Sherry Sanchez Tibbetts

Artist, Brainstormer, Christian, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Event planner, Foodie, Idea generator, Lawyer, Philanthropist, Photographer, Policy maker, Writer/Editor

Sherry Sanchez Tibbetts is a forward-thinking leader dedicated to building inclusive environments where diverse perspectives drive innovation and strategic success. With over 15 years of experience across nonprofit, higher education, and community sectors, Sherry integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into broader organizational strategies to create sustainable impact. Her role as Vice President of DEI at Greater Twin Cities United Way has enabled her to cultivate cross-sector collaborations with Fortune 500 companies, tribal governments, and community organizations, advancing equitable outcomes so that everyone can thrive. As an Indigenous (Comanche) Latina with a background in strategic communications, Sherry emphasizes culturally resonant messaging and deeper community connections to advance organizational goals. While at the Alzheimer’s Association, she convened Hispanic and Latina leaders in the Twin Cities to align the organization’s initiatives with community priorities. This work led to a multi-media partnership with Telemundo, expanding the organization’s reach within the Hispanic/Latine community. Additionally, Sherry developed and co-led a national workgroup that strengthened the Association's engagement with Indian Country which ensured recognition of tribal sovereignty, creation of culturally competent resources, and increased partnerships Sherry’s creativity and curiosity extend beyond her professional work, where her personal interests help inform her leadership approach. She is a photographer and has leveraged her ability to frame the right image as a metaphor for effective communication—selecting the right messages for the right audiences. She is also an avid beekeeper, learning lessons in leadership and collaboration from the hive that inspire her work. Her resilience and commitment are reflected in her dedication to cardio boxing, which fuels her ability to push boundaries and foster growth in all areas of her life. Recently, Sherry has begun to explore emerging technologies, like prompt engineering, which reflects her belief that innovation can drive more informed decision-making, democratize access to resources, and foster equity. Sherry holds a BA from the University of Texas at Austin and a JD from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, with certification in nonprofit accounting. She serves as Board Secretary and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at the Minnesota Humanities Center, and she sits on the boards of Minnesota HACER and the International Association on Indigenous Aging. She is a member of CHIEF and the Forbes Nonprofit Council. Sherry is driven by a vision of a future where equity and opportunity flourish through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to pushing past preconceived notions of what is possible.

Protecting pollinators, the well-being of children, ensuring equitable access to resources, integrity in nonprofit organizations, supporting tribal colleges, historical accuracy in films/books, Star Wars, comparative myths, good food, creating art, learning new languages, reading (fiction), staying connected to my family

Building collaborations, Compliance, Culturally specific communications, Grantmaking, Inclusive strategy design, Native American community engagement, Nonprofit boards, Nonprofit leadership, Policy development, Program development/evaluation, Strategic planning

Interior design, baking sweets and cooking savory dishes, knife throwing, graphology, and seeing potential