Sarah Sinclair, a 2011 Scholar from Columbus, OH, organized a 3-day Local Ideas Festival about social justice called “Teens for Tolerance.” Each day had a different focus, spanning feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. “My LIF showed me that in order to make something happen in your community, a lot of the time, all you have to do is show up and ask,” Sarah said. “Speakers and performers were so generous with their time — they just needed an organizer to spark them into motion! It’s a principle I use at work all the time; these days, I organize a lot of extracurricular programming to help younger employees’ professional development.”

Sarah carried her passions about social justice to Cornell, where she minored in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, while majoring in Information Science. She has lived in Seattle working for Microsoft since her graduation in 2016. Today, she is a Senior Product Manager working on enterprise video streaming as part of the Microsoft Stream product. “Video streaming saw a huge uptick in usage as schools and workplaces went virtual over the pandemic. I really appreciate that I can help tens of millions of people save time getting the information they need out of those videos,” she added. Sarah also moonlights as a crossword puzzle constructor, where she strives to make sure her puzzles represent the diverse experiences of the people who solve them! Check out her NYT debut (10/3/22), and keep an eye out for the 3 syndicated puzzles she’ll have running in August!

Enjoy getting to know Sarah through ten semi-random questions and answers.

Share a favorite memory from when you were a Scholar: Staying up too late with the other Scholars and catching awesome talks— Esther Duflo’s talk on poverty really moved me!

What is currently piquing your interest? I’m playing Book Bingo at the Seattle Public Library, which is a fantastic way to get exposed to new books and authors!

If you had a theme song, what would it be and why? I’m in a barbershop chorus so I’d have to pick something in four-part harmony. We’re singing a fun song right now called “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” which is about being true to yourself.

Reflecting on a challenge you have faced, what was a choice you made during that time and the change that occurred because of it? I can and have given an entire PowerPoint presentation on how transitioning from school to the workplace marks a change from being objective-driven (“get good grades”) to being relationship-driven (“it is less important that you deliver the best possible product than you maintain good relationships, and everyone likes to work with you.”) It was a really painful lesson that made me a better person, I think!

Scholar’s Choice: What is the most interesting thing you’ve handmade? I learned how to make shoes last winter! I’ve also forged a knife and carved a wooden spoon. I love knowing how stuff works!

At this moment in your life, what are you most proud of? The features I’ve created at Microsoft have made hundreds of millions of people’s lives a tiny bit better—I’m grateful for that scale of impact every day.

Where is the next place on your travel bucket list? Why this location? I would love to go to Italy! I love art and history and have never been.

If you had a podcast, what would it be about? My podcast would be about how you can apply non-business books to your job. My coworkers can confirm, my top 3 “business book” recommendations have been a parenting book, relationship book, and a book about how to quit smoking. Go figure!

What is something you've learned that you'd offer to others in the BSP Alumni Network as advice? I have spent a lot of time mentoring early-in-career employees on my team and organizing events that help build community. If an alum is starting out in a new career, I’d love to share best practices.

What is the one thing you’re deeply grateful for right now? I am deeply grateful for my family. We talk every day, and they have supported me through lots of ups and downs.

Thank you, Sarah! We’re grateful to have you as part of the Scholar community. Alumni attending the Bezos Scholars Alumni Reunion, be sure to reach out to Sarah as she will be in attendance!