Nice Guy of the Year Gala

San Diego Nice Guys will honor Sandra den Uijl, founder and president of the Rancho Santa Fe-based Tea3 Foundation as the 2023 Nice Guy of the Year at the organization’s 43rd annual gala.

Each year, the Nice Guys recognize a local community leader who has given their time, money, and support to help San Diegans improve their lives. Born in Texas and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, Uijl began her professional career as a Certified Public Accountant more than 30 years ago. After successfully completing her MBA in Mexican Taxation from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, she became a professor of accounting and taxation, then left her career in Guadalajara to marry her husband, Henny, moving their blended family to San Diego. After completing a second MBA in global management, she developed a successful career in corporate America. Uijl also spent nine years as a volunteer and fundraiser for Rady Children’s Hospital through the Rancho Santa Fe Auxiliary. Wanting to do more, she got together with a number of friends and started the Tea3 Foundation with a focus on fundraising and project-based work with other organizations whose efforts focus on helping children, the military, and animals. Nice Guy of the Year Gala proceeds will benefit nonprofits selected by the organization, with the remainder of the funds to be used for individual San Diegans who need a “one-time” helping hand up to get their lives back on track.