Robin S. Sanders
Entrepreneur
Travel industry
When it comes to arranging the ultimate travel experience for elite businesses and wealthy individuals, there is no limit for Robin Sanders.
Besides booking trips to the world’s most exotic locales and arranging luxurious experiences for her clients, Sanders booked a trip to outer space onboard Virgin Atlantic, which led to her travel agency to be designated as a Virgin Galactic “official agency.”
Sanders developed her love of travel early in her career when she took a job writing travel brochures for a local agency. Combining her analytic and organization skills with a zeal for adventure, she founded Sanders Travel Centre in 1995 to create luxury travel experiences for her clients.
Her attention to detail and customer service quickly earned Sanders Travel the reputation as one of the most respected agencies in the industry. In 1996, her agency was invited to become a member of Virtuoso, the travel industry’s leading leisure travel networks.
Although Robin Sanders sold the business in 2013, she continues to plan exclusive travel voyages as an independent leisure and corporate travel planner. Her clients include the Kimbell Art Museum’s international members’ travel program, specializing in unique and detailed itineraries to exotic destinations.
She is a passionate supporter of women’s rights and an advocate for women in leadership.
Her community service includes serving on the board of directors of the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, co-chair on the Planned Parenthood annual luncheon, co-chair of Annie’s 2019 Tarrant County Celebration and Jewel Charity, supporting medical treatment for patients at Cook Children’s Medical Center.
She is also a supporter of All Saints’ Episcopal School and All Saints Episcopal Parish.
She has been married for more than 48 years to her husband, Douglas, and together they have two children and three grandchildren.
– Marice Richter
What advice would you give young women rising to a position of prominence?
Be open to ideas and strive to be the best person you can be but trust your own instincts. Your heart knows what’s right for you. Your personal relationships with friends and family are the most important; always keep them in focus.
You could choose to spend your time many ways: why do you choose to spend it the way you do?
I’m dedicated to the health and education of our city’s women and children.
Who is the most significant role model and/or mentor in your life?
At 68 years old, I am fortunate to say that my list is long, but if I had to name a few, my mother, who was widowed at a young age, was always so graceful and kind despite the hardships she faced; my husband, Douglas, who supported and encouraged me as I became an entrepreneur, one of few women at the time, and helped me to find my strength and not be intimidated by the male-driven environment I operated in then; Matthew Upchurch and the professionals at Virtuoso, who really strive to focus on humanity in creating travel experiences; my two sons, Jay and Will, who always appreciated the hard work of their parents; and, Bishop Sam Hulsey, who always has time to for his friends, and inspires me with his gift for oration and thoughtful perspective.
What book, movie, TV series, or play influenced you growing up? Why?
I have always been a bookworm but devour the pages of my favorite magazines, too. Currently, I am motivated by Melinda Gates’ writings. Her book The Moment of Lift, validates much of what I have devoted my life to and inspires me to keep working toward a better world. Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s book My Own Words: Ruth Bader Ginsberg, also moves me and I read the children’s version to my grandchildren as often as they will permit!