Sara Williams, MBA, CFRM
Sara Williams, MBA, CFRM, is the Incoming Member Engagement Manager at Greater Fort Wayne Incorporated. She is currently completing her work at the Steuben County Community Foundation, where she serves as Stewardship Manager. In her current role, Sara oversees donor relations, community engagement, and program support, leveraging her marketing and communications expertise to translate donor support into meaningful stories of community impact and gratitude. Her strategic approach and dedication to nonprofit stewardship have strengthened the Foundation’s initiatives and deepened community connections.
Sara’s professional focus centers on marketing, communications, and donor stewardship, guided by her values of resilience, honesty, integrity, and determination. She began her nonprofit career in an Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education program at Freedom Academy in Kendallville and later completed a 15-month marketing internship at Steuben County Community Foundation. Over the years, she has gained hands-on experience in project management, event planning, and donor engagement, developing a versatile skill set that bridges operational excellence with community-focused impact. Sara also holds a private pilot’s license, reflecting her commitment to discipline, precision, and continual learning.
Outside of her professional life, Sara enjoys cooking, working out, and spending quality time with her dog, Lucky. She earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Management from Trine University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from the same institution. While at Trine, she held leadership roles in Gamma Phi Epsilon and participated in Women in Business, contributing to alumni relations and student development initiatives. With a strong foundation in nonprofit marketing, donor stewardship, and community engagement, Sara brings both passion and expertise to every endeavor she pursues.
• Trine University - BBA, Marketing
• Trine University - MBA
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being goal-focused and to the guidance and example set by my mom. Staying focused on my objectives has allowed me to navigate challenges with determination and clarity, while the values, support, and lessons I learned from my mom have shaped my work ethic, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Together, they have been the foundation for both my personal growth and professional achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that the harder you work, the luckier you will be. This perspective has taught me that success isn’t just about chance it’s about consistent effort, dedication, and persistence. By committing fully to my goals and approaching every opportunity with focus and determination, I’ve been able to create my own “luck” and open doors that might not have seemed possible otherwise.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Sara advises young women to "choose your heart" pick work that aligns with personal values and bring determination to pursue it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my field right now is managing the personal anxiety that often comes with high expectations and rapidly changing demands. At the same time, this challenge presents a significant opportunity for growth: by developing stronger coping strategies, building resilience, and leveraging support systems, I can enhance both my professional performance and my overall well-being. I view these moments of tension as chances to refine my skills, strengthen my focus, and approach my work with greater clarity and intentionality.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and determination. I believe in being transparent and ethical in every interaction, holding myself accountable, and approaching challenges with persistence and focus. These principles guide my decisions, shape the way I collaborate with others, and drive me to consistently strive for excellence while staying true to my commitments.
Locations
Steuben County Community Foundation
Kendallville, IN 46755