Sara Mcginley
Sara Denison McGinley is a seasoned Lead Software Quality Assurance Engineer with over 15 years of experience in software testing and product quality within the insurance, healthcare, and tech industries. Currently serving as a Senior QA Analyst at Progressive Insurance, she specializes in ensuring the reliability and performance of the Salesforce CRM platform, leveraging tools like Microsoft Azure DevOps to manage user stories and test cases. Her expertise spans both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with strong capabilities in manual testing, regression testing, functional testing, and integration testing.
Throughout her career, Sara has played critical roles at companies like Jamf, SAP SuccessFactors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Cigna, where she consistently led QA efforts for complex, consumer-facing web applications. Her ability to lead remote, globally distributed teams and implement best practices has made her an invaluable asset across various fast-paced, high-stakes environments. With a BS in Business Administration from Marquette University, Sara combines technical precision with a strong understanding of business requirements—making her a trusted partner in both testing and product development cycles.
• Marquette University- B.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong foundation in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, strategic thinking as a Product Owner and Business Analyst, and meticulous attention to detail in test planning and execution.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Reset, Restart, Refocus—keep moving!” It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, but resilience and momentum are key.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is: use your voice to be heard—stand up, speak confidently, and make sure your presence is known, because our voices matter and deserve to be loud and clear.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in our field right now is embracing rapid change while driving efficiency-focused projects that enhance our capabilities and shape the future of our products.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and personal life are being mindful of others, actively listening, and always striving to bring out the best in myself and those around me.