Meet Our Team

Queeta Lopez is the Founder and Executive Director of SIS Leadership Foundation. As a Liberian American who grew up in the inner city of St. Paul, she understands firsthand the challenges of financial instability and limited access to resources. A first-generation college graduate, Queeta earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and later obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology. She is passionate about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women to thrive both personally and professionally.

For over a decade, Queeta has been dedicated to bringing women together through empowering events, including vision board parties, networking gatherings, and mentorship programs. These experiences ignited her passion for creating a structured, impactful platform where women of color could connect, learn, and grow. In early 2024, this vision became a reality with the launch of SIS Leadership Foundation.

As a licensed real estate agent for past 5 years, Queeta witnessed the financial disparities in her community, particularly the lack of knowledge around homeownership, investing, and wealth-building. This fueled her passion for financial education, leading her to advocate for increased access to resources that support long-term economic stability. She is also committed to entrepreneurship education, ensuring that women of color have the tools and support needed to build and sustain their own businesses.

Through SIS Leadership Foundation, Queeta continues to create transformative pathways for women of color, equipping them with the knowledge, mentorship, and financial support to excel in all aspects of their lives—whether it’s purchasing their first home, launching a business, advancing their careers, or prioritizing their health and wellness.

Hannah Franklin is a visionary entrepreneur, real estate investor, and dedicated advocate for economic empowerment. As the Vice President & Board Chair of SIS Leadership Foundation, she is committed to equipping women of color with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve financial independence, homeownership, and entrepreneurial success.

With a strong background in business, economics, and policy, Hannah has spent years fostering opportunities for underrepresented communities. Her experience includes certifying small businesses for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, securing grant funding for business initiatives, and developing sustainable real estate projects to support housing and wellness programs.

A serial entrepreneur, Hannah owns multiple businesses, including a fashion brand for tall women, a property management company (with a focus on assisted living and section 8 tenants), a car rental service, an e-commerce store, and working on a community agricultural project. Her passion for financial literacy and business development is reflected in her work, where she mentors and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to build sustainable wealth.

As a real estate investor and housing advocate, she has provided Section 8 public housing for families in Minneapolis for over six years. She is also leading efforts to create affordable housing solutions for seniors and underserved communities through innovative real estate projects and grant-funded programs.

Hannah's leadership at SIS is driven by her belief that women of color deserve access to financial education, resources, and networks that can help them thrive. Through mentorship, workshops, and strategic partnerships, she continues to pave the way for economic empowerment and community-driven success.

Chaise Sanders is a visionary leader, educator, and marketing strategist with a passion for empowering individuals and organizations through intentional training, development, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience across education, real estate, and nonprofit leadership, she brings a dynamic skill set to her role as Director of Programs & Communications at SIS Leadership Foundation.

Chaise has spent the last 10 years as a licensed REALTOR® in both Minnesota and South Florida, where she not only excelled in real estate but also became a Certified Continuing Education Instructor, equipping fellow professionals with the tools needed to grow and thrive in a competitive market. Her passion for teaching and professional development is matched by her gift for branding and social media marketing, where she has helped countless entrepreneurs and organizations build compelling online identities.

Prior to her real estate career, Chaise served as a Director at the YMCA for over 10 years, where she led impactful community programs and cultivated strong, inclusive relationships that advanced the organization’s mission. Her experience also includes a role in elementary education, further demonstrating her lifelong commitment to empowering people of all ages through knowledge and support.

At SIS, Chaise leads the development and execution of strategic programming and manages the organization’s brand, communications, and digital presence. 

With a powerful blend of business acumen, educational insight, and community-centered leadership, Chaise continues to inspire and equip women of color to lead boldly, grow strategically, and build lasting legacies.