About GIFT CONNECT

Our Mission

GIFT CONNECT amplifies the importance of birth to three development through the power of music, technology and collaboration.

Learn More

Our Vision

Our organization is part of solving some of society’s most challenging problems and helping humanity realize its full potential.

Founder & President

Sam Beard

As a visionary and long-term thinker, Sam Beard has spent six decades transforming ideas into far-reaching impact. Sam created and implemented public service programs for eight American Presidents from Nixon to Obama, including six initiatives that each impacted more than 50 million lives.

After completing his education at Yale and Columbia, Sam focused on social justice and the elimination of poverty, working alongside Robert Kennedy in Brooklyn, NY in the mid-1960’s. His most noteworthy accomplishment includes the creation of more than ten million jobs in low-income communities. Sam also launched the Jefferson Awards (now Multiplying Good), the American Nobel Prize for public service and youth leadership, with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Senator Robert Taft, Jr.

Learn More

Our Board

Mark

Holden

Chairman

Mark Holden is a successful entrepreneur, musician, and international recording artist who has founded and operated several companies in a diverse career spanning four decades. He is an advocate for creating values-based businesses that make a difference. Mark believes that true success is measured by how many lives we impact.

Olivia

Soleil

Vice President

Olivia was born in the Republic of the Congo. She is an artist, life coach, mindfulness practitioner, hypnosis practitioner and a Reiki Master. She also served as a Member of the Governor’s Delaware Interfaith Council.

Antonio

Tijerino

Vice President

Toni Tijerino is the President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on education, workforce, social impact and culture through innovation and leadership. HHF is recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 companies, other nonprofits and the Government of Mexico.

Stella

Mengele

Vice President

Stellar Mengele is a gospel music artist, career woman, businesswoman, wife and mother. Born and raised in Kitui County, Stellar began her music career in 2003 and currently serves as the GIFT CONNECT 0-5 Ambassador in Kenya.

Nancy

Leonard

Treasurer

For over 40 plus years, Nancy has worked for Sam Beard, President and Founder of the National Development Council, President and Founder of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service (presently Multiplying Good) as his assistant and program director.

Sandon

Nixon

Secretary

Before joining the GIFT Board, Sandon spent nine years as Regional Advisor Consultant with Hartford Funds building partnerships in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada generating annual sales of $200+million. His work in the non-profit sector spans 20+ years.