The Sanneh Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their communities through leadership, service, and dedication to positive social change. This prestigious award celebrates a lifetime of impact, recognizing those who inspire others through their commitment to equity, youth development, and community empowerment. Recipients embody the spirit of giving back, leaving a lasting legacy that uplifts and strengthens communities.

WENDA WEEKES MOORE

Wenda Weekes Moore has had a distinguished career in philanthropy and as a community leader. She served as a member of Minnesota Governor Wendell R. Anderson’s staff, was elected by the Minnesota Legislature in 1973 to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and became the first African American to serve as Vice Chair and Chair of that Board. She led the University of Minnesota’s first educational exchange delegation to the People’s Republic of China in 1979. The group was successful and negotiated educational exchanges with 4 Chinese Universities.

She was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the Board of Advisors of the United States Department of Education. She was elected to the Board of Trustees of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1987 and served until 2013. She was a member of the  W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust.

She has served on a number of boards including: National Institutes of Health General Medical Sciences Advisory Board; Member of the Minnesota Federal District Judge Selection Commission; guest scholar at The Clinton School of Philanthropy, University of Arkansas; the Ms. Foundation for Women.

The Women's Foundation of Minnesota has established an internship in her honor to build a pipeline for Women of Color in Philanthropy, the Patino Moore Award, presented by the Marguerite Casey Foundation recognizes her work with Douglas Patino to build bridges between Black and Brown communities.

She is a graduate of Howard University where she met her husband, Cornell Moore, an attorney with Dorsey Whitney and Past Grand Sire of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a Platinum member of The Links, Incorporated, and a charter member of the Minneapolis St. Paul Chapter of the Girl Friends.

CORNELL LEVERETTE MOORE

Lawyer and bank executive Cornell Leverette Moore originally from Tignall, Georgia graduated from William James High School in 1957. He received his A.B. degree from Virginia Union University in 1961 and his J.D. degree from Howard University School of Law in 1964. During law school, Moore worked as a staff attorney for the United States Department of Treasury.

After receiving his law degree, Moore worked as a trust administrator for Crocker National Bank. In 1966, Moore became a regional counsel for the Comptroller of Currency, U.S. Treasury Department. He then rejoined the commercial banking world as the assistant vice president and legal officer for the Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis from 1968 to 1970. Moore continued to work in banking as the executive vice president and director of Shelter Mortgage from 1970 to 1973, a director of Shelard National Bank from 1973 to 1978 and the president of Hennepin County Bar Foundation from 1975 to 1978. He served as president and CEO of Lease More Equipment from 1977 to 1986, director of Golden Valley Bank from 1978 to 2002; and became senior vice president and general counsel of Miller & Schroeder Financial Inc. in 1986. Also in 1986, Moore became part owner of the professional baseball team, the Minnesota Twins. In 1995, he joined the law firm of Dorsey and Whitney, LLP where he has represented major energy and natural resource companies. In 2004, Moore was elected Grand Sire Archon of the Grand Boulé of the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the first African American Greek-lettered organization.

Moore has served on the boards of many organizations and universities including William Mitchell College of Law, Howard University, Virginia Union University, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Twin Cities Diversity in Practice, the Boy Scouts of America, Johnson C. Smith University and Dunwoody College of Technology. He is the recipient of many awards such as the Legacy Award from the Pan African Community Endowment, the Kappa Alpha Psi Distinguished Citizen Award, the Child of America Award and the Whitney M. Young Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America. Cornell Leverette Moore is married to Wenda Weekes Moore and has three children, and two grandchildren.

One or two sentences about what our mission or this recognition means to you

It’s an honor to be recognized by the Sanneh Foundation with the lifetime achievement award, as their values reflect our commitment to serving this community. TSF actively connects with young people, supporting them with tools to succeed and lead in the world. Tony’s vision has helped our grandsons and so many young people understand the importance of resilience and fairness through athletics and service. 

Cornell: This moment is a testament to one of our strongest beliefs: the unity of a community supporting each other, looking out for the future, and believing in all of us.

A favorite quote or guiding principle

Cornell: Always know who you are, remember who they are, everyone is important.

Wenda: Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

A highlight or accomplishment we’re most proud of

Wenda: Our greatest accomplishments are embodied in our children and our grandchildren because they will take us into the future. I'm so proud of their character and continued leadership in this community as we’ve seen them live these important values in the world.

Cornell: It’s a blessing to be able to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re going, and hope that we will continue to care for each other as a community and a nation.

One fun or personal detail (e.g., a hobby or something you love about your community)

Wenda: Growing up in California, I love watching the first full snow.

Cornell: I’ve always loved to study horology, so I am fascinated by watches and measuring time.