Her Working Success Story Sandy Pekeur-Sandy

Once upon a time, there was a remarkable woman named Sandy Pekeur-Sandy. As a full-time mom and caregiver to her special needs son, Joshua, Sandy’s journey would transform her life and inspire others.

For 15 years, Sandy had dedicated herself to the corporate world, learning valuable lessons along the way. However, her heart was always with Joshua, who was born on April 2, World Autism Day, and diagnosed with autism at the tender age of two. Joshua’s educational journey was filled with transitions, as he attended nine different schools and had four caregivers. It was a rollercoaster ride, but Sandy was determined to give her son the support and love he deserved.

The turning point came when Sandy made the courageous decision to leave her corporate job behind and become a full-time mom and caregiver for Joshua. This newfound dedication allowed them to explore their passions together, particularly in the kitchen. Cooking and baking became their shared bond, a place where they could have fun and create beautiful memories. Sandy realized that being there for her son’s development was a priceless opportunity she didn’t want to miss while working full-time.

The turning point came when Sandy made the courageous decision to leave her corporate job behind and become a full-time mom and caregiver for Joshua.

This newfound dedication allowed them to explore their passions together, particularly in the kitchen. Cooking and baking became their shared bond, a place where they could have fun and create beautiful memories. Sandy realized that being there for her son’s development was a priceless opportunity she didn’t want to miss while working full-time.

Together, they found solace and joy in the kitchen, bonding over cooking and baking. Sandy realized that being there for Joshua’s development was priceless, and she wanted to make a difference in the lives of other parents. Thus, she founded the Nosh for Josh Foundation, raising awareness and providing support to fellow parents.

During this journey, Sandy experienced the loss of both her parents, burdening her with grief and sadness. But Joshua, with his innocent smile, asked her to bake cookies together, invoking memories of her talented baker mother. Baking became their therapeutic escape, washing away the pain.

On Joshua’s 15th birthday, they launched “Joshua’s Cookies” with the slogan “Be My Voice, One Cookie at a Time.” The response was overwhelming, and they baked approximately 21,000 cookies, spreading joy, and creating connections. They even organized 33 community bakeoffs involving special needs youth, fostering a sense of belonging and celebration.

On Joshua’s 16th birthday, they established the Joshua Sandy Institute for Diverse and Inclusion, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse needs. Joshua became the boss, and Sandy took on the role of manager, leading their mission with passion and determination.

Balancing their professional and personal responsibilities required effective time management. Sandy created visual boards to map out their schedules, ensuring they stayed on top of their commitments.

Through community bake-offs, Sandy witnessed the profound influence she had on others’ lives. She became a role model, spreading messages of hope and witnessing the joy caregivers and children experienced while baking together.

Sandy faced challenges and moments of sacrifice as a working mom, but she never regretted leaving her corporate job. Her dedication to her son’s well-being and her entrepreneurial ventures brought her fulfillment. Prioritizing “me time” in the mornings, planning, and maintaining clear boundaries helped her find harmony.

Sandy encourages other working moms to embrace the challenges, knowing that patience and perseverance are key. Building a support system and believing in oneself is crucial. Success takes time, and the challenges faced by women in business should fuel determination, not discourage.