Evelyn Sands, a 2023 MMEG grantee, was born and raised in Washington, DC. As of 2026, she is pursuing a BA in psychology at Trinity Washington University as a full-time student while also working at SOME, Inc., where she supports those in recovery with mental health and substance abuse disorders move toward stabilization. A few years ago, she was selected to advocate as a volunteer on the DC Behavioral Health Council for quality services to groups in underserved neighborhoods with mental illness, trauma, and substance abuse.
Evelyn's career goal is to help women become self-sufficient so they need not remain in abusive relationships or depend on broken systems to obtain care. She hopes to become a life coach to motivate families to their full potential and to start a wellness center—Destined 2 Spark—after she graduates to provide counseling to those who need it in her community. She expects to graduate in 2027.
Evelyn is recognized as having uncanny abilities to connect with people who have mental health challenges. Her own life struggles—a painful childhood and raising children with special needs—have helped her gain exceptional skills in handling her high stress profession while exercising self-care. She has gained a reputation for leadership and commitment to her community. She also finds ways to support wellness programs for mental health professionals in services like hers, and is currently writing her autobiography.
