Non-profit leader, military spouse, volunteer, & 2025 Remarkable Women finalist

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden has worked her way from intern to executive director of the Renesting Project, a non-profit community furniture bank. The organization gathers and distributes gently used furniture and household items for those in need in Northwest Louisiana.

“I really believe in the dignity of the human spirit and the collective power of community,” Manchester-Sanden shared. “Those are the things I try to live my life thinking about, and those are things we believe in at Renesting.”

“She loves what she does. She doesn’t do it to be recognized,” said her husband, Cory Sanden. “She will make sure someone living on the street is more taken care of than she is. She loves everyone. It doesn’t matter who they are. She’ll put them before her 100% of the time.”

That extends outside of work. Emily Jo volunteers for several other organizations, including Keep Bossier Beautiful, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for children in need, and the Barksdale Spouses Club, which supports military families. In addition to being married to an airman, Emily Jo grew up in a military family and moved around a lot as a child before attending a Catholic university, which required community service each year.

“It’s been kind of these building blocks in my life of meeting diverse people, realizing that not everybody had the privilege that I have and wanting to serve my community,” said Manchester-Sanden.

Bobbie Jane Livers nominated her sister as a Remarkable Woman finalist, inspired by all she does for those in need. Livers said she has learned so much from her sister.

“That it’s okay to be vulnerable and help people,” shared Livers. “I’ve never been one to volunteer, and she’s definitely brought that out of me. She’s just like my built-in friend, and I thank God for her.”

Emily Jo says everyone has something to give.

“Just spending time with someone, that ministry of presence, being a presence with somebody can make a huge difference,” explained Manchester-Sanden. “We’re nothing without each other. It takes a village to do any good, and I’m just proud to be a part of that village.”