By Emma Slay
As a leader at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Sara has spent over a decade leading research focused on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. With a doctorate in genetics and a deep passion for problem-solving, she built her career in environments where technical expertise was everything. Leadership, however, was something she learned along the way.
Sara explained, “There were training programs early in my career, but nothing that was leadership-specific. I learned from mentors and grew as a leader slowly, and as programs and projects demanded.”
Like many women in STEM, Sara was already leading teams, initiatives, and people, but she lacked a dedicated space to reflect on how she leads. Momentum became that space for her.
Sara shared that a program like Momentum was never something she expected to participate in, but when the opportunity came through a mutual connection, she thought, “Why not me?” At first, she was wary of the time commitment that comes with a program like this. With encouragement from Amy Gandy, Director of Programs for North Alabama, she decided it was her turn.
Working for a nonprofit, one of Sara’s hesitations going into the program was whether she would fit in with a group of women from corporate environments. She explained “I pretty quickly realized that I could connect with my classmates and understand that the challenges we were facing were similar regardless of the industries or roles we came from.
When asked what stood out most from her time in the Executive Program, Sara shared, “One of the things I found most beneficial was spending time with Peggy Lee Wright in the executive coaching session.” She went on to explain that it forced her to sort through her thoughts, the good, the bad, and the challenging, and put into words what she was experiencing. In doing so, she gained confidence in navigating difficult situations.
Reflecting on her experience, Sara shares that the most valuable takeaway has been a renewed confidence in herself. Confidence to ask difficult questions, Confidence in her own ability to make valuable contributions and strategies to build the confidence to engage in difficult conversations through preparation. “I gained the confidence to pull my seat up to the table,” Sara shared.
Sara’s story is one of many. It is a story made possible by people who believe in investing in women, especially those who may not have the means to invest in themselves or access opportunities like this. Without scholarship support, Sara shared that she likely would not have been able to participate in Momentum’s program. Investments of others ensured she was able to step in – and now, she is able to step up.
To join us in helping the next leader have a seat at the table, click here.
