My name is Sara Gassman and I’m pleased to join Advance CTE as Senior Associate, Member Engagement & Professional Learning! In this role, I will coordinate outreach and engagement with Advance CTE members, lead member-focused professional learning efforts, and ensure member needs are being met. 
I’ve spent my career working at membership organizations, creating virtual and in-person spaces for peer learning and supporting leaders of all types in making change. Previously, I supported a network working to build thriving, sustainable cities across North America with a specific focus on raising the visibility and number of people of color, women and young people in the commercial real estate industry. I also worked at a startup during its growth phase, empowering student leaders on over 200 campuses in recovering surplus food from their campuses and delivering it to community members in need. 
Outside of work, I build community among outdoors-lovers, leading hikes and other adventures for women and planning a monthly outdoors-themed speaker series. I spend a lot of time baking and listening to bluegrass and Americana music and am always on the lookout for arts, cultural and generally nerdy events, leading my friends to refer to me as their “personal Yelp”.