Her Story
About Sarahanne
Sarah Dougherty serves as workforce development supervisor and career empowerment coach at Fresh Start Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona. With seven years in the nonprofit sector, she helps women of all backgrounds re-enter the workforce by providing resume reviews, interview preparation, job search strategies, and training programs such as Career Builders. Previously she spent over 25 years in finance before transitioning to focus on work-life balance and community impact. Dougherty earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Eastern Florida and holds certifications in management, data analytics, advanced data analytics, Excel, HR, community service, workforce development, and train-the-trainer. She is a member of Fresh Start Foundation, Televerti Foundation, Aeroette, re-entry programs, St. Joseph Worker, and the Autism Society. Her published research on impact surveys for the University of Massachusetts Donahue Center examined economic outcomes for women receiving training after incarceration. Dougherty values integrity, compassion, and empowerment, and she advises focusing on building transferable skills such as adaptability and emotional intelligence rather than chasing titles. She encourages young women not to wait until they feel fully qualified before pursuing opportunities, noting that confidence grows through action.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarahanne
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to focus on building the skills, not chasing the titles. When you chase titles, titles change and industries evolve, but transferable skills like adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and relationships remain valuable throughout your career. This advice gave me the confidence to move industries and embrace new opportunities.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait until you feel completely qualified before pursuing an opportunity. Many women believe they need to meet every requirement before applying, but nobody is 100 percent qualified. Confidence is built through action, not before it.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The number one challenge is helping job seekers navigate a rapidly changing labor market due to technology and AI. In Arizona, growth in healthcare, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing offers opportunities, but it takes 30 to 90 days to secure employment. Our five pillars approach addresses family stability, health, financial management, education, and career for sustainable change.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, compassion, and empowerment are guiding me most right now. We believe in meeting people where they are, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and focusing on what is possible rather than what is holding someone back. Everyone deserves access to opportunity and resources to thrive.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.