Meet Sarah
I’m very proud to have been born and raised in Southeast Minnesota. Growing up in Winona instilled in me the values that have shaped who I am and that guide me wherever I go. These principles are a deep respect for community and all its members, a passion for learning and a curiosity about the world around us, and the central role family has in our lives. Everyone in Southeast Minnesota has a different story to tell about why they live here and what they love about it. This is my story.
My educational journey began at Bluffview Montessori, where I attended elementary school. As a Catholic, I then went on to attend St. Stanislaus and Cotter Junior High and High School. My faith is what has reinforced in me the belief that all people deserve equal respect and an equal voice in our communities.
Throughout my childhood, I was fortunate to spend a great deal of time with my grandmother and great-grandmother in rural Fillmore and Freeborn counties. These women lived and worked on farms most of their lives. I learned from them the importance of cooperation and the benefits of hard work. Spending many summers gardening beside my grandma on her farmstead outside of Lanesboro ingrained in me a love of nature and a deep appreciation for our rural communities.
Upon graduating high school, I moved to Massachusetts to attend Smith College, where I double majored in Spanish and Government, graduating summa cum laude. This rigorous academic environment taught me the importance of independent thought. It also showed me the powerful impact inclusive environments have on generating change.
After graduating from college, I moved to Barcelona, Spain, where I completed a Master of Research in Political Science at Pomeu Fabra University. I had the privilege of teaching at the Barcelona Institute of International Studies, greatly enjoying my connection with students as an educator. From Spain, I moved to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where I started a small business as a marketing and public relations consultant, working primarily with medical professionals. I know first-hand the challenges small businesses face. These businesses ensure strong and vibrant communities throughout our corner of the state, and we need to make sure our Main Streets have the business environment they need to succeed.
Living and working in foreign countries required me to be open to diverse ways of thinking and different approaches to problem solving. I have experienced various healthcare and education systems. I have worked in vastly different economic environments. Having lived under various systems of government, I understand the direct effects that these differences have on people’s lives.
I chose to move back to Winona because it’s where I want to live, and it’s the community I love being a part of. I wanted to be closer to family, especially to help care for my uncle, Bill, who is intellectually disabled. It is important to our family to have Bill live at home so that we can spend as much time with him as possible. I am fortunate to be able to continue to work remotely, while also helping my family.
Life takes interesting turns, and it requires flexibility and readiness. The values I’ve learned from my family, education, and faith, as well as my entrepreneurial experience, allow me to to take on unique challenges with a diverse skill set. The most important lesson I have learned is when we face obstacles that appear insurmountable, it is at these times that community is paramount. I believe that we can overcome challenges only when everyone’s voice matters, and I will work hard to make sure all people’s voices are heard.
Why I’m Running
I'm running for the State Senate seat for District 28 because the people of Southeast Minnesota deserve strong representation, innovative leadership, and most importantly, inclusive governance. Whether you're a small business owner needing affordable health insurance, a farmer struggling with the challenging farm economy, a parent trying to find and pay for quality daycare, or a college student facing burdensome student loan debt—you and the challenges you face matter.
Together, we must work to help Southeast Minnesota thrive by:
These are complex and difficult issues. However, rather than view them as insurmountable challenges, I see them as opportunities to strengthen our regional economy and improve the quality of life in Greater Minnesota. You live these realities day in and day out; therefore, your input is important when creating solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the challenges faced by many Minnesotans, particularly those who live paycheck to paycheck. I will work hard to make sure the pressing economic concerns and health needs of people are being heard in St. Paul. I will stand strong in my commitment to progress on the fundamental issues that impact working families. And I will provide the kind of leadership that strives to unite people rather than divide them. In these uncertain times, the people of Southeast Minnesota deserve leadership that will work for the greater good of our communities.
My educational journey began at Bluffview Montessori, where I attended elementary school. As a Catholic, I then went on to attend St. Stanislaus and Cotter Junior High and High School. My faith is what has reinforced in me the belief that all people deserve equal respect and an equal voice in our communities.
Throughout my childhood, I was fortunate to spend a great deal of time with my grandmother and great-grandmother in rural Fillmore and Freeborn counties. These women lived and worked on farms most of their lives. I learned from them the importance of cooperation and the benefits of hard work. Spending many summers gardening beside my grandma on her farmstead outside of Lanesboro ingrained in me a love of nature and a deep appreciation for our rural communities.
Upon graduating high school, I moved to Massachusetts to attend Smith College, where I double majored in Spanish and Government, graduating summa cum laude. This rigorous academic environment taught me the importance of independent thought. It also showed me the powerful impact inclusive environments have on generating change.
After graduating from college, I moved to Barcelona, Spain, where I completed a Master of Research in Political Science at Pomeu Fabra University. I had the privilege of teaching at the Barcelona Institute of International Studies, greatly enjoying my connection with students as an educator. From Spain, I moved to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where I started a small business as a marketing and public relations consultant, working primarily with medical professionals. I know first-hand the challenges small businesses face. These businesses ensure strong and vibrant communities throughout our corner of the state, and we need to make sure our Main Streets have the business environment they need to succeed.
Living and working in foreign countries required me to be open to diverse ways of thinking and different approaches to problem solving. I have experienced various healthcare and education systems. I have worked in vastly different economic environments. Having lived under various systems of government, I understand the direct effects that these differences have on people’s lives.
I chose to move back to Winona because it’s where I want to live, and it’s the community I love being a part of. I wanted to be closer to family, especially to help care for my uncle, Bill, who is intellectually disabled. It is important to our family to have Bill live at home so that we can spend as much time with him as possible. I am fortunate to be able to continue to work remotely, while also helping my family.
Life takes interesting turns, and it requires flexibility and readiness. The values I’ve learned from my family, education, and faith, as well as my entrepreneurial experience, allow me to to take on unique challenges with a diverse skill set. The most important lesson I have learned is when we face obstacles that appear insurmountable, it is at these times that community is paramount. I believe that we can overcome challenges only when everyone’s voice matters, and I will work hard to make sure all people’s voices are heard.
Why I’m Running
I'm running for the State Senate seat for District 28 because the people of Southeast Minnesota deserve strong representation, innovative leadership, and most importantly, inclusive governance. Whether you're a small business owner needing affordable health insurance, a farmer struggling with the challenging farm economy, a parent trying to find and pay for quality daycare, or a college student facing burdensome student loan debt—you and the challenges you face matter.
Together, we must work to help Southeast Minnesota thrive by:
- assuring everyone has access to affordable health care and lowering the cost of prescription drugs;
- protecting our environment through investment in renewable energy;
- adequately funding public education for student success;
- ensuring that farmers are provided with the resources they need to profitably produce food; and
- investing in greater expansion of broadband across our rural communities.
These are complex and difficult issues. However, rather than view them as insurmountable challenges, I see them as opportunities to strengthen our regional economy and improve the quality of life in Greater Minnesota. You live these realities day in and day out; therefore, your input is important when creating solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the challenges faced by many Minnesotans, particularly those who live paycheck to paycheck. I will work hard to make sure the pressing economic concerns and health needs of people are being heard in St. Paul. I will stand strong in my commitment to progress on the fundamental issues that impact working families. And I will provide the kind of leadership that strives to unite people rather than divide them. In these uncertain times, the people of Southeast Minnesota deserve leadership that will work for the greater good of our communities.
