Robert Sanchez is a two-time kidney transplant recipient, advocate, and social researcher dedicated to advancing equity in kidney health. He currently serves as a Social Clinical Interviewer at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and as Director of The Jentosy Project at Kidney Forward, where he leads efforts to increase living kidney donation in underserved Black and Brown communities.

Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science with a minor in Human Behavior, a master’s in theology and professional studies, and completed clinical coursework at The Silberman School of Social Work. His personal journey—living through two kidney transplants—fuels his mission to transform systems of care through both data and humanity. His work bridges research, community engagement, and policy to ensure that patient voices—especially those historically excluded—inform every step of kidney care innovation. He also serves on the NIH-funded study Structural Racism as a Third Hit on Kidney Outcomes of Black Individuals with APOL1 Risk Alleles and contributes to the PCORnet INSIGHT Clinical Research Network.

Beyond kidney health, Robert is the co-founder of Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA), a groundbreaking theater program giving voice to incarcerated men in New York and the subject of the critically acclaimed, three-time Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing. A writer, poet, playwright, and multidisciplinary artist, Robert uses creativity as a force for healing and justice. Born in the Bronx and raised in East Harlem, he continues to live and create in the Bronx—rooted in purpose, compassion, and transformation.