Sarah Boisvert
Sarah Boisvert is an entrepreneur and innovator in advanced manufacturing, specializing in AI, laser machine tools, and 3D printing. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she has spent over 30 years bridging the gap between high-tech commercialization and workforce development. Her early career began in laser technology, where she helped productize systems at Potomac Photonics, including work related to LASIK eye surgery lasers and precision manufacturing tools for the medical device industry.
Following her industry success, she became deeply involved with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Bits and Atoms and the Fab Lab Network, helping expand global access to digital fabrication labs focused on hands-on innovation and learning. This experience led her to found the New Collar Network, an organization dedicated to training workers for modern manufacturing careers through digital badge micro-certifications in skills such as CAD design, 3D printing, robotics, and design thinking. Her work emphasizes creating pathways to well-paying technical careers that do not require traditional four-year degrees.
In recent years, she has expanded her efforts into AI-driven workforce solutions through her startup New CollarAI, which develops specialized tutoring and factory-floor assistance tools for manufacturing and prototyping environments. She is also an author of “The New Collar Workforce” and “People of the New Collar Workforce,” where she highlights emerging career pathways in advanced manufacturing. Across her work, Boisvert focuses on rebuilding middle-class opportunities by aligning education, technology, and industry needs in the evolving digital manufacturing economy.
• Laser Institute of America
• Women in 3D Printing
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying open to new opportunities, building strong professional connections, and actively engaging in technical communities throughout my career. Early on, I served on the board of the Laser Institute of America and later became its president in 1995, and I continue to participate in organizations like Women in 3D Printing. I focus on listening carefully to others without making assumptions, which has often led to unexpected opportunities—such as collaborations in augmented reality and AI that significantly shaped my work. I also remain open to serendipity and new ideas, which has helped me grow professionally. At this stage in my career, I am committed to giving back by sharing my experiences and supporting younger women entering the field.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to prioritize professionalism, competence, and clear boundaries in all interactions. In a highly male-dominated environment, I found that being consistently well-prepared, confident in my abilities, and focused on my work helped me earn respect and be taken seriously. I also learned not to force personal friendships in professional settings, but instead to maintain respectful, work-focused relationships. Presenting myself authentically and professionally allowed me to stand out in a positive way, and over time, strong performance and clear boundaries naturally led to respect and opportunity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are economic opportunity, dignity in work, and rebuilding pathways to a strong middle class. I’m motivated by my upbringing in a mill town in Rhode Island and a desire to ensure people today have access to stable, well-paying jobs that support their families. My work focuses on creating practical training pathways that lead directly to meaningful employment, even outside traditional college routes. Ultimately, I aim to help people gain skills that improve their lives and restore long-term financial security.