creators
    See project
  • Event Chair - CNM Connect (formerly Center for Nonprofit Management)

    Chair Event of the largest annual fundraiser for CNM Connect (formerly the Center for Nonprofit Management). Handled all aspects of bringing the different committees together for a very special event aimed at raising unencumbered funds for the Center. Pushed together with the Honorary Chairs Sarah and Allen Losinger, CEO Cynthia Nunn, staff and volunteers to put together a successful event in spite of the challenges posed by the financial recession. We had nearly 500 supporters in attendance…

    Chair Event of the largest annual fundraiser for CNM Connect (formerly the Center for Nonprofit Management). Handled all aspects of bringing the different committees together for a very special event aimed at raising unencumbered funds for the Center. Pushed together with the Honorary Chairs Sarah and Allen Losinger, CEO Cynthia Nunn, staff and volunteers to put together a successful event in spite of the challenges posed by the financial recession. We had nearly 500 supporters in attendance and approximately $500K in donations.

    See project
  • American Volunteers

    Development of entire framework and strategy for first global corporate volunteer program at American Airlines. Extensive research, analysis, and collaboration efforts across business units for the successful implementation of supporting policy, communication and technology of the program.

    Other creators
    • La'Wonda P. Peoples
    See project
  • Dallas Black Dance Theatre's Annual ''The Big Dance 2023''

    -

    Honorary Chair

  • aa.com/joinus

    -

    AA.com/joinus highlights American Airlines community investments through projects and events that bring together corporate, human and civil society stakeholders for focused social purpose and greater impact.

    See project

Honors & Awards

  • DiversityInc's Top Regional Companies 2020

    DiversityInc

    Award received for four consecutive years!

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2020, the…

    Award received for four consecutive years!

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2020, the American Heart Association ranked #5 - up from #6 in 2018 and 19 - on the Top Regional Companies List.

  • Heartbeat Award

    American Heart Association | American Stroke Association

    The Heartbeat Award uses categories that align with the American Heart Association's strategic priorities - new mission statement, strategic value proposition and impact goals - and reinforce the behaviors, competencies and skills of exceptional employees. This is also the first time in many years that the organizations has awarded categories for National Center staff specifically. This particular award was given to only one employee in the Executive Offices.

    Beyond that, this was one…

    The Heartbeat Award uses categories that align with the American Heart Association's strategic priorities - new mission statement, strategic value proposition and impact goals - and reinforce the behaviors, competencies and skills of exceptional employees. This is also the first time in many years that the organizations has awarded categories for National Center staff specifically. This particular award was given to only one employee in the Executive Offices.

    Beyond that, this was one of only 14 award granted to those who represent the best of the best on the organization's national team out of 1,300 national staff. Roughly one percent are being recognized with these awards.

    "You are setting a tremendous example for your colleagues and I want to personally thank you for your commitment to our cause. The AHA is lucky to have you." Suzie Upton, Chief Operations Officer and Award Sponsor

  • DiversityInc Top 8 Regional Companies List

    DiversityInc

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2019, the American Heart Association ranked #6 on the Top 8…

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2019, the American Heart Association ranked #6 on the Top 8 Regional Companies List.

  • DiversityInc Top 10 Regional Companies list

    DiversityInc

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2018, the American Heart Association ranked #6 on the Top 8…

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2018, the American Heart Association ranked #6 on the Top 8 Regional Companies List.

  • DiversityInc Top 11 Regional List 2017

    DiversityInc

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2017, the American Heart Association ranked #9 on the Top 11…

    An extension of the famed DiversityInc Top 50, organizations on the Specialty Lists are recognized on a metrics-driven evaluation that abandons a preconceived set number of companies on a list. They are evaluated on group performance, and the cutoff takes place where there is a significant difference between the top companies and the next runner up. As a result, there may be fewer than or more than 10 companies on a list.

    In 2017, the American Heart Association ranked #9 on the Top 11 Regional Companies List.

  • Excellence in Healthcare Diversity Award

    National/Texas Diversity Council

    Honored bestowed by the National/Texas Diversity Council to leading health organizations in recognition of best practices in diversity, inclusion and health equity. This recognition is part of the Healthcare Diversity Summit programs and events.

  • President's Volunteer Service Award

    The Points of Light Foundation on behalf of President Barack Obama

    The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is the premier volunteer awards program, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition.

  • Earl G. Graves Award for Leadership

    American Airlines

    The Earl G. Graves Award for Leadership in diversity and inclusion is named in honor of Earl G. Graves, an African-American businessman, entrepreneur and former American Airlines board member. While on the Board of Directors, he inspired the creation of American's diversity supplier program, diversity marketing initiatives and a board diversity committee. He has since sat on the boards of several major corporations, and in 2002 Fortune magazine named him one of the 50 most powerful and…

    The Earl G. Graves Award for Leadership in diversity and inclusion is named in honor of Earl G. Graves, an African-American businessman, entrepreneur and former American Airlines board member. While on the Board of Directors, he inspired the creation of American's diversity supplier program, diversity marketing initiatives and a board diversity committee. He has since sat on the boards of several major corporations, and in 2002 Fortune magazine named him one of the 50 most powerful and influential African-Americans in corporate America.

    A talented and diverse team of professionals lead the way to success at American Airlines. Everyone’s unique experiences and perspectives add value to how we approach and achieve our goals in this competitive industry. The American work environment promotes collaboration and inclusive practices because we want our employees to feel that American is a great place to work. We feel that fostering a culture of respect and inclusion allows team members to achieve their full potential and that’s key in helping restore American to the greatest airline in the world.

Languages

  • English

    -

  • Spanish

    -

Organizations

  • Society for Diversity

    Member at Large

    - Present

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