Sandra J. Evers-Manly

Sandra J. Evers-Manly grew up in California and resides in Washington, DC. She is a sought-after speaker in the areas of diversity and inclusion, corporate responsibility, ethics and images in the media. As a fervent philanthropist, Evers-Manly has lived her life purposefully with open eyes and an open heart ready and willing to make a difference in the lives of others. Her passion for making a positive and real impact on behalf of otherwise under-recognized projects and causes by channeling her efforts and resources has been both inspiring and lasting. Whatever it is, she finds a way, and makes it happen. Sandra has an especially strong commitment to working with and encouraging young people to thrive and excel - getting them excited about education, especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; while bringing attention to the impact of serious community issues like gang violence. Sandra also shares an equal and enduring passion for the arts – giving opportunity to talented up-and-comers, celebrating the unsung heroes and she-roes of music and film, and keeping art appreciation alive and thriving in schools. Ms. Evers-Manly has been nationally recognized by numerous organizations for her boundless commitment and positive impact on education, the arts, community-building, and the advancement of diversity in the corporate world and in film. Her efforts and influence in these areas have been a continued focus throughout her professional career and across her many entrepreneurial, cause-related and philanthropic endeavors. Most recently, Sandra was selected by the University of Southern California (USC) Alumni Association as one of a small group of 2019 86th Annual USC Alumni Awards honorees. Past recipients of this prestigious award, which recognizes the professional achievements and outstanding university and community service displayed by a select group of noteworthy Trojans, includes Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong '70, world-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry '54, opera great Marilyn Horne '53, and Academy Award-winning filmmakers Robert Zemeckis '73 and Ryan Coogler '11. Sandra has taken the story-telling she has often shared with others about how she was raised by her mother's favorite words using the letter "L", and turned it into a new, non-fiction book for parents, educators and others. "Raised Up by Mrs. Manly & Her Ls" recounts the daily lessons that helped shaped how she lives today. Inspired by her mother's teachings, she herself has adopted her own single-word lessons using her favorite letter "C" - Character, Compassion, Conviction, Care, Commitment, Certain, Complete and Cherish.