Sara Blanco
About Sara Blanco
Sara Blanco serves as the Chief Program Officer at Running Start, a position she has held since 2021. With a background in public policy and extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, she has contributed significantly to programs aimed at empowering young women.
Current Role at Running Start
Sara Blanco serves as the Chief Program Officer at Running Start, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she oversees program development and implementation, focusing on empowering young women in leadership. Her work is based in the Washington DC-Baltimore area, where she has contributed to the organization's mission of fostering the next generation of female leaders.
Professional Experience
Sara Blanco has extensive experience at Running Start, having held multiple positions including Outreach Director, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Program Director, and Communications Director from 2012 to 2021. She has also contributed to the National Woman's Party as a Museum Assistant and volunteered at AHC Inc. as an Affordable Housing Summer Camp Volunteer. Her diverse roles have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit operations and program management.
Educational Background
Sara Blanco earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Swarthmore College, where she studied from 2008 to 2012. She later obtained a Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University, completing her studies from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, she participated in a semester abroad at The University of Edinburgh in 2011, focusing on English Literature and Celtic Literature.
Leadership and Initiatives
Sara has played a significant role in developing programs at Running Start. She spearheaded the virtual format for the High School program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a virtual version of the Elect Her program, which reaches over 2,000 young women annually. Her leadership in these initiatives demonstrates her commitment to adapting educational programs to meet the needs of young women in changing circumstances.
Affiliations and Contributions
Sara Blanco is an active member of the Women’s Information Network and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. She co-chaired the Women's Leadership Fellows program at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, where she was previously a fellow. Additionally, she has co-written an unpublished novella, showcasing her engagement in both literary and leadership pursuits.