Franchisee and Board Member Sue Andrade’s Legacy of Impact
For longtime Dunkin’ franchisee and community champion Sue Andrade, giving back has never been an obligation – it’s simply who she is. Long before the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation formally existed, Sue was already doing the work: supporting local nonprofits, lifting up families in need, and modeling the belief that business owners should care deeply for the communities where they live and work.
So when Sue officially joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2021, her involvement was really a continuation of a passion she had been living out for years. She stepped onto the Board just after Victor Carvalho took the reins as Board Chairman, a moment that marked a new chapter of growth and ambition for the Foundation. Under Victor’s leadership – paired with the dedication of Board members like Sue – the Foundation has expanded its reach and impact in remarkable ways, awarding more than $10 million in grants in 2025.
Championing Fundraising and Franchisee Engagement
Today, Sue plays a vital role on the Board, supporting food drives and helping plan the annual Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Northeast Gala, which in recent years has raised more than $1 million for the Foundation in just one evening. She is also a vocal advocate for franchisee engagement, working to ensure operators understand not only how the Foundation supports kids facing hunger or illness, but also the measurable difference that their support makes.
As a member of Dunkin’s Marketing Subcommittee as well, Sue ensures the Foundation’s mission stays front and center with both brand leadership and influential franchisees. She is known for consistently asking how the brand can champion Foundation initiatives – and for making sure the Foundation is “never forgotten in the room.”
A Heart for South Shore Hospital
Of all the organizations Sue has supported, South Shore Hospital holds a special place in her heart. It’s where she welcomed her three children into the world, and where her family continues to give back in meaningful ways. They previously sponsored the hospital’s special care nursery, and during the Foundation’s 20thanniversary year, they are helping bring to life the hospital’s Joyful Space – a calming environment designed specifically for children with sensory needs who are receiving care.
Sue explains, “As a mother, I can’t imagine anything worse than seeing one of my children sick or hungry. Supporting this work is my way of helping families feel a little less alone during the hardest moments of their lives.”
Staying Connected to the Mission
Despite her leadership role and busy schedule, Sue still makes time for hands-on volunteering. She is a regular at the Greater Boston Food Bank, where she loves witnessing firsthand the care and efficiency that go into feeding families across the region. For her, those moments of direct service are grounding – they remind her why the Foundation’s mission matters and fuel her continued dedication.
A Legacy Rooted in Joy
Sue’s story is one of compassion, consistency, and community. Her leadership has helped shape the Foundation’s trajectory, but more importantly, her heart has shaped its spirit. Whether she is rallying franchisees, supporting a hospital close to her family, or packing boxes at a food bank, Sue embodies the Foundation’s belief that joy is most powerful when shared. It reminds all of us that giving back isn’t a task on a checklist – it’s a way of life.
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is immensely appreciative of Sue’s decades of passion for driving its mission forward and setting it up for another successful 20 years.