Meet the Fellows: Sara Fichtner

Sara Fichtner

Director of Grants & Special Projects, The Oaks Academy

We’re excited to welcome Sara to MDLF! Sara is the Director of Grants and Special Projects at The Oaks Academy and lives in Indianapolis.

About Sara:

After living in cities around the world, I’ve always been drawn back home again to Indiana. I’ve spent my career and volunteer time raising funds and awareness for organizations focused on educational equity and cultural understanding. I’m lucky to do work I love in a place that I love - an amazing set of schools called The Oaks. But my most important role is as a parent to two curious and always-active boys with my husband Mario. I am a cradle Catholic, and an avid reader, writer and traveler. I believe in the power bringing people together, so hosting and attending gatherings, especially around a table with good food, drinks, music and conversation, is probably my favorite thing.

What's your vision for Indiana? How does this relate to your decision to join the program?

My vision for Indiana is to raise up what is unique and wonderful about the people in our Hoosier state - their heart of hospitality, hardworking spirit, and willingness to help each other out. I was interested in the MDLF program because it offers the opportunity to engage with people from different sectors and to share our talents, ideas and passion for innovation with each other to positively impact our home state.

What's your favorite quote?

“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” - Mary Oliver, from her poem “Sometimes”

What's something you're reading now?

The Overstory by Richard Powers

Check out our blog to see more about our newest class of Fellows.