About Our Founder

Dr. Sandra L. Lindsay, DHSc, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, FADLN
A Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, FAAN, Global Health Advocate, Author and Founder, Sandra Lindsay Foundation

She currently serves as Vice President of Public Health Advocacy at Northwell Health, where she champions initiatives to reduce health disparities, improve access to care, and advance health equity. She has been instrumental in organizing life-changing surgical missions to underserved communities in her native Jamaica, now in the third year, performing more than 30 pro bono gynecologic surgeries for women in the public health system-restoring dignity, relieving suffering, and improving quality of life. Through her Sandra Lindsay Foundation, she also spearheads the Dignity for All initiative addressing period poverty and supporting young girls with ongoing access to essential menstrual health resources and education.

Dr. Lindsay holds a Doctor of Health Sciences from A.T. Still University, A Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Hofstra University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Herbert Lehman College. Her exceptional contributions to healthcare have been recognized with two honorary doctorates – one from her alma mater Hofstra University and another from Mercy University. With over three decades of experience as a critical care nurse, nurse leader, and advocate, Dr. Lindsay continues to inspire others through her speaking engagements, community service, and mentorship. She frequently collaborates with organizations, academic institutions, and global leaders to build sustainable healthcare solutions.

Sandra is a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, the nation’s highest civilian honor among several other accolades for her unwavering commitment to healthcare and humanity. She is a celebrated author, with her memoir, First in Line: How COVID-19 Placed Me on a Healthcare Crisis, detailing her extraordinary journey from her upbringing in Jamaica to becoming a symbol of hope and a voice for the underserved.

A proud immigrant, Sandra credits her upbringing for instilling the values of caring and sharing, which guide her personal and professional endeavors. When she’s not changing lives through her advocacy, Sandra enjoys traveling, exploring fashion, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Her story continues to inspire countless individuals to live with purpose and strive for a healthier, more equitable world.