The Adopt a Scholar initiative allows us to walk alongside people who are already doing stuff that matters. We’re pleased to introduce you to some incredible people!
Dina Blazek
Dina Blazek has spent over 33 years in the events industry, using her expertise not only to plan memorable celebrations but also to lift up those in need. Her behind-the-scenes magic has supported countless causes—from children in hospitals to families facing hardship to anyone who could use a little extra hope.
For the past several years, Dina has poured her heart into Project Elf, a grassroots holiday initiative that delivers gifts, connection, and comfort to patients undergoing chemotherapy during the Christmas season. She joined the original Project Elf crew after meeting founder Sharon Grammer through an ovarian cancer support group, following the loss of her own mother to the disease in 2009. Today, alongside her co-chair and dear friend Keesha Carter, Dina continues to grow Sharon’s legacy, ensuring that no patient feels forgotten during the holidays.
She’s also spent more than a decade volunteering with The Ballantyne Ball, using her talents to help raise vital funds for causes that matter most in our community.
As a Sandbox Professional Scholar, we’re proud to support Dina in expanding the reach of Project Elf—ensuring this labor of love continues to bring joy, healing, and hope to even more patients and families in the years to come. Because in The Sandbox, we believe in showing up for those who’ve spent their lives showing up for others.
Help Us Adopt This Scholar
Click here to explore Dina’s project — or click here to offer your help.
Joe & Jamie Walker
Joe Walker is a former attorney and business executive who stepped away from the boardroom to pursue a more personal mission—supporting young people through the lens of mental health. After a volunteer trip to Africa, he and his wife, Jamie, returned home with a renewed perspective and made the decision as a family to adopt two boys, joining the four children already at home. That moment reshaped their sense of purpose and deepened their shared commitment to service.
Now a licensed counselor, Joe supports kids, teens, and young adults navigating life’s emotional and developmental challenges. Jamie, a fierce advocate and steady force behind the scenes, has been instrumental in building their shared vision: to expand access to compassionate, whole-person care for families who often fall through the cracks.
As Sandbox Professional Scholars, Joe and Jamie are exploring innovative ways to meet mental health needs—from increasing therapy access to exploring advanced tools like brain-based assessments that may help track functioning and progress over time. With growing momentum and community support, they’re working to ensure that families of all backgrounds can find care that’s rooted in empathy, insight, and hope.
Help Us Adopt This Scholar
Click here to explore Joe & Jamie’s project — or click here to offer your help.
Leah Williams
Leah Williams is a financial advisor, community leader, and passionate advocate for helping people live boldly and lead with purpose. As the founder of Savvy Financial, she guides individuals and business owners in crafting tax-efficient, purpose-driven financial plans that reflect not just their goals—but their values. She’s also the co-founder of EmpowHer, a growing community where female entrepreneurs come together to thrive—not only in business, but in life.
What began as a small gathering of women seeking connection has evolved into a powerful circle of support, growth, and accountability. Through EmpowHer, Leah creates space for people to step fully into their light—personally, professionally, and spiritually. Her events, insights, and presence inspire others to dream big and take meaningful action in their lives and communities.
Leah is the first to say there’s always room for growth—constantly seeking new ways to improve, learn, and serve. But what never changes is her deep desire to add value in every space she enters. Whether she’s hosting an event, offering financial guidance, or simply being present with her husband and 3-year-old son, her mission is the same: to leave people better than she found them.
As a Sandbox Professional Scholar, Leah is expanding her impact in bold new ways. In partnership with The Sandbox, she’s launching a nomination-based initiative to identify and support purpose-driven changemakers within her circle. Together, we’re building a bridge between encouragement and action—creating a community of impact makers who feel seen, supported, and empowered to do stuff that truly matters.
Help Us Adopt This Scholar
Click here to explore Leah’s project — or click here to offer your help.
Vanessa Connolly RDN, CSR, LD
Vanessa Connolly is a passionate renal dietitian on a mission to ensure people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receive the compassionate, informed support they need—before they reach dialysis. She’s spent the last 20 years helping patients understand how to take back control of their health without giving up the foods they love. With heart, clarity, and a coaching style rooted in empowerment, Vanessa meets people where they are and helps them thrive—one bite at a time.
She’s the founder of Vanessa Connolly Nutrition, LLC (Grain & Green Kidneys), a virtual CKD private practice based outside Charleston, South Carolina, serving clients nationwide. A Maryland native now living in the Lowcountry, Vanessa has helped hundreds of people improve their GFR levels, reduce symptoms, and make peace with their plate—without fear, shame, or overwhelm.
Vanessa’s connection to The Sandbox runs deep. She played a pivotal role in Neil’s own health journey, guiding him with practical tools and genuine care. That experience sparked a shared purpose: to make proactive, life-changing CKD support more accessible, human, and hopeful for everyone who needs it. As a Sandbox Professional Scholar, she continues that mission—changing lives and shifting the CKD narrative for good.
Vanessa is a Board-Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition and a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park. She completed her dietetic internship at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her expertise also includes Medical Nutrition Therapy for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and plant-based diets. She brings a whole-person approach to care, focusing not just on food, but on sleep, movement, and stress as key parts of healing.
When she’s not working, you can find Vanessa out on the trails with her husband and two wild kiddos, soaking up the sun or catching a true crime podcast.
Help Us Adopt This Scholar
Click here to explore Vanessa’s project — or click here to offer your help.
Cianne Davis
Cianne is a force—equal parts joy, grit, and deep compassion. A Student Award Recipient and long-time member of a Hero Family in The Sandbox, she brings her whole heart to everything she touches. She began her college journey at Clemson University, carrying with her a story shaped by both extraordinary love and profound loss. Born during her brother’s sixth round of chemotherapy, and just a baby when he passed away, Cianne grew up with a firsthand understanding of what it means to fight for joy in the shadow of grief.
Her family’s battle for her brother’s life shaped her deeply, as it does for so many siblings. But rather than letting sorrow numb her, Cianne has channeled her experiences into courage, empathy, and an unshakable belief in what could be. She’s wise beyond her years, fiercely loyal, and the kind of friend who shows up with hope in hand. A natural risk-taker, she’s learning to hold both success and failure loosely—and to trust that her story doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
In The Sandbox, Cianne has found more than community—she’s found a mirror for her strength. This space has amplified the strength and spark already inside her, reminding her that even when the journey takes unexpected turns, she’s never walking alone.
Help Us Adopt This Scholar
Click here to support Cianne’s wishlist — or click here to become a mentor.
James Govan
James Govan is a student at Central Piedmont Community College, where he’s pursuing a future in Pharmacy Technology. A longtime member of The Sandbox family, James is a quiet force—thoughtful, gracious, and grounded. He was once crowned Prom Prince at a Sandbox event, a fitting symbol of the light he brings into any room. Raised by a devoted single mother and now mentored by longtime Sandbox friend Dave Maloney, James is growing into a poised, professional young man who leads with quiet strength and deep wisdom.
James was born with a complex set of medical challenges—from kidney disease and heart issues to multiple surgeries and years of dialysis. He received a kidney transplant at age six and has faced more hospital stays than most people see in a lifetime. Yet through it all, James has never been defined by his diagnosis. He’s an artist with a vivid imagination, a Sonic the Hedgehog fan, and a resilient spirit who draws strength from faith and creative expression. Art has been his outlet, his anchor, and his way to turn dark moments into light.
As a Student Scholar, James inspires us not just for what he’s overcome—but for who he is: humble, curious, and committed to growing into the kind of person who gives back. He’s a wonder and a warrior, and The Sandbox is proud to walk beside him as he continues forward.
Help Us Adopt This Scholar
Click here to support James’ wishlist — or click here to become a mentor.
