Sarah Sanford

I attribute my success to the people who have supported, challenged, and believed in me along the way. Building strong relationships and being open to learning from others has been incredibly important to my personal and professional growth.

I also attribute much of my success to a combination of hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning and step outside of my comfort zone. I have never believed that I need to have everything figured out before taking on a new challenge. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from being willing to ask questions, learn as I go, and take a chance on myself.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is: You can’t say no to an opportunity you never try for.

You may not always feel completely qualified or ready, but you never know what could happen unless you put yourself out there. Apply for the job, volunteer for the project, ask the question, and take the chance. Believe in yourself, even when you’re unsure, and don’t be afraid to shoot your shot.

One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give young women entering this industry is to not underestimate the value of your voice and perspective. You do not need to know everything before speaking up, asking questions, or taking on new opportunities. Some of the most valuable growth in my career has come from being willing to step outside my comfort zone and say yes to opportunities before I felt completely ready.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating constant change while continuing to meet the needs of students, employers, and communities. In higher education and workforce development, organizations are being asked to do more with limited resources while also responding to changing workforce needs, enrollment challenges, and evolving expectations from both students and industry partners. At the same time, I see those challenges creating significant opportunities. There is a growing need for stronger partnerships between education, employers, and community organizations to better connect people with meaningful career pathways. I also think there is an opportunity to rethink traditional approaches and become more innovative, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, empathy, growth, and connection. I believe in being someone people can trust, following through on my commitments, and treating others with respect and understanding. I also place a lot of value on continuous growth. I do not believe that we ever have to have all the answers, but I do believe in being curious, open to feedback, and willing to keep learning. Finally, connection and community are incredibly important to me. Whether I am working with colleagues, community partners, or the people closest to me, I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of meaningful work and a meaningful life.