Her Story
About Sarah
Sarah Fowlkes is a federal business development and client relationship leader with more than 10 years of experience supporting the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), environmental consulting, and defense industries. As Client Account Manager for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force portfolio at Jacobs, she manages strategic client relationships, identifies growth opportunities, and supports the pursuit and delivery of mission-critical federal programs. Her expertise includes federal contracting, business development, capture support, proposal strategy, and stakeholder engagement, with a specialized focus on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts and the U.S. Air Force. She is recognized for building trusted partnerships and aligning client needs with innovative engineering and infrastructure solutions that advance national defense and public sector missions.
Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Med) from St. Edward's University, initially planning to pursue a career in healthcare. After graduation, she worked as a pharmacy technician before returning to AmaTerra Environmental, where she had previously completed an internship. She began her career as a field biologist conducting environmental surveys and field investigations before discovering her passion for business development and client engagement. Over the next seven and a half years, she transitioned into marketing, proposal management, and business development, leading strategic pursuits, developing winning proposals, and strengthening client relationships that contributed to the company's growth until its acquisition. She later joined Jacobs, where she has continued to expand her expertise by managing federal military accounts and supporting some of the nation's most significant defense and infrastructure initiatives.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sarah is a passionate advocate for leadership development and industry engagement. She currently serves as President of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) San Antonio Post, following years of volunteer leadership as Secretary and Small Business Chair. Through these roles, she has championed collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and small businesses while supporting professional development, networking opportunities, and STEM outreach initiatives. Committed to developing the next generation of leaders, Sarah actively mentors young professionals and believes that meaningful relationships, continuous learning, and servant leadership are the foundation of long-term success. Her dedication to excellence, service, and community continues to make a lasting impact across the federal engineering and defense sectors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and the importance of leading with integrity. My daughter inspires me to be a positive role model and continually strive for excellence, while my husband has been an invaluable partner, providing steadfast support both at home and throughout my career. Their encouragement and belief in me have been the foundation of my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is that confidence is a state of mind. Others often see the confidence you choose to project, so it's important to believe in yourself first and foremost. Approaching opportunities with self-assurance, even during moments of uncertainty, has helped me take on new challenges, grow professionally, and achieve goals I might not have pursued otherwise.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd encourage young women entering the industry to stay resilient, even when the path feels challenging. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support, be willing to say yes to new opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone, and trust in your abilities. Most importantly, believe in your value, have confidence in what you bring to the table, and remember that you have earned your place and are exactly where you need to be to grow and succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The federal sector is continually evolving, with changes in administrations bringing new priorities, policies, and funding allocations every few years. Shifting budgets, economic conditions, and global events require organizations and professionals to remain agile and adapt quickly to new regulations and strategic objectives. While this creates challenges in navigating uncertainty, it also presents opportunities to innovate, build resilience, and develop solutions that align with the government's evolving mission and priorities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication, honesty, and transparency are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe meaningful communication is built on honesty, and that trust can only be earned through openness and integrity. These values shape how I lead, build relationships, and make decisions, fostering accountability, collaboration, and lasting mutual respect.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.