Meet the Founder

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Sam’s Vision: Builders for Tomorrow Foundation was created from a place of deep love, reflection, and purpose. What began as a personal journey through change and unexpected life transitions became a calling much bigger than one moment in time.

Through navigating seasons that challenged her and reshaped her perspective, LaRae gained a deeper understanding of how critical support, mentorship, and opportunity truly are, especially for young people standing at the crossroads of their future. She recognized that many aspiring to enter the skilled trades often have talent and drive but lack consistent guidance, structure, and someone who genuinely believes in their potential.

Believing that growth never stops, LaRae is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology, further strengthening her ability to support the emotional, mental, and developmental needs of the youth the foundation serves. Her academic journey reflects her commitment to leading with both compassion and informed understanding.

A natural-born leader with a lifetime of experience in believing in others until they believe in themselves, LaRae has always been drawn to seeing potential where others may see limitations. Anchored in faith and driven by purpose, she empowers individuals to recognize their worth, strengthen their confidence, and build a future rooted in resilience, opportunity, and hope.

In honoring the legacy of Samuel Ickes Jr., she made a commitment to build something that would transform adversity into opportunity. Sam’s Vision: Builders for Tomorrow exists to inspire and equip the youth of tomorrow to pursue meaningful careers in skilled trades: from electrical and welding to heavy equipment operation, plumbing, HVAC, and beyond. The foundation provides life coaching, financial literacy education, mentorship, and a community that ensures no young person will navigate life alone.

Her goal is simple but powerful: no matter the challenges an individual faces, there is always a light within the foundation that is ready to illuminate the path ahead.

“We are building dreams one nail at a time”