How it all began
Our journey began with a woman who embodied courage, grace, and unstoppable determination: Dr. Sandra Williams Ortega. Born in Baltimore in 1937, Sandy was a woman of firsts—a trailblazer who turned barriers into stepping stones.
In 1958, she became Maryland’s first African American woman commissioned as a U.S. Air Force Officer, personally appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. With a Master’s in Social Work, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Morgan State, and a Ph.D. in Sociology, Sandy’s career spanned military service, substance abuse and mental health programs, disaster relief, and education.
Her impact reached far beyond the Air Force. She championed military families, created the Air Force’s International Spouse Support Program, and stood on the front lines of disaster relief during Hurricane Katrina—earning her a day in her honor by Mayor C. Ray Nagin.
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Who is Sandy?
Sandy is our inspiration, our matriarch, and the reason we craft every product with purpose and love.
She taught us that being in a position of power means using that power to fight injustice, no matter the personal risk. As she once said:
“If you are in a position of power and do not push back on oppression and unjust behavior—whatever the personal risk—you have abdicated your responsibility to help make a more just world.”
Sandy’s legacy reminds us that every woman of color deserves to be seen, celebrated, and empowered. Through her story, we see the power of resilience, advocacy, and unstoppable spirit—a legacy that lives on in every candle, every plate, every crafted treasure we create.
And the rest is history
Who is Sandy? stands as a living tribute to Dr. Sandra Williams Ortega and the countless women of color who, like her, light the way for generations to come.
Our brand is more than a business—it’s a celebration of boldness, creativity, and empowerment. Every piece is infused with Sandy’s spirit: her defiance of stereotypes, her devotion to community, and her unwavering belief that every woman’s voice deserves to be heard.
The rest is history—a history that lives on through every handcrafted creation, every customer who chooses to honor her story, and every woman who finds inspiration in Sandy’s legacy.
At Who is Sandy?, we invite you to carry that history forward with us—one beautiful, empowering piece at a time.
Ready to step into her legacy?