About Us

Thinking back on my days as a competitive swimmer in high school, the most important component to my success was the network of people who believed in me, supported me and encouraged me to push hard to win those trophies and medals. I'm forever grateful for them. My sister Vicky was one of those people who never gave up on me. I'm honored to be able to “pay it forward” through my work with this foundation. Like Vicky, I'm a lover of sneaker culture. With your help, through the gifting of sneakers to those seeking self-help from social services nonprofits, our small acts of kindness will have a tremendous impact on the community. It's our way of saying “You've got this, we see you, now put on your new kicks and step out!”

My name is Sean-Henry Diaz and I am currently a manager at a shoe retailer with over 6 years of experience. I graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor's degree in Economics. I have always had a deep passion for sneakers and enjoyed being able to tell stories through them. As Victoria Hoppe's partner, I was able to embrace the gift of giving sneakers and using them as a way to build connections and make someone's day.

Having taught high school automotive technology for 26 years, I can tell you that students thrive in an environment that not only educates with data and technique, but encourages, supports and commends as well. As far as I'm concerned, it's our job as human beings to support and encourage one another to succeed - at any level. I couldn't have been prouder of the way our Vicky was never too caught up in her own life to lift up, encourage and commend persons she encountered who needed just that. When she passed, it became imperative that we maintain the momentum she created and the impact she made. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to build and grow this foundation with your help! Oh, and a bit about me - I'm a retired Miami-Dade County Schools automotive technology teacher. Prior to my 26-year teaching career, I was an automotive mechanic and pit crew member for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.

As reported by the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, the number of people seeking self-help from human services nonprofits to overcome obstacles encountered during life's journey is on the rise. Our Vicky, aka “Slick Vick”, had a special compassion for those who were brave enough to seek help, and it was important to her to see them succeed. As a D1 college track and field athlete and lover of sneaker culture, Slick Vick would whenever possible, shop for and gift just the right pair of trendy sneakers to that friend or associate as her way of saying “You've got this, we see you, now put on your new kicks and step out!” She encouraged and commended many for seeking self-help while in the midst of her own personal battle with cancer. When she passed, there was no question in my mind that we should perpetuate these small but high-impact acts of encouragement and commendation for those who are brave enough to take the steps to overcome obstacles they've encountered during life's journey. Oh, and incidentally, about me - I'm a retired 40-year veteran of the insurance and employee benefit plan industry. I spent my final 25 years of employment working for Assurant, a Fortune 500 company that designs insurance, protection products and support services. I retired from my position there as a Compliance Director in 2019. No regrets, as I can now dedicate my time to growing this foundation, with your help!