Melly and Robert E. Sanchez receive Tocqueville Award from United Way Miami
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United Way Miami’s Tocqueville Society honored an influential group of changemakers, whose investment and engagement have significantly driven opportunity for people across Miami-Dade County, during a recent grand reception.
Among the honorees were Melly and Robert Sanchez. Their dedication to strengthening Miami has been a testament to their commitment to helping countless people across every corner of the community.
Robert and Melly Sanchez are South Florida natives and a true power duo in both life and community service.
Robert serves as CEO and chair of the Board of Ryder System Inc., a Fortune 500 company that operates a fleet of 250,000 commercial trucks and manages fleet and supply chain operations for more than 50,000 business customers.
He assumed the top leadership role more than a decade ago after holding several senior executive positions beginning in 2003. While leading one of Miami’s most prominent companies is a great source of pride, Robert is equally committed to serving the community where he was raised. He credits much of his success to Melly, his wife of more than 30 years.
For more than 15 years, Melly was a social worker with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and also volunteered as a Big Sister for seven years before stepping away to raise the couple’s three sons. As parents of three now-grown children, she balanced family life with ongoing community involvement.
Robert also served as chair of the United Way Board of Directors from 2022 to 2024.
Beyond this work, Robert serves on the boards of the Partnership for Miami, the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba, and the Association of Cuban American Engineers, while Melly has worked closely with the Archdiocese of Miami to fund programs supporting individuals and families in need. In 2025, the couple received the One in Charity Award from the Archdiocese. Together, they exemplify a deep belief in community, compassion, and generous stewardship.
A steadfast supporter of United Way Miami, they have driven record-setting fundraising campaigns and personal transformative support, notably for the Center for Excellence in Early Education and UpSkill Miami workforce training initiative, helping children build strong foundations and adults access pathways to lasting economic mobility. His belief that business success must fuel community progress has inspired colleagues and partners alike, proving that corporate leadership and civic responsibility are inseparable.
Melly and Robert give because they believe every child deserves a champion, every family deserves to thrive, and every region deserves leaders who show up. Their support of United Way Miami reflects deep investment, not only in programs, but in the leadership that will shape the organization’s future.
Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy
Named for the French historian Alexis de Tocqueville, the Tocqueville Society unites the leading philanthropists of our time, visionaries whose generosity shapes Miami’s future.
Through transformative annual investments, its members advance the mission of United Way Miami and fortify the community’s foundation.
For more than 35 years, over 500 distinguished leaders have contributed millions, standing not only as benefactors, but as enduring stewards of Miami’s promise for generations to come.
“Our Tocqueville Society members are a driving force behind United Way Miami’s impact.
Nearly 20 percent of our annual fundraising is made possible through their commitment, but their influence extends far beyond philanthropy. They lead with vision and a deep belief in Miami’s potential, helping to shape our organization and strengthen the future of this community,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami.
“They understand that real change, the kind that transforms lives, requires bold commitment and sustained partnership. We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary leadership and proud to celebrate champions like Melly and Robert,” Hudson said.
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