Sandra Bean, also known as the Connection Queen, is an influential educator, speaker, writer, and business mentor. Founder of the fast-growing St. Pete Girl Boss Community, a thriving group of over 6.8k women, she leads with love, advocating for empowerment, belonging, and collaboration over competition.Her educational expertise is extensive, having served as a Gifted & Enrichment Consultant and a dedicated teacher in various K-12 and post secondary positions. Sandra's educational background is fortified with a BS in Middle Childhood Education and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction and creative writing, alongside a Gifted Endorsement. She also has experience as a community leader and social media manager.As a frequent speaker and television and podcast guest, Sandra shares her insights on various topics, from community building and leadership to ADHD, parenting autistic children and mental health support for both kids and adults. Her leadership in projects, committees, and partnerships showcases her commitment to support and understanding as well as innovation and diversity.Her accolades include District Honors and Recognition Awards, the NEOEA Positive Image Award, and multiple recognitions by students at various points through her career. Sandra has been featured in Shape of Life Magazine, on the cover of Stroll Snell Isle, and is a two-time runner-up for Creative Loafing Tampa's Best of the Bay Best Networker award. Her impact in the community was recently recognized with the prestigious "Most Valuable 'Burger" award in 2023 by the St Pete Chamber of Commerce.In addition to her educational and mentoring roles, Sandra is a prominent social media influencer with over 97k followers, engaging audiences on topics like entrepreneurship, adult ADHD and twice-exceptional giftedness.Currently, Sandra focuses full-time on St. Pete Girl Boss and her role as an ADHD coach and creative consultant, guiding others to recognize their inherent value and overcome barriers in business and in life. She continues to offer consulting and workshops, drawing on her rich teaching experience. Her advocacy for mental health, DEIB, including neurodiversity, and belief in the inherent goodness of people underscore her endeavors, as she strives to illuminate the magic within each individual. She lives in St Pete with her three daughters (her son is an aerospace engineer in Seattle) and her beloved yappy dogs that follow her everywhere.