In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some of the amazing women that we work with as well as members of our team here at TIFIN Content.

Today, we’re highlighting Sara Hopkins, Marketing Coordinator at Sanctuary Wealth.‍

TIFIN Content: Sara, can you share a bit about yourself and your family?

Sara: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Hanover College and played collegiate basketball for two years. I furthered my studies by receiving a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Management from Indiana State University. Since July of 2021, I have been a marketing coordinator for Sanctuary Wealth, where I act as a liaison for the firm and partner firms, as well as assist advisors and the corporate offices with all their marketing needs. I currently reside in Indiana with my husband of three years, Ethan, and my one-year-old daughter, Maeve.

TC: How did you enter into this career path?

Sara: As a young student, I was always drawn to telling stories. As I was searching for my first professional position, I had garnered connections through my time of playing basketball and was able to combine my two loves of sports and storytelling to become a Division III Assistant Commissioner of Communications. My position consisted of behind-the-scenes work, organizing a sports conference made up of 23 different sports with 10 institutions participating. This job opened my eyes to what my passion truly is: helping to curate brands and their narratives. After just under three years in this role and a short stint in insurance, I found my way to Sanctuary Wealth, where I am a marketing coordinator.

TC: Can you talk about some of the barriers that you’ve faced and how you overcame them?

Sara: Being a young female, I found myself trying to navigate my way through the heavily male-dominated sports world. I was in an environment that was not completely supportive of my professional growth. I understood that for me to prosper in my career, I needed to make a change. Since joining Sanctuary Wealth, I have gained direction and guidance in my professional career now that I’m in a space that teaches, encourages, and embraces me. I have true mentors that embrace a team atmosphere and are helping to grow and further establish my career in the financial advisory industry.

TC: What’s some advice that you would share with younger women?

Sara: Be a sponge. You never know who you will learn something of value from. It may not be something of high importance at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be useful in the future. Another thing to remember is the importance of body language. This is a form of language that we don’t often think about on a day-to-day basis, however, it can signal to anyone you may encounter how you’re currently feeling. It is essential to show that you are ready, aware, and listening to whomever you are having a conversation with.

My final advice, and the most important, is always to be yourself. I am a straight shooter and don’t shy away from letting my thoughts be known. Although this personality trait may be difficult for some, I am celebrated for my candor at Sanctuary Wealth. You will always know you’ve found your home when you are celebrated for being yourself.

TC: Can you share something that inspires you?

Sara: As mentioned earlier, I grew up an avid basketball player. There are many lessons that come from playing sports that can shape a young person. For me, it was Pat Summitt, the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach. Summitt’s book, “Reach for the Summitt,” became my lifeline as I clung to the lessons that applied to me both on and off the court. The most impactful takeaways for me were that belief is at the core of everything that we do and to embrace change, no matter how risky it may be. Remembering these two messages throughout my life has allowed me to further advance myself in my professional career. Prior to joining Sanctuary Wealth, I didn’t have complete knowledge of the financial landscape, but with Summitt’s messages reminding me to believe in myself and take a leap of faith, I was able to make the industry jump and I haven’t looked back.