Anthony Sanchez sees himself as an individual who has a vision and a calling to do his part to make the world a better place and bring more peace into the world: peace with oneself, peace with others, and peace with nature. 

Growing up New York City, Anthony didn’t have access to nature and the benefits that nature provides. At the age of 13, he got into trouble and was sent to a Catholic institution in upstate New York. There for the first time, he experienced the things rural residents take for granted, like skating on a frozen pond, riding horses, and hiking in the woods. The importance of his first experience with the outdoors was that it led him to say “yes” the next time. So many young people of color today growing up in similar low-income urban environments are often disengaged with the natural world and need that first experience that builds their awareness of and connection to nature.

When Anthony was a student at Hampshire College in the early 70’s, he had a vision while meditating in the forest. An eagle spoke to him and told him to start an organization called Eagle Eye Institute, an institute of higher learning. He held on to that vision until he met MaJa, and together they co-founded Eagle Eye Institute in 1991. Anthony was the volunteer Executive Director until 2003 and continues his engagement as a member of the Foundation Team. This has been a tremendously rewarding endeavor for him as he has brought together diverse people that wouldn’t otherwise have worked together for the benefit of youth.