Sandra’s Story

Sandra M. Duque was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. In 1996 Driven by her passion and determination, she left her family and homeland to pursue the American Dream. Her dedication to excellence, discipline and hard work earned her a tennis scholarship at the University of Texas, where she completed her studies.

Following her graduation, Sandra began her professional career at Black & Decker. A year and a half later in 2003, she transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where she found her true calling. It was during her tenure at Shire that she met Mike Yasick, Vice President of the Gastroenterology Division. More than a mentor, Mike played a pivotal role in shaping Sandra’s career. Tragically, on March 13, 2013, Mike passed away from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare and degenerative heart condition.

During the flight to Michigan for Mike’s funeral, Sandra experienced a profound moment of inspiration. Feeling a divine message in her heart, she wrote the words "Mission of the Heart" on a piece of paper. This moment marked the beginning of a new journey.

Upon landing, Sandra immediately reached out to her friend Juliana and asked her to research the steps required to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. By October 2013, Mission of the Heart was officially recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit organization. The foundation is dedicated to supporting other charities and institutions through medical, educational, and fundraising initiatives, all driven by a commitment to service and love from the heart.