University of Minnesota Athletics
Tony Sanneh Joins Gopher Athletics for Speaker Series
12/1/2022 1:19:00 PM | Leadership U
On November 9th, Tony Sanneh joined Gopher Athletics for a Leadership U Speaker Series event. Tony is a former U.S. Men's National Soccer player and founder of his own non-profit, The Sanneh Foundation (TSF). Throughout the event, Tony delivered a powerful message on his experience transitioning from professional athlete to community leader and how he was able to establish such an influential operation in various communities.
When asked what leadership means to him, Tony stated, "Leadership is about bringing a group of people together and helping them move in one direction." This is emphasized through his view on life being similar to working on a team. The tools that Tony acquired and practiced throughout his athletic career made for a smooth transition in establishing his own non-profit organization. Tony describes goal setting and achievement as the differing factors between athletics and community leadership. He recognizes that goals of a non-profit organization are complex and continuous; whereas in his athletic experience he found goals to be uniquely developed year to year.
Tony has made it his mission to be intentional with the goals he sets for himself and the foundation to help measure success. As a leader, showcasing intentionalism through daily actions encourages team members to do the same, and as a result, everyone remains committed to the organizational goals and mission to positively impact the community. Tony reinforces that by "recognizing and celebrating victories big and small." He has earned great respect by creating a culture that identifies when individuals do things well, and pointing out the value they add.
The Sanneh Foundation values community, inclusion, education, innovation and leadership. When Tony was asked, "How do the foundation's values shape the work you do and how you lead?" he stated, "We are consistently looking for ways to improve lives, create stability, and take away barriers to help the public we are serving thrive." By leaning into those core values, TSF is positively impacting thousands of families and communities across the world annually.
Tony's insights on his leadership experiences and transition to community leader inspired thoughtful discussion and reflection. Leadership U is looking forward to hosting more Speaker Series events in 2023.
Tony Sanneh is a Saint Paul native and began competing professionally in 1994 following his impeccable soccer career at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Throughout his long-lasting professional career, he competed in the United States and Internationally, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After his retirement, Tony returned to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned his degree in which he would later use to establish his own non-profit. TSF supports communities and youth by promoting physical, social, and emotional development through in-school and after-school programs.
Speaker Series - Dr. Amy Beacom
Thursday, May 11
Speaker Series - Laura Halldorson
Wednesday, April 05
Speaker Series - Kamal Mohamed
Tuesday, February 14
Speaker Series: Tony Sanneh
Thursday, December 01