“I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can connect people and make things run better,” Sarah says. “That’s what keeps me engaged every day.”
Her story is not about quick success. It is about steady growth, adaptability, and long-term commitment.
Sarah grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, in what she describes as a “standard white picket fence childhood.” Her father worked as an arborist, and her mother ran her own environmental consulting firm. Entrepreneurship and hard work were part of her daily life.
“My parents showed me what it means to build something from the ground up,” she explains.
In school, Sarah stayed busy. She participated in band, cheerleading, choir, theatre, and several clubs. She made varsity in both cheer and choir. These early experiences helped her build confidence and discipline.
“I liked being involved in everything,” she says. “It taught me how to manage my time and work with different types of people.”
Sarah graduated from Dripping Springs High School on a distinguished track. She then attended St. Edward’s University on an academic scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a pre-med focus.
While in college, she worked as a pharmacy technician at local pharmacies, including Walgreens. This gave her early exposure to responsibility and detail-oriented work.
“Working in a pharmacy taught me precision and accountability,” she says. “You can’t afford mistakes in that environment.”
After graduation, Sarah explored different career paths. Each role added a new layer to her skill set. She learned how to communicate clearly, stay organized, and handle pressure.
A key turning point came when Sarah joined her mother’s company, AmaTerra. She worked there as a Business Development Coordinator for seven years. This role introduced her to the business side of projects and client relationships.
“That experience changed how I think,” Sarah says. “I started to see the bigger picture—how relationships, strategy, and execution all connect.”
At AmaTerra, she focused on building partnerships and supporting growth efforts. She learned how to navigate complex environments and support long-term business goals.
This period laid the foundation for her move into the A/E industry.
In 2024, Sarah Fowlkes was an Client Account Manager and now she supports Army and Air Force clients, working within a highly structured and mission-driven environment.
Her role requires strong communication, organization, and trust-building. She helps align project goals with client needs while managing expectations across teams.
“In this space, relationships matter,” she explains. “You need to understand the mission and support it in a real way.”
Sarah’s background in business development helps her approach challenges with a strategic mindset. She focuses on long-term value rather than short-term wins.
One of the most defining parts of Sarah’s career is her involvement with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). She has been a member for nine years and has served on the San Antonio Post Board of Directors for eight years.
Her roles have included Secretary, Small Business Chair, and Vice President. In 2026, she serves as President of the San Antonio Post.
“SAME has been a huge part of my life,” Sarah says. “It’s where I’ve grown the most as a leader.”
Through SAME, she works to connect industry professionals, support small businesses, and advance collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“It’s all volunteer-driven,” she adds. “People show up because they care.”
Sarah’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the SAME Regional Vice President Medal for her service to the San Antonio Post. She also earned the National SAME Small Business Liaison Officer Award.
These awards recognize her efforts to support federal small business programs and strengthen industry relationships.
“For me, it’s not about the awards,” she says. “It’s about knowing the work is making a difference.”
Her focus remains on impact rather than recognition.
Sarah’s leadership style is grounded in service and consistency. She invests her time in building connections and supporting others in the industry.
“All of my extra time goes to SAME,” she says. “That’s where I can give back and help others grow.”
She believes leadership is not about titles. It is about showing up, doing the work, and helping others succeed.
“You don’t have to have all the answers,” she explains. “You just have to be willing to step in and contribute.”
As Sarah continues her work at SAME, she remains focused on growth and impact. She is especially interested in strengthening the role of small businesses within federal programs.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to bring more people into the conversation,” she says. “That’s something I care about.”
Her journey shows that leadership is often built over time, through consistent effort and meaningful involvement.
For Sarah Fowlkes, success is not defined by a single moment. It is shaped by years of steady work, strong relationships, and a clear sense of purpose.
Read more:
Sarah Fowlkes: Leading with Purpose in the A/E Industry
