Sandra Gordeeva (Partner since 2024)

Sandra joined SVP Vancouver in 2024. With a career as an ESL (English as a second/additional language) educator and youth employment specialist, Sandra was drawn to SVP by the opportunity to support youth-focused nonprofits through more than just financial giving.

Q+A

How were you introduced to SVP?
I first learned about Promise Vancouver, a recent Investee of SVP Vancouver, during the annual Month of Generosity initiative at The Way Church. Promise Vancouver’s programming for kids and focus on wrap-around support drew me in. As I learned more about their needs, I started to learn more about SVP Vancouver and their model of  giving back through time and expertise as well as finances.

What’s one thing you hope to learn through SVP?
I want to better understand what challenges nonprofits face and what has helped different organizations overcome such hurdles. These insights can be shared with the broader community and inspire change, connection, and collaboration.

What inspires you to make a difference?
In anything I do, I’m inspired by how much change can happen through simple listening and gentle words of encouragement. You might never know the impact of a moment of kind presence with someone and how it can make a real difference in their life.

Most memorable SVP experience so far?
I expressed interest in being a Lead Partner to the SVP staff team. To ensure a mutual fit, the SVP team facilitates a first meeting with potential Investees. I’ll never forget my first Lead Partner match meeting with Promise Vancouver. It felt natural, like it was meant to be. I kept thinking, “What are the odds that this kind of magic happens?”

What social issue are you most passionate about?
Right now I’m most curious about ways to build community and beat loneliness. Promise Vancouver aligns so well with this, especially for teenagers who can feel isolated or outcast. The way they build cohorts – intentionally keeping them to 20 people so everyone is seen, heard, and valued – creates space for vulnerability and lasting connections.

What did you dream of being as a kid?
A trolleybus driver. I loved the idea of welcoming people through small, daily interactions and providing an essential service. Driving the same route might seem routine to some, but I liked the thought of noticing small changes and creating moments where people feel seen and welcomed.