Sarah creates a network of support as Austin newcomer giving back to women
When Sarah moved to Austin last year, she wanted to give back and went on a search for an organization while also looking for career resources and connections. She was familiar with the Dress for Success network from her time in Minnesota so when she found Dress for Success Austin, she knew it was the perfect fit. Sarah had spent several years volunteering with other women-focused programs that focused on professional development so this was always a niche she was passionate about, but the new relationships she developed were a bonus coming from a new state. Little did she know, the perfect job would come just a few months later!
Over the course of the last 12 months, Sarah has grown her network of women thanks to the organization and her involvement as a donor, volunteer, career coach, and Circle of Impact member. As someone who was looking for a job herself, Sarah has been able to fully utilize DFSA programs to empower her own career while empowering Central Texas women.
Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in BIS from the University of St. Thomas. She’s worked in technology sales for 20 years and recently secured her latest role as Senior Customer Success Manager at Placer.ai, a full market intelligence platform that provides location analytics including visit trends, trade areas, and demographics to enhance business developments.
While spending her time as a regular career coach volunteer at DFSA, Sarah has utilized the time to heighten her professional profile and build relationships along the way. She credits DFSA with being able to help her while she’s been helping others and she urges women to utilize free resources like those at DFSA regardless of current circumstances especially as she often found herself feeling discouraged throughout the job search process.
She received great advice and recommendations from women connected to DFSA in some form including Tamara Fields who was a speaker at this year’s first annual Gather. Grow. Give. luncheon hosted by DFSA. She’s also gained insights from fellow Circle of Impact members Christi Rinaldi and Summer McAfee.
Summer recently shared something with Sarah that really inspired her and Sarah hopes this will inspire other women who are waiting to hear back from a job or just starting the job search process:
You’re in a race, but you aren’t able to know where the finish line is. That’s uncomfortable and can be stressful, but know that and keep going. It’s okay to pause, take a step back (a water break so to speak) to regroup and know everything will turn out okay eventually. You’ll be able to visually see that new role better and set an intention without the stress of a timeline.
She is a great example of what perseverance and a positive mindset looks like. Sarah starts her new role this week and we wish her the very best of luck! We were touched by her dedication to empowering women this past year as she was on her own job search and love that this story can continue to empower others to trust the process and take water breaks when needed.