Board Spotlight: Sara Thornton

In this Spotlight article, we interview Sara Thornton, who currently serves on the Communications Committee for DC EcoWomen. Sara shares what inspired her to join the Board, the environmental issues she is most passionate about, and her hobbies outside of work.

Sara doing a site visit to a community solar farm in Maryland built by Summit Ridge Energy.

What inspired you to join the Board?

I was inspired to join the DC EcoWomen board because it was an opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded women in an industry I'm passionate about. About two years ago, I was actively seeking a career change that would allow me to focus more on renewable energy and sustainability. I wanted to surround myself with people who were already doing that work—learning from them, understanding what roles were out there, and figuring out where I could make an impact. DC EcoWomen felt like the perfect community to grow into that next chapter, and joining the board was a way to give back to that community while continuing to learn.

Can you describe your work with the board? How can community members contribute to this work?

As Social Media Manager on the Communications Committee, I help amplify the work DC EcoWomen and other groups in our community are doing. That means promoting events across our Instagram and LinkedIn pages, as well as our email newsletter and creating the graphics that help bring those posts to life. Being a part of this team is a creative outlet for me, allowing me to use skills I don't get to use in my day job. What I love most about this role is that it connects people to opportunities and events they might not have heard about otherwise.

Which environmental issues are you most passionate about and why?

Climate change and waste reduction are the two issues I’m most passionate about. Climate change feels urgent and far-reaching—it touches every aspect of our lives, including the energy we use, the food we eat, and the communities we live in. This is a big part of why I made the career shift into renewable energy. Waste reduction is something I care about on a more personal, everyday level too. It's one of those areas where individual choices can really add up, and I like to find practical ways to reduce my own footprint while encouraging others to do the same.

What is your day job?

I work as a Preconstruction Manager at Summit Ridge Energy, a community solar developer based in Arlington, VA. My main focus is managing the contracting process for solar projects that are ready to move into construction, including coordinating with contractor partners, navigating the details of each project, and making sure everything is lined up before shovels hit the ground. It's been a rewarding role because I get to sit at the intersection of relationships and technical work. Community solar is especially meaningful to me because it expands access to clean energy for people who might not otherwise be able to benefit from it.

What are your favorite things to do outside work?

Sara enjoying a latte at her favorite coffee shop, Hypergoat in Alexandria, VA.

Outside of work, I like to stay creative! I am an avid reader, photographer, and recently picked up sewing. It’s been a fun new challenge to learn something completely hands-on. I also like to stay active through fitness classes throughout the week. When I want to get out and explore, I love trying new coffee shops all over the DMV, and discovering hidden gems. Sipping a nice latte is one of my  favorite pastimes.

How can people connect with you?

Connect with me on LinkedIn or via email at sthornton@dc.ecowomen.org.